NBA playoffs wrap: Lakers, Bucks draw level with comfortable wins

Orlando, August 21: The Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks drew level in their respective NBA playoff series on Thursday (August 20).

Coming off surprise Game 1 losses, the Lakers and Bucks responded against the Portland Trail Blazers and Orlando Magic respectively.

The Lakers drew level at 1-1 in their Western Conference first-round meeting with the Trail Blazers courtesy of a 111-88 win.

Anthony Davis posted a double-double of 31 points and 11 rebounds as the Lakers won their first playoff game since 2012.

While Davis went 13-of-21 from the field, LeBron James was below his best, but still managed 10 points, seven assists and six rebounds.

Red-hot Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard had 18 points, but the guard was one-of-seven from three-point range.

In the Eastern Conference, the Bucks are back to 1-1 against Orlando after a 111-96 victory.

Giannis Antetokounmpo lifted Milwaukee with 28 points and 20 rebounds, while Brook Lopez had 20 points.

😤 GIANNIS. IS. FIRED. UP. 😤#NBAPlayoffs | 📺: ESPN pic.twitter.com/YZui9K9Kvn

— NBA (@NBA) August 21, 2020

Harden guides Rockets as Robinson shines for Heat

James Harden had 21 points and nine assists as the Houston Rockets took a 2-0 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder courtesy of a 111-98 win.

Danuel House Jr. contributed 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists for the Rockets.

Duncan Robinson was in impressive form as the Miami Heat went 2-0 up against the Indiana Pacers thanks to a 109-100 win. Robinson was seven-of-eight from three-point range for 24 points in 25 minutes.

Heat star Goran Dragic posted 20 points.

Miserable Melo

Carmelo Anthony struggled badly for Portland. He was one-of-six for just two points in 26 minutes.

Davis delights

Davis showed his class during the Lakers' series-levelling win.

Shot-fake, drive, spin, stepback

: ESPN pic.twitter.com/XUmzjluutj

— NBA (@NBA) August 21, 2020

Thursday's results

Miami Heat 109-100 Indiana Pacers

Houston Rockets 111-98 Oklahoma City Thunder

Milwaukee Bucks 111-96 Orlando Magic

Los Angeles Lakers 111-88 Portland Trail Blazers

Clippers face Mavericks

With their Western Conference first-round series locked at 1-1, the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks do battle in Game 3 on Friday (August 21).