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Bucks, Lakers keep going; Rockets take lead over Thunder
Luisa Morales (Philstar.com) – August 30, 2020 – 12:17 pm
MANILA, Philippines – The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs after eliminating the Orlando Magic and Portland Trailblazers, respectively, on Saturday (Sunday Manila time).
After three days of game postponements amid social unrest and discussions among players about fighting for social justice, the NBA made a strong comeback in Orlando.
The Bucks, who were the focus of player boycotts last Wednesday (Manila time Thursday), eased the Magic’s job, 118-104, with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s team in control for most of the game.
Antetokounmpo was the Bucks’ leading scorer with a double-double of 28 points and 17 rebounds.
Nikola Vucevic, meanwhile, led the Magic on offense with 22 markers.
Milwaukee will face the Miami Heat, who swept the Indiana Pacers in the first round.
For the Lakers, their 131-122 victory over the Portland Trailblazers in Game 5 marked their first win in a playoff series since 2012.
Anthony Davis and LeBron James went against the Trailblazers without Damian Lillard with 43 and 36 points, respectively.
James also hit a triple-double after posting 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Despite losing Lillard, the Trailblazers kept the game close until the final salvo.
At the end of the game, both teams finished at 109 after a triple by Gary Trent Jr.
But a final race for the Los Angeles Lakers gave them enough breathing space for victory.
CJ McCollum led the Blazers in the losing effort with 36 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
The Lakers are the first team to reach the second round of the playoffs in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets criticized the Oklahoma City Thunder, 114-80, for a 3-2 lead.
The Rockets made it easier for the Thunder, with an advantage of up to 34 in the game.
James Harden took over the victory with 31 points, while Robert Covington contributed 22.
The winner of the Rockets-Thunder showdown will face the Lakers in the second round.
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