Western Conference Playoffs
Coming off two terrific Game 7s in the Western Conference, the Conference Semifinals are set on that set of the Playoffs. A classic series ended on Tuesday as the Denver Nuggets eliminated the Utah Jazz, the duel battle Jamal Murray of the Nuggets and Donovan Mitchell of the Jazz was remarkable. Four 50-point games between the two including the dueling 50 battle in Game 4. It the end however, Nikola Jokic stepped up in Game 7 with 30 points and 14 rebounds to send Denver to the West Semis against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Game 1 tonight 9PM on TNT
In the other Western Conference Game 7 took place last night as James Harden's legacy was on the line against Oklahoma City. As expected a close, contested Game 7 between the Thunder and Rockets. Yet again, James Harden is struggling in another Game 7 atmosphere. Only had 17 points on 4-15 shooting (26.7 FG%); 1-9 on 3-Point shooting (11.1 3P%). Harden is chocking away another Game 1 it seems, but went OKC with the opportunity to take the lead on a potential go-ahead 3-pointer attempt by Lu Dort, James Harden recovers in time to block the shot and cause a OKC trouble with 4 seconds left in the game, preserving the Rockets 2-point lead. Houston eliminated Oklahoma City in Game 7, 104-102. James Harden saved his legacy with a clutch defensive block with the game and series on the line. Houston moves on to play the Los Angeles Lakers in the West Semis.
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 1 tomorrow night 9PM on TNT
Eastern Conference Semifinals
The Eastern Conference Semifinals kicked off on Sunday and are now four games in.
3. Boston Celtics vs. 2. Toronto Raptors
With the boycott/protest taking place in the wake of the Jacob Blake situation in Wisconsin. The Boston Celtics coming off a sweep on the Philadelphia 76ers went up against the reigning World Champs, Toronto Raptors, who swept the Brooklyn Nets, in Game 1 of the East Semis. The Raptors didn't look good at all in Game 1 and Boston took advantage of it by winning Game 1 112-94. Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart both scored 21 points each to lead all scoring. Kyle Lowry led Toronto's scoring with 17 points. It's just Game 1 and the champs will bounce back.
Well, the champs played better in Game 2 and controlled Game 2 for major of the game, but Jayson Tatum kept Boston afloat long enough for help to come in the 4th Quarter. Down 8-points going into the 4th Quarter, Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker came alive. They combine for 27 points in the 4th including Smart scoring 16 straight points for Boston. All of sudden, the defending champs are in 2-0 hole after a 102-99 lost in Game 2.
5. Miami Heat vs. 1. Milwaukee Bucks
The other East Semis finds the favorite in the same type of hole surprisingly.
Game 1 tipped off on Monday and Giannis Antetokounmpo had a terrible game. Scoring only 18 points on 6 for 12 shooting and 4 for 12 from the free-throw line. Game 1 belonged to Jimmy Butler, scoring 40 points, 15 in the 4th Quarter to lead the Heat to a 115-104 Game 1 victory.
But Game 2 was a different story with the same outcome with controversy. Miami leading by three points late in the 4th Quarter, Khris Middleton was fouled by Goran Dragic on a 3-point shot. This was the first highly questionable call made by Marc Davis as Dragic stood his ground while Middleton jump forward while shooting for the tie. Middleton makes all three free-throws to tie the game at 114 apiece with 4 seconds left. Heat inbound to Jimmy Butler with the game on the line, Butler does a step-back jumper over Giannis who put his hand on Butler to brace for the fall and Marc Davis calls the foul on Giannis as time expire. Butler makes both free t-throws and Heat win Game 2, 116-114. Milwaukee down 2-0 going to the Game 3.
Can Toronto and Milwaukee right the ship before both series get out of hand?
Toronto vs. Boston Game 3 today at 6:30PM on TNT
Milwaukee vs. Miami Game is tomorrow 6:30PM on TNT
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