The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors in the opening game of the Eastern Conference semis, while LA Clippers clinched their series against the Dallas Mavs.
Boston’s Harde Defense Takes Down Toronto
The Celtics beat the champions 112-94, using what was supposed to be Toronto’s biggest weapon – defense. Brad Stevens and his boys were making stops during the entire first period, while on the other side, they would rip the Raptors’ defense. After those 12 minutes, the result was 39-23 for Boston, and that was the key period of the contest. After that, No.3 in the East just kept the distance, harassing the guys from Canada in defense.
Jayson Tatum had 21 points and 9 boards, in 37 minutes. Marcus Smart added the same number of buckets with six boards and four defense, scoring five threes in nine attempts.
Two guys had double-doubles. Kemba Walker posted 18 points and 10 assists, while Daniel Theis grabbed 15 boards and scored 13 points. The German was excellent on the floor, providing the balance under the rim on both ends and playing excellent defense.
The Raptors had just 36.9% from the field, and were 10-for-40 behind the arc. Kyle Lowry produced a team-high with 17 points, 8 assists, and six rebounds. The Raptors’ point guard also had five turnovers.
Pascal Siakam dropped 13 buckets and was 5-for-16 from the field, and OG Anunoby 12. Serge Ibaka played solid off the bench with 15 points, same as Norman Powell with 10.
Fred VanVleet failed to show up. He was excellent in defense with 6 steals, assisted 8 times, and snatched 4 rebounds. However, he didn’t deliver in offense, missing 13 of his 16 shots, and scoring 11 points.
The next game is on Tuesday
Clippers Eliminate Mavs
Los Angeles Clippers won Game 6 of their series against the Mavericks 111-97, advancing to the Western Conference semis. The Mavs once again had fantastic Luka Doncic but this time, that wasn’t enough.
We need to mention that Luka experienced plenty of roughness from the Clippers’ players, especially Marcus Morris, who eas eventually ejected following one flagrant foul on the young Slovenian. It was another cheap shot of the veteran who wasn’t picking the his ways to stop arguably the best player in the league.
Dallas was near until the end of the half, and after the second began, a 12-1 series of the LAC solved this one into their hands.
Mavs tried to come back in the middle of the last sequence, but Kawhi Leonard rebuffed their surge with several straight points.
The Claw had 33 points, 14 boards, seven assists, and five steals in this game, and looked monstrous on the court. His calmness in the fourth was the main reason why his side triumphed. Ivica Zubac scored 15 with 11 rebounds, while Paul George had the same number of points, only with 9 boards and seven assists.
Luka was one assist and board short of another triple-double. He scored 28 points, was 15-for-28 from the floor, constantly outplaying all of his guards. Dorian Finey-Smith with 16 was his only support.
The Clippers wait to see who will meet them in the finals. They are clashing with the better from Denver vs. Utah matchup.
