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In this episode, Santiago and Hal preview the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
Contributors
Santiago Leon – @sleon
Hal Phillips- @mandarinhal
Pelicans 108 T-Wolves 113
Anthony Edwards had 26 points, 13 rebounds, four steals and four blocks to lead Minnesota past New Orleans 113-108 on Sunday, passing the Pelicans in the play-in tournament seeding after losing a pair of starters during the game to anger management problems.
Rudy Gobert threw a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson late in the second quarter and was sent home for the day, after ace defender Jaden McDaniels hurt his right hand by hitting a wall in frustration. But Karl-Anthony Towns had 12 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, Taurean Prince pitched in 18 points off the bench, and the Timberwolves rallied from a 14-point deficit.
“We’re going to have more adversity to deal with,” Towns said. “Always got to earn it.”
Gobert was sent home by the team after throwing a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout in the second quarter of their vital 113-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. Anderson, who was not seriously hurt, remained in the game as the Wolves went on to clinch the No. 8 seed in the Play-In Tournament.
While head coach Chris Finch tried to address the team, Anderson and Gobert were involved in a heated discussion that, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, centered on defense and rebounding. After Anderson told Gobert “shut the f— up bitch,” the Frenchman threw a punch at Anderson’s chest, though it did not land with much force.
It’s unclear at this stage whether Gobert will face further punishment from the team. Their next game will be in Los Angeles to face the Lakers in the first round of the Play-In Tournament. If the Timberwolves win that game, they get the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. If they lose they will host the winner of the No. 9 New Orleans Pelicans and No. 10 Oklahoma City Thunder game in a winner-take-all matchup for the No. 8 seed in the playoffs.
Jazz 117 Lakers 128
The Lakers defeated the Jazz, 128-117. LeBron James led all scorers with 36 points (8-14 3pt FG), six rebounds, and six assists for the Lakers, while Anthony Davis added 16 points, 13 rebounds, three steals, and four blocks in the victory. Kris Dunn tallied 26 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists for the Jazz in the losing effort. The Lakers finish the season at 43-39, while the Jazz finish 37-45.
Clippers 119 Suns 114
The Clippers defeat the Suns, 119-114. Norman Powell led all scorers with 29 points and five rebounds for the Clippers, while Kawhi Leonard added 25 points, season-high 15 rebounds and six assists in the victory.
Suns, who were without Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul. Norman Powell led Los Angeles with 29 points while Russell Westbrook added 25.
Warriors 157 Blazers 101
Halftime: Warrios were up 84 to 53
The Warriors have officially clinched a spot in the 2023 NBA Playoffs as they defeated the Trail Blazers, 157-101. Stephen Curry led all scorers with 26 points, five rebounds, and seven assists for the Warriors, while Jordan Poole (21 points, four rebounds) and Klay Thompson (20 points, six 3pt FGM) added a combined 41 points in the victory. Shaedon Sharpe tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists for the Trail Blazers in the losing effort. The Warriors finish the season at 44-38, while the Trail Blazers finish 33-49.
Western Conference play-in tournament
Game 1 Los Angeles Lakers (7) Minnesota Timberwolves (8) April 11
Game 2 New Orleans Pelicans (9) Oklahoma City Thunder (10) April 12
Game 3 Loser of Game 1 Winner of Game 2 April 14
Eastern Conference play-in tournament
Game 1 Miami Heat (7) Atlanta Hawks (8) April 11
Game 2 Toronto Raptors (9) Chicago Bulls (10) April 12
Game 3 Loser of Game 1 Winner of Game 2 April 14
Santiago Leon is the Founder and CEO of the Sports Cast. He covers NFL, NBA, and world soccer. He’s also founder of sleon productions, which he specializes in technology and serves clients with solutions to make their business grow.