NBA: New York Knicks qualify for playoffs for first time in 8 years
By Saheed Afolabi
The New York Knicks cemented a place in the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time in 8 years after the Boston Celtics were beaten by the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-94.
Boston’s loss cemented a place in the top six of Eastern Conference for the Knicks, Celtics will be provided another opportunity of going to the playoffs by a new tournament for teams seeded in 7th to 10th in the conferences.
The Atlanta Hawks also sealed a place in the playoffs after a five years absence from the playoffs. They defeated Washington Wizards 120-116.
The loss means the Wizards will miss out on the East play-in tournament, keeping Chicago’s hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma ensured the Los Angeles Lakersremain in contention for direct entry to the play-offs.
His layup with 6.9ecs left earned them a 124-122 victory over the Houston Rockets, which leaves the seventh-placed Lakers a game behind Dallas and Portland.
James Harden scored 18 points, contributed 11 assists and came up with seven rebounds on his return from a hamstring injury as the Brooklyn Nets beat the San Antonio Spurs 128-116.
