Milan, 15 Apr. (LaPresse) – The NBA play-ins got off to a flying start, with two games played during the night in Italy that were packed with excitement. In the East, the Charlotte Hornets secured a photo-finish victory over the Miami Heat, winning 127-126 after overtime. The Hornets were led by LaMelo Ball with 30 points and 10 rebounds and Miles Bridges with 28 points, whilst for Miami, Davion Mitchell’s 28 points and Andrew Wiggins’ 27 were not enough, with Simone Fontecchio playing just six minutes but failing to score. Charlotte now await the loser of the clash between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic before facing the Detroit Pistons in the play-offs, whilst the season is over for Miami. It was also a nail-biting contest in the West, with the Portland Trail Blazers beating the Phoenix Suns 114-110. The standout performer was Deni Avdija, who recorded 41 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds for Portland, supported by 21 points from veteran Jrue Holiday. In Phoenix, Jalen Green’s 35 points and Devin Booker’s 22 were not enough. Portland returns to the play-offs for the first time since 2021 and will now face the San Antonio Spurs, whilst Phoenix will have to take on the winner of the Los Angeles Clippers v Golden State Warriors tie.
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