Eastern Conference Semi-Finals Set: Miami Heat vs New York Knicks in NBA Playoffs

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The Miami Heat and New York Knicks will face off in the Eastern Conference semi-finals after successfully advancing from the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Heat edged out the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in a thrilling game five, winning 128-126 in overtime. Meanwhile, the Knicks eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers with a comfortable 106-95 victory. In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns have already secured their spots in the semi-finals, with the Golden State Warriors on the brink of joining them.

Miami's Jimmy Butler was the standout performer in the Heat's victory over the Bucks, scoring a remarkable 42 points, including a clutch basket with less than a second remaining to force overtime. Butler had previously scored a record-breaking 56 points in game four, helping the Heat to overcome a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

Despite a 38-point performance from two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks were unable to prevent the Heat from securing their place in the next round. The Heat, who are the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, will now face the Knicks, who secured their first playoff series victory since 2013 with their win over the Cavaliers.

The Knicks were led by Jalen Brunson, who scored 23 points in the victory over Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 28 points for the Cavaliers, but it was not enough to prevent the Knicks from progressing to the semi-finals.

In the Western Conference, the defending champions Golden State Warriors are one win away from securing their spot in the semi-finals after winning 123-116 at the Sacramento Kings. Stephen Curry was the standout performer for the Warriors, scoring 31 points and providing eight assists. The victory gave the Warriors a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The Memphis Grizzlies kept their playoff hopes alive with a 116-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, with Desmond Bane and Ja Morant leading the way for the Grizzlies. The Lakers, who are the seventh seed in the Western Conference, still hold a 3-2 lead in the series and have the chance to secure their place in the semi-finals in the next game.

In conclusion, the NBA playoffs have provided plenty of excitement and drama so far, with the Miami Heat and New York Knicks set to face off in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. The Western Conference is also shaping up to be an intriguing battle, with the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies still fighting to secure their spots in the next round.