The German basketball star Dennis Schröder and the Los Angeles Lakers have awarded their first match point for the semi-finals in the NBA playoffs. The Californians lost game five of the duel against the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors, by a score of 106-121.
In the best-of-seven series, the Lakers still lead 3-2. The second match point game for Schröder’s team will take place on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, new hope is germinating at the New York Knicks with national player Isaiah Hartenstein. The Big Apple team defeated the Miami Heat 112-103 at home in Madison Square Garden and forced a sixth game with the 2-3.
Jalen Brunson with 38 points played a major role in the success of the Knicks, who were still 14:24 behind after the first quarter. Hartenstein had four points and six rebounds in 22 minutes.
Lakers star Schröder has 14 points
“The 10-point deficit in the first quarter didn’t discourage us, we just kept fighting,” said Brunson, who also contributed nine rebounds and seven assists.
The winner of the series, which continues on Saturday night, meets either the Philadelphia 76ers or the Boston Celtics in the NBA semifinals. The 76ers lead 3-2 in the series.
In the Warriors’ win against the Lakers, Stephen Curry became the top scorer with 27 points. LeBron James had 25 points with the Lakers, Dennis Schröder had 14.
In the battle for the NBA Finals, either the Denver Nuggets or the Phoenix Suns would be waiting for the Warriors or Lakers. Denver is currently leading 3-2 after victories.