16.05.2024
Boston Celtics 113 - 98 Cleveland Cavaliers
Jayson Tatum scored 25 points to lead the Celtics past the Cavaliers 113-98, advancing Boston to the Eastern Conference finals for the third straight season. Al Horford recorded a 20-point, 15-rebound, five-assist playoff game, joining elite company. Jaylen Brown and Tatum will be in their sixth and fifth conference finals appearances, showing the strong team culture. Cleveland played without key players Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Caris LeVert. Despite the effort, the Cavs fell short as Evan Mobley scored 33 points, and Marcus Morris Sr. had 25 points. The future of Mitchell and coach J.B. Bickerstaff remains uncertain, with Bickerstaff expressing his willingness to continue coaching in Cleveland. The Celtics used a strong 3-point shooting performance to secure the win and close out the series in five games.
Oklahoma City Thunder 92 - 104 Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic scored 31 points in a triple-double as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 104-92 to take a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite struggling in previous games, Doncic stepped up with 11 assists and 10 rebounds, while Derrick Jones Jr. added a playoff career-high 19 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points for the Thunder, but Dallas held on to win on the road and can advance to the conference finals with a win at home. Oklahoma City made changes to their lineup but couldn't overcome Dallas' strong shooting and defense throughout the game.