The NBA regular season officially came to an end after 82 intense games, defining the playoff and play-in scenarios, especially in the Western Conference, where key match-ups with direct consequences for the most popular teams among U.S. Latino fans were played right up to the last minute.
The Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves secured their direct qualification to the playoffs. In contrast, teams with stars such as Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) and the Memphis Grizzlies will have to play the demanding and dangerous play-in tournament, where only the most resilient will survive.
Warriors vs. Grizzlies: stellar playoff matchup
In one of the most vibrant games of the season finale, the Clippers defeated the Warriors in overtime (124-119) with an unstoppable James Harden: 39 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. Kawhi Leonard contributed 33 points and Ivica Zubac dominated the paint.
Stephen Curry shined with 36 points, including 18 in the final quarter, but the Warriors fell to seventh.
Teammate Jimmy Butler, with 30 points, finished injured, a concern heading into the showdown against Memphis in less than 48 hours.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, overwhelmed the Mavericks (132-97), led by Lamar Stevens (31 points) and secured eighth place.
Playoff-qualified teams in the West
Denver Nuggets (4th) dominated the Rockets (126-111) and will face the Clippers (5th). Nikola Jokic stood out with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.
Minnesota Timberwolves (6th) defeated Utah Jazz (116-105) with a stellar performance by Anthony Edwards (43 points).
They will play against the Lakers (3rd), who closed the season with LeBron James in rest mode.
Oklahoma City Thunder (1st) and Houston Rockets (2nd) await their play-in rivals.
Play-in in the West is as follows
(7) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies
(9) Sacramento Kings vs. (10) Dallas Mavericks
The Kings defeated the Suns (109-98) thanks to the Domantas Sabonis – Jonas Valanciunas duo, while the Mavericks came without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
In the East: all set as of Friday
The Eastern Conference had already defined its matchups from the previous day, which allowed many teams to rest their starters.
Outstanding results:
Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Pistons in double overtime (140-133).
Indiana Pacers defeated the Cavaliers (126-118).
Washington Wizards surprised the Heat with a basket at the buzzer (119-118).
New York Knicks won the derby against the Brooklyn Nets (113-105).
Playoff and play-in: complete crossings
Western Conference – Playoffs
(1) Thunder vs. winner between loser Warriors-Grizzlies vs. winner Kings-Mavs
(2) Rockets vs. winner Warriors-Grizzlies
(3) Lakers vs. (6) Timberwolves
(4) Nuggets vs. (5) Clippers
Western Conference – Play-in
(7) Warriors vs. (8) Grizzlies
(9) Kings vs. (10) Mavericks
Eastern Conference – Playoffs
(1) Cavaliers vs. loser Magic-Hawks or winner Bulls-Heat
(2) Celtics vs. Magic-Hawks winner
(3) Knicks vs. (6) Pistons
(4) Pacers vs. (5) Bucks
Eastern Conference – Play-in
(7) Magic vs. (8) Hawks
(9) Bulls vs. (10) Heat
What follows
Buzzy
Play-in action begins this week, and for the teams involved, there is no margin for error.
A loss could mean the end of the season.
For U.S. Hispanic fans, these are key days to follow the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, and potential MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led OKC to an impressive 68-14 record.
Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves secured their direct qualification to the playoffs
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