Magic, Thunder, and Knicks set the pace in the NBA playoffs

United States. The NBA playoffs continue to deliver intense emotions after a day in which the Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and New York Knicks set the pace in their respective first-round series.

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Orlando took a 2-1 lead against the Detroit Pistons by winning 113-105 at home, supported by a great performance by Paolo Banchero, who nearly achieved a triple-double with 25 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. Desmond Bane also stood out with 25 units, including seven three-pointers. For Detroit, Cade Cunningham led with 27 points, although with low effectiveness. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder were one step away from advancing after defeating the Phoenix Suns 121-109 and taking a 3-0 lead in the series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the star with 42 points, putting up a near-perfect performance in field goals and from the free-throw line. The team maintains a dominant streak in the first rounds and puts Phoenix on the ropes. For their part, the New York Knicks reacted with authority by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 114-98 and tying the series 2-2. Karl-Anthony Towns shone with a triple-double of 20 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds, while OG Anunoby led the offense with 22 points. The New York team dominated from the start and had a lead of up to 24 points. The series between the Knicks and Hawks will now move to Madison Square Garden for the fifth game, in a duel that promises to be decisive in the fight to advance to the next phase.