Banchero’s Heroics Propel Magic Past Cavaliers; Nuggets Outlast Lakers: NBA Updates 2024
Paolo Banchero’s standout performance powered the Orlando Magic to a crucial victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series of NBA Showdown.
Banchero led the fifth-seeded Magic, who are now down 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, with four 3-pointers and seven offensive rebounds.
In the third game of their first-round Eastern Conference series against Cleveland, Paolo Banchero scored 31 points and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead host Orlando to victory.
Banchero led the fifth-seeded Magic, who are now down 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, with four 3-pointers and seven offensive rebounds. The Magic had 96 points at the end of three quarters, up from just 83 and 86 points in the opening two games of the series.
Cleveland suffered its biggest postseason loss ever—a 38-point deficit—despite having 15 points and 8 rebounds from Jarrett Allen and 15 points and 5 rebounds from Caris LeVert, who came off the bench.
Sixers 125, Knicks 114
The 76ers’ lead in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series is now just 2-1 after Joel Embiid scored 50 points on Thursday, setting a career best for points in the playoffs. Philadelphia defeated the New York Knicks 125-114.
Embiid made 13 of 19 field goals and 19 of 21 free throw attempts.
The Sixers, who dropped their opening two games in the best-of-seven series in New York, were led by Tyrese Maxey, who scored 25 points, Kelly Oubre Jr., who scored 15, and Cameron Payne, who scored 11.
The Knicks’ top scorer with 39 points and 13 assists was Jalen Brunson. OG Anunoby scored 17 points, and Josh Hart contributed 20 more. Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 14 of his own.
Nuggets 112, Lakers 105
With a victory over Los Angeles, Denver moved one win away from the Western Conference semifinals thanks to the scoring of Nikola Jokic, who finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists.
In the first game of the best-of-seven series, the Nuggets took a 3-0 lead behind 29 points and 15 rebounds from Aaron Gordon. With 22 points from Jamal Murray and 10 rebounds from Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets were able to win their previous 11 games against the Lakers.
LeBron James scored 26 points and dished out nine assists, while Anthony Davis of Los Angeles finished with 33 points and 15 rebounds. The Lakers are currently experiencing their first losing run of three games or more since they were experiencing a four-game losing streak at the beginning of the new year.
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