Last night was a sports fan’s dream — four NBA Playoff games and four NHL games all in one night. The playoffs always bring out the best in every team, and Tuesday night was no exception. Let’s break down all the NBA action as the first round continues to heat up.
NBA Recap:
Four games were on the NBA playoff slate Tuesday, with three of them featuring teams trying to close out series up 3-1 — including Celtics vs. Magic, Bucks vs. Pacers, and Knicks vs. Pistons.
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Celtics vs. Magic:
The defending champs got off to a slow start but bounced back in the second half to seal the series against Orlando. Boston showed why they’re still the team to beat. -
Bucks vs. Pacers:
Milwaukee didn’t go down without a fight. Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 30 points, and Gary Trent Jr. exploded for 33 in place of the injured Damian Lillard. Still, it wasn’t enough — Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers on an 8-0 run in overtime to steal the win, 119-118, and close out the series. -
Knicks vs. Pistons:
In a gritty back-and-forth battle at Madison Square Garden, the young Pistons had other plans. Neither team could grab a clear edge, and in the final minutes, the Knicks were without both Jalen Brunson and Tim Hardaway Jr., who sat on the bench helplessly. Detroit held on and sent the series back to Motown for Game 6. -
Nuggets vs. Clippers:
Jamal Murray turned into a human torch, lighting up the Clippers for 43 points — including 8 threes — in the most tightly contested series of the first round. It’s all tied up heading back to L.A. for Game 6.
We’re in for more fireworks as the NBA playoffs roll on. Stay locked in for continuing coverage of all the action.
-Zach Burkart