The Orlando Magic are close to a third win against the Cleveland Cavaliers – but Franz Wagner can’t make the decisive attempt. Milwaukee and Philadelphia shorten the gap. The NBA playoffs on Wednesday morning
After two dominant home games and a 2-2 tie in the conference quarterfinals against the Cavs, the Magic had traveled to Ohio in good spirits. One close game later, however, Cleveland is back in the lead in this series and only needs one more game win to eliminate its opponent.
At 103:104, the visitors from Florida were much closer to victory than in the first two games to open the series. Franz Wagner drove to the basket with six seconds remaining – with the equalizer in sight. But Evan Mobley had something against it, the 22-year-old Cavs forward blocked the world champion of the same age. Orlando had to foul, but Cleveland kept its nerve at the line. In the end, Paolo Banchero was only able to shorten the final score with a three-pointer
With the final bucket, Banchero increased his tally on the evening to 39 points (8 rebounds, 4 assists), while Wagner (14 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists) was unable to match his gala performance in the fourth duel, while brother Moritz collected eight points and two rebounds. The two Berliners were consistently booed and jeered by the fans in Ohio because of their college past at the University of Michigan, which is not too far away. As so often, Donovan Mitchell (28) stood out for the opposing team, while Darius Garland had 23.
The Magic must win at home on Saturday night (1 a.m. CEST) to force the decisive seventh game on May 5. Then again, the Cavs would have home court advantage.
Maxey spoils the Knicks – Bucks compensate for Giannis’ absence
The New York Knicks and Isaiah Hartenstein missed out on an early place in the next round. The 25-year-old center lost 106:112 with the New York Knicks against the Philadelphia 76ers at home in Madison Square Garden. Tyrese Maxey led “Philly” to an important second victory. The guard first saved his team with a long three-pointer in overtime and was ultimately the outstanding man in the Big Apple with 46 points (seven threes), five rebounds and nine assists. Big man Joel Embiid was dealing with a migraine beforehand, but still managed a triple-double (19/16/10).
The Knicks’ best scorer was again Jalen Brunson with 40 points, while Hartenstein had six points, seven rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes. The Knicks want to convert their second match point on Thursday (local time) in Philadelphia, and will no doubt be supported once again by numerous fans traveling with them.
A third series in the East is also still open: The understrength Milwaukee Bucks went 2-3 with a 115-92 win over the Indiana Pacers. Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis helped their team to victory with 29 points each. The two stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard were once again missing through injury. Game six will be played on Friday (local time) in Indianapolis
