NBA
The San Antonio Spurs reached the play-in of the National Basketball Association (NBA) on Thursday (local time). A close 98:10 defeat at the New York Knicks didn’t change anything, in which Jakob Pöltl recorded eight points, nine rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal in 34:16 minutes of playing time. The Sacramento Kings as the last competitor for tenth place in the Western Conference also lost.
14.05.2021 08.47
Online since today, 8.47 a.m.
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The Spurs had their strongest period at Madison Square Garden in the third quarter when they pulled away to 75:58 (33rd min.). But the Knicks countered immediately, shortened to 73:77 from their point of view by the end of the section and ultimately narrowly prevailed.
“After a first half with few points (46:43 for New York, note), we overheated in the third quarter and played a big lead. The Knicks came back quickly and created and met many open threesomes. Nonetheless, we are now firmly in the play-in tournament and still have the chance of the play-offs, ”summed up Pöltl, who was part of the Spurs starting line-up for the 50th time this season.
Against Memphis or Golden State for a play-off ticket
After two now meaningless home games against the Phoenix Suns at the end of the NBA regular season on Saturday and Sunday, the Texans will play in next week’s play-in against the Memphis Grizzlies or the Golden State Warriors. In case of victory, the Los Angeles Lakers could wait.
“You can compare it to game seven in the play-offs. It will definitely be a tough fight, ”said Pöltl with regard to the play-in. He “doesn’t really care who the opponent is. We take it as it comes, ”said the 25-year-old. The possible opponent Memphis ended the hopes of the team from the capital of California with a 116: 110 against the Sacramento Kings.
Dramatic Party in Phoenix
The duel between the Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers offered 25 changes in leadership, and there were 18 draws. In the end, the hosts from Arizona prevailed by a wafer-thin 118: 117 and kept their chance to go into the play-off as number one in the league. Devin Booker made the decision with two converted free throws with 2.4 seconds remaining.
National Basketball Association
Tables basic round
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