Were it not for a truly inspiring performance from Kyrie Irving, we would have said something different about the playoff picture, but in the end, the Mavericks' point guard was instrumental in leading his team to a come-from-behind victory. An important victory.
Rockets loss completes 2024 NBA Playoffs advance
At one point during Sunday night's game between the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks, it looked like the former would do the unthinkable. Few would have given the Rockets a chance to make the playoffs as they fell to 27-35. But they entered Sunday's game on the verge of doing just that, having won 11 straight games. Of course it's unlikely, but it's still possible. In fact, the Rockets were at one point trailing by 22 points and looked like they were going to stay for the No. 10 seed.
Sadly, kyrie irving I hadn't read the script.behind the scenes Performance of 48 points, Irving got the Mavericks back in the game. Then, with seconds remaining, the Mavs had a chance to tie the game when Jabari Smith Jr. missed the free throw line. Dante Exum stepped up with a 3-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into overtime with the score tied at 129. From there, it didn't take long in OT to realize that the Mavericks, who entered the game as the No. 5 seed, were trying to get things under control.
Defeating the Rockets 18-7 in overtime, they ended the “Noisy Neighbors” playoff aspirations. What this means is that the playoffs are now set for 2024. Of course, seeding still needs to be considered, but I can say with certainty that we know that each conference will be represented by 10 teams. The West will feature the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Golden State Warriors. .
In the East, there are the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls, and Atlanta Hawks. As you probably know, two teams from each group will be eliminated in a play-in tournament to determine the final 16 teams that will compete in the opening round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.