Worn by an excellent Jayson Tatum author of 29 points (12 rbds, 7 passes), Boston brought down Toronto in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the NBA. At the end of a series concluded with a success (92-87), the Celtics thus offer themselves a next round against Miami.
The pride of the champion was not enough
As in the second quarter, the Celtics finished better in the money-time of this final duel. Their defense managed to contain the desperate assaults of Toronto, like the formidable counter of Marcus Smart (16 pts, 6 assists, 3 interceptions) in the back of Nick Powell 58 seconds from the buzzer. As for Jaylen Brown, he also struggled on both sides (21 pts, 8 rebounds, 4 interceptions).
“How tough it was, they have players who fight like hell on this team,” Jayson Tatum exulted after the final victory. “We had to do it too.”
Raptors side, the heart of the champion was not enough, especially at the end of the game where they ran out of breath.
Without demerit, the triggers Kyle Lowry (16 pts) and Fred VanVleet (20 pts) were in fact less fine than usual (13/35 on shots) and the wise old man, Serge Ibaka (14 pts, 8 rebounds), felt a little too lonely inside facing the green tides. After Toronto, Boston will play its place for the NBA final against Miami, easy winner of its series against Milwaukee (4-1).
Denver stays alive against the Clippers
Denver, on the verge of elimination after having been up to 16 points behind, was able to turn the situation around to win (111-105) against the Clippers and reduce the gap to 3-2 in the semifinals of the Western Conference.
Transparent so far, Michael Porter Jr has been the unexpected hero for the Nuggets. After a superb award-winning shot to keep the Clippers at bay with one minute from the buzzer, the Denver winger then added four free throws and signed a superb block on pivot Ivica Zubac.
Nikola Jokic (22 pts, 14 rebounds, 5 assists) and Jamal Murray (26 pts, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) shone during this success which offers Denver a new chance in a game 6 played on Sunday night (7 p.m. ).
The winner of this semi-final will face the Lakers in Houston tonight. For the moment, the partners of LeBron James lead three successes to one against those of James Harden.
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