By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The playoff picture is finally complete, as Minnesota Timberwolves grabbed the final place in the Western Conference, and Miami Heat in the East.
Minnesota defeated Oklahoma City Thunder 120-95 in a crucial game, with Rudy Gobert grabbing a double-double, while Miami won against Chicago 102-91.
Gobert, who missed the previous play-in game vs Los Angeles Lakers due to suspension, was one of the key players in a convincing victory, scoring 21 points with 10 rebounds.
“We are in the standings, but I don’t consider us as an eight seed,” Gobert said, “We know if we play the right way, there’s not a team in the league that we can’t beat.”
Minnesota made it to the postseason in the end and will face the No. 1 seed from the West, Denver Nuggets, in the first playoff round.
As for the Eastern Conference, behind Jimmy Butler and Max Strus’s heroics, Miami defeated Chicago Bulls and advanced to the playoffs, where they will meet Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.
The Montenegrin center, Nikola Vucevic, was one rebound shy of a double-double, with 12 points scored for the losing side.
NBA play-ins
Miami Heat – Chicago Bulls 102-91 (Vucevic 12p, 9r)
Minnesota Timberwolves – Oklahoma City Thunder 120-95 (Gobert 21p, 10r – Dieng 4p, Saric 2p)
NBA playoffs
EAST
Milwaukee Bucks – Miami Heat
Boston Celtics – Atlanta Hawks
Philadelphia 76ers – Brooklyn Nets
Cleveland Cavaliers – New York Knicks
WEST
Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves
Memphis Grizzlies – LA Lakers
Sacramento Kings – Golden State Warriors
Phoenix Suns – LA Clippers