The New York Knicks with national basketball player Isaiah Hartenstein suffered a defeat at the start of the quarterfinals of the NBA playoffs. At home in Madison Square Garden, the Knicks lost to the Miami Heat 101-108 (55-50) and fell 1-0 down in the best-of-seven series.
New York got off to a brilliant start, but after a strong first quarter (32:21) Miami took control of the game with Jimmy Butler, who was once again convincing.
The Heat leader put up 25 points and eleven rebounds, but ended the final section limping: The 33-year-old twisted his ankle during an offensive action, but bit his teeth for the remaining minutes. It feels like a “sprained ankle,” Butler said after the final siren. RJ Barrett (26) and Jalen Brunson (25) were the best throwers for the Knicks, Hartenstein contributed two points and rebounds each.
The second meeting between the two teams will follow on Wednesday night, after which the series will switch to Florida for games three and four. Miami had caused a real surprise in the first round and knocked out the top seeded title favorite Milwaukee Bucks around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo 4-1.