Milwaukee Bucks V Orlando Magic (Bucks lead 2-1)
The Bucks finally took the lead in this series over the Magic after winning game three and looked to continue that momentum into game four. But the Magic, refuse to go away quietly, without a fight.
This game was deadlocked for three quarters. The Bucks tried their hardest to keep the Magic down, but they just kept getting up. But in the fourth quarter, the Magic threw in the towel.
The score heading into the fourth quarter was 84-81 with the Bucks in the lead. And the Bucks came out and dealt the final blow and won the game 121-106.
The Bucks were led by their MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (14-21FG 1-5 3PT 2-6FT 31PTS 15REB 8AST 1BLK 2TO 34MIN) in points, rebounds, and assists, as he has done much of this season. Khris Middleton (7-19FG 4-7 3PT 3-5FT 21PTS 10REB 3AST 4TO 32MIN) still has not found his shot completely but was able to hit some huge shots in the fourth quarter to help the Bucks pull away.
The Magic, who have been led by Nikola Vucevic (11-20FG 6-10 3PT 3-3FT 31PTS 11REB 7AST 2BLK 1TO 38MIN), did his best to match Antetokounmpo but was one step behind. Vucevic has proven he is one of the best big men in the game, and I hope this has opened people’s eyes to how good he is, despite being on the Magic.
Vucevic and the Magic played tough against the number one seed, but all good things come to an end. The Bucks have taken the commanding series lead 3-1 and are too much for the Magic to handle.
Houston Rockets V Oklahoma City Thunder (Rockets lead 2-1)
The Thunder finally managed to close a game and avoid the dreaded 3-0 deficit against the Rockets. The question is, will they be able to take this newfound momentum and put the pressure back on the Rockets.
This game was a relentless back and forth. Both teams refused to give in an inch to their opponent. Dennis Schroder (10-16FG 4-7 3PT 6-7FT 30PTS 1REB 3AST 2TO 31MIN) made his presence felt in this series and was the X-factor the Thunder were looking for in this series. Schroder made all the big shots when the Thunder needed them most.
In the third quarter, the Rockets looked like they were going to steal the game after taking a 15 point lead. Midway through the quarter, the Rockets made eight three-pointers to take the lead 86-71. Just when things looked bleak, the Thunder mustered up the strength to end the 3rd quarter on a big run of their own.
The fourth quarter was an epic back and forth battle. The Thunder ultimately pulled away and tied this series at 2-2, heading into game five.
The biggest thing the Thunder did to even up this series, was get to James Harden (11-25FG 6-15 3PT). Every shot that Harden missed helped get the Thunder on the fast break. The Thunder need to capitalize on this momentum. Russell Westbrook is not back yet, so the time is now for the Thunder to take the pivotal game five.
Miami Heat V Indiana Pacer (Miami leads 3-0)
The Pacers did their best with the talent they have in the bubble, but Miami has too many weapons; their mindset does not allow any slack.
The Pacers came out fighting and were able to grab a one-point lead after the first quarter, but once it was lost, they would never lead again. They were missing their young all-star center, Domantis Sabonis, which made this series a little unbalanced. The Pacers still have a very nice core, and hopefully, Sabonis will have a speedy recovery.
The Heat were led by their young all-star big man, Bam Adebayo (6-16FG 2-2FT 14PTS 19REB 6AST 1STL 1BLK 6TO 37MIN), who was one rebound shy of his first 20-rebound game in the playoffs.
The Heat won 99-87, ending the season for the Pacers.
The Heat will be able to get extra rest with the Bucks still playing the Magic for at least one more game. The rest should be helpful for what promises to be a huge matchup with the number one overall seed, the Bucks.
Los Angeles Lakers V Portland Trail Blazers (Lakers lead 2-1)
It looks like the incredible run the Blazers were on is coming to an end. The Portland Trail Blazers were the underdog that everyone was rooting for. They stepped into the bubble with a lot to prove and gave it their all game after game. I hate to see them go, but the Blazers have finally run out of steam.
Lebron James paced (30PTS 10AST 6REB 28MIN) the Lakers, who essentially won this game after the first quarter. They simply outplayed the Blazers in every facet of the game. Most of the Lakers’ starting lineup had limited playtime, ensuring they would be well-rested for Wednesday’s game.
The Blazers can hold their heads up proud of their work in the bubble. They played hard and made the Lakers sweat.
The Lakers won 135-115 to take the series lead to 3-1.