NBA playoffs preview: Philadelphia 76ers, Golden-State-Warriors and Phoenix-Suns win crucial games

Author: Monoijt Mandal

The NBA playoffs have begun and the competition is heating up as teams compete for the chance to lift the championship trophy. The Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns all won crucial games on Thursday night to take control of their respective series. The games provided plenty of excitement for basketball fans, with great performances from stars and surprising twists and turns.

Philadelphia 76ers take 3-0 lead over Nets

The Philadelphia 76ers dominated the Brooklyn Nets in Game 3 of the first-round NBA playoff, winning 102-97. The match was overshadowed by two ejections and a contentious kick by Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid.

The 76ers trailed by five points with 2:15 remaining at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, but they rallied to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series.

Embiid, the 76ers’ MVP candidate, scored just 14 points, but grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked a shot with eight seconds left to put Philadelphia up by two. Despite his strong performance, Embiid sparked controversy in the first quarter when he kicked Nic Claxton, while the Nets player passed over him. Embiid was on the floor as he collided dangerously with Claxton, who was attempting an alley-oop dunk for the Nets.

Nets coach Jacque Vaughn was annoyed that Embiid was still in the game at that moment, questioning why the 76ers star hadn’t been ejected for the shot. Despite the tight game, the 76ers are just one win away from winning the series.

Golden-State-Warriors dominate Sacramento Kings in Game 3

The Golden State Warriors won Game 3 of the first round against the Sacramento Kings by a score of 114-97. The Warriors dominated, despite the absence of Green and the creative Gary Payton II, who was unwell.

The defending champions were led by Stephen Curry’s 36 essential points. Kevon Looney tied his career record with 20 rebounds and 9 assists. The Warriors never got into the fight, due to Andrew Wiggins’ 20 main points and seven rebounds.

Green was banned without pay after stepping on Domantas Sabonis’ chest in the fourth quarter of Game 2, which took place on Monday at the Golden 1 Centre. Disregarding Green’s absence, the Warriors didn’t feel comfortable and had some impressive offensive moments. Sabonis, who grabbed Green’s foot during the contentious play, was booed several times.

The Warriors are now looking for a best-of-seven tie in Game 4, which will take place on Sunday at the Chase Center.

Los Angeles Clippers lose to Phoenix Suns in Game 3

The Los Angeles Clippers were defeated 129-124 in Game 3 against the Phoenix-Suns. The Clippers were without two players, Kawhi Leonard and the famous Paul George, who were removed because they were unfit and injured.

Despite a weakened squad, the Clippers played a good game, but the Suns came back in the third quarter and held off a late Clippers attack. The Suns now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Leonard sprained his right knee and will sit out Games 3 and 4, possibly for longer.