NBA Playoffs: Warriors, Rockets, Lakers, and Timberwolves Face Elimination in Game Five
It’s a make-or-break moment for the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers as they face elimination in the NBA playoffs. The Rockets are down 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors in a series that has been marred by controversy and on-court altercations.
According to ESPN, the tension between the two teams was palpable in Game 4, with Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Dillon Brooks all receiving technicals in a heated second-quarter confrontation. Green was also handed a flagrant foul for pushing Tari Eason’s face to the ground, while Eason received a technical for his part in the altercation. As ESPN reports, "Draymond Green, Stephen Curry and Dillon Brooks all received technicals in a second-quarter Game 4 confrontation, while Green received a flagrant foul minutes later for pushing Tari Eason’s face to the ground when the two went to the ground after an attempted steal from Eason."
The real story of the series, however, has been the impressive form of Jimmy Butler, who returned from injury in Game 4 to lead the Warriors with 27 points and grab the game-clinching rebound with four seconds remaining. As ESPN notes, "Can he deliver another clutch performance tonight to end the Rockets’ season?"
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to close out their series against the Lakers after a thrilling 116-113 win in Game 4. Anthony Edwards was the star of the show, scoring 43 points to lead his team to victory. As ESPN reports, "Minnesota was down 94-84 going into the fourth quarter, but it found a second gear defensively, limiting the Lakers to 19 points in the concluding frame." The Lakers have struggled in the fourth quarter throughout the series, being outscored in all four games by a total of 105-69.
The Lakers’ coach, JJ Redick, has been experimenting with his lineups, but ESPN notes that he used the same five players in the entire second half of Game 4: LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, no team since 1997-98 had played only the same five players in a full half of a playoff game.
As the Warriors and Timberwolves look to close out their series, fans will be on the edge of their seats. Will the Rockets and Lakers mount a comeback, or will the Warriors and Timberwolves advance to the next round? ESPN will provide live updates and highlights from the games.
In related news, the NBA playoffs have been marred by controversy and high-profile incidents. As ESPN reports, the series between the Warriors and Rockets has been particularly chippy, with several players receiving technicals and flagrant fouls. The league has been working to crack down on unsportsmanlike conduct, and it will be interesting to see how the rest of the playoffs play out.
The NBA playoffs continue to captivate audiences around the world, with thrilling games and dramatic finishes. As ESPN notes, "Can the Warriors and Timberwolves close things out? Follow along with all the live action right here."
The sports broadcaster provides its viewers and readers with, "live updates and highlights right here", for all the latest scores.
