Author: Monojit Mandal
The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Brooklyn Nets 96-88 to become the first team to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
For the third-placed 76ers, Harris led the way with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Harden had 17 points, a crucial 11 assists and 8 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey finished with a vital 16 points, and Reed added another 10 points and 15 rebounds after replacing Embiid.
On the other hand, the Nets have now lost 10 consecutive postseason games. Dinwiddie, however, scored 20 points and Nic-Claxton had 19 crucial points and 12 rebounds. This season, they went 0-8 against the 76ers.
The 76ers advanced to the second round of the playoffs and now await the winner of the series between the Celtics and Hawks. The Celtics, holders of the Eastern Conference title, advance in the series 2-1.
Embiid, who is recovering from a sprained right knee, will probably be fit for the start of the next series, according to the 76ers.
Suns dominate the lead against Clippers
The Phoenix-Suns defeated the Los-Angeles-Clippers 112-100 to take home a 3-1 lead in another first-round playoff series. For the Suns, who were without Kawhi Leonard for the second straight game, Kevin Durant scored 31 points and Devin Booker added 30. The Clippers were clearly uncomfortable without Paul George, who hasn’t played since March 21 due to the same injury as Leonard.
Westbrook, on the other hand, lifted the Clippers in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 consecutive points. Terance Mann scored 13 points and Norman Powell added 14 points.
Lakers hold off Grizzlies and take 2-1 series lead
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 111-101 to take a 2-1 lead in the first-round playoff series, despite a heroic performance from Ja Morant in the fourth quarter. LeBron James finished with 25 points after Dillon Brooks was ejected for assault. Davis had 31 points and 17 rebounds.
Heat take 2-1 lead over Bucks
The Miami Heat beat the Bucks 121-99 to take a 2-1 lead in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Jimmy-Butler scored 30 vital points before leaving the game due to a muscle injury. Duncan scored 20 points for Miami and Kyle Lowry scored 15 points.
For Milwaukee, Khris Middleton scored 23 points, Jrue Holiday scored 19 and Grayson Allen scored 14.
Results
Nets 88-96 Philadelphia
Clippers 100 – 112 Suns
Heat 121 – 99 Bucks
Lakers 111- 101 Grizzlies