NBA Playoffs Recap: Celtics Dominate Short-Handed Heat 118-84; Knicks and Pacers Advances
The Boston Celtics secures a resounding 118-84 victory over the Miami Heat, thus advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals in an electrifying Game 5 showdown.
Derrick White and Jaylen Brown both scored 25 points in the victory.
The winner of the Cleveland-Orlando series will play Boston. Game 6 is scheduled on Friday night in Orlando, where the Cavaliers lead 3-2.
White drained five 3-pointers, while Brown also had six assists. With 17 points from Sam Hauser and 12 rebounds from Jayson Tatum, the top-seeded Celtics never looked back and had a 37-point lead. A year after the Heat destroyed them in Boston during Game 7 of the conference finals, they too received some retribution.
For Miami, which earned its first departure from the playoffs before the conference finals since 2021, Bam Adebayo scored 23 points and Tyler Herro had 15. Throughout, the Heat had difficulty shooting 3-pointers, going 3 of 29.
Mavericks 123, Clippers 93
Luka Doncic led Dallas to a victory against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5 and a 3-2 lead in their first-round series by scoring 20 of his 35 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists in the second half.
For the second time in the series, the Mavericks defeated the Clippers handily in Los Angeles after Maxi Kleber made five 3-pointers and Kyrie Irving scored fourteen points. The Mavericks also tightened their defense against the Clippers. Dallas is on the verge of winning its first postseason series since 2022 and only its third since taking home the NBA championship in 2011.
Despite being limited at moments during the series due to a sprained right knee, Doncic, a superstar from Slovenia, obviously became more at ease and dangerous as Game 5 progressed. He scored 14 points in the third quarter as the Mavericks increased their lead to 25 and ultimately led 89-69 into the fourth. The Clippers never looked like they were going to replicate Dallas’ comeback from a 31-point hole in Game 4.
Dallas will host Game 6 on Friday night. Game 7 will return to Los Angeles on Sunday, if needed.
Also Read: NBA Playoffs Recap: 76ers Triumph In OT Against Knicks, Extend Series
NBA Playoffs Update: Knicks and Pacers Advance to Eastern Conference Semifinals
In a thrilling Game 6 showdown, the New York Knicks secured a 118-115 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, advancing with a 4-2 win in their best-of-seven series. Jalen Brunson’s impressive performance, including a game-high 41 points, led the Knicks to victory. They will now face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, set to kick off with Game 1 in New York on Monday.
The Knicks displayed resilience throughout the series, with Game 6 showcasing their ability to maintain composure under pressure. Despite a strong rally from the 76ers in the final minutes, a crucial three-pointer from Josh Hart sealed the Knicks’ triumph.
Brunson’s consistent scoring prowess, marked by three consecutive 40-plus-point games, highlights his impact on the Knicks’ offensive strategy. He also contributed significantly with 12 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
The Pacers also secured their spot in the semifinals with a dominant 120-98 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6. Led by Obi Toppin’s 21 points and T.J. McConnell’s 20 points, Indiana’s bench played a pivotal role in securing the series win with a 4-2 record.
Indiana’s impressive performance, coupled with their solid bench contributions, sets the stage for an exciting matchup against the Knicks in the upcoming semifinals. Fans can expect intense action as both teams vie for a spot in the Eastern Conference finals.
