End to James and Doncic: Lakers fail in NBA playoffs early against Minnesota

The basketball players of the Los Angeles Lakers were already excreted in the North American professional league NBA in the first round of playoff. The favorite for the superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic lost 96: 103 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home, it was the fourth broke in the fifth game. Minnesotas opponents in the quarter -finals have not yet been determined.

Doncic again led the Lakers with 28 points and nine assists – and the 40 -year -old James also delivered a strong performance with 22 points, seven rebounds and six templates. But as so often, the stars were given too little support, only Rui Hachimura still played a decent game with 23 points. For the guests, Center Rudy Gobert towered with 27 points, 24 rebounds and two blocks.

“It feels great, especially after this season with lots of ups and downs,” said Gobert, who only came out of the game at least 25 points and 20 rebounds in the K.O. round at a 80 percent hit rate.

Kleber gives his Lakers debut

However, there was a gratifying news for the Lakers: Maxi Kleber made his debut for the 17-time master after a long injury break and came to two points from the Free Wurfine in almost five minutes. The Würzburger was exchanged in February with the Slovenian superstar Doncic by the Dallas Mavericks to California. The 33-year-old had completed his last game for Dallas on January 25 when he pulled a fracture in his foot.

Kleber had previously spent his entire seven seasons in the NBA with the Mavericks and made it to the final in the past season. There was a defeat against the Boston Celtics.

Warriors Collect Disruption

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors left their first chance of moving into the second round. The San Francisco team had to surrender 116: 131 at the Houston Rockets, but has two more games to win the required victory. The next duel is already in the Chase Center at home on Saturday night.

In Houston, the Warriors around all-star Steph Curry (13 points) never got going and fell back in the first half with 30 points. Even if the Warriors’ bankers operated a little result cosmetics in the second section, victory for the hosts was never in danger. The best point collector on the floor was Houston’s Fred Vanvleet with 26 points.

“Houston immediately overrun us,” Golden States coach Steve Kerr admitted after the match. However, the trainer liked the use of his reserve. “The end was immensely important,” said Kerr.