San Francisco (AP) – The Golden State Warriors won their first playoff game on the third attempt. On Thursday (local time) the defending champion beat the Sacramento Kings 114:97 (53:42) at home and reduced the NBA best-of-seven series to 1:2.
The Warriors were without Draymond Green, who was suspended by the league for kicking an opponent in the second game. Nevertheless, the hosts had few problems, at the end of the second quarter they opened up a double-digit gap for the first time and continuously extended their lead. Superstar Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 36 points.
The Philadelphia 76ers are about to advance to the second round. After a 102-97 (58-47) away win at the Brooklyn Nets, the Sixers are 3-0 up in the best-of-seven series. While James Harden was sent off after an unsportsmanlike foul in the third quarter and second star Joel Embiid played under his chances, Tyrese Maxey took over: The 22-year-old scored eight points in a row in the closing stages, turning the game in Philadelphia’s favour.
With a 129:124 (54:51) away win at the Los Angeles Clippers, the Phoenix Suns took a 2:1 lead and regained the home field advantage. Devin Booker topped with 45 points. The Clippers were without their best player in Kawhi Leonard, who sprained his right knee in the second game.
