EAST Conference Finals – Miami-Boston
WEST Conference Finals-Lakers-Denver
BOSTON 117 – MIAMI 106
The Celtics didn’t want to go down 3-0 and they played hard right from the tip off. At the half they led 60-50. Miami executed several runs, once bringing the score to within five but Boston prevailed led by their big three – Jaylen Brown (26 points), Jayson Tatum (25) and Kemba Walker (21). Miami couldn’t buy a basket during the last half of the 4th quarter. They tried though, Jae Crowder usually dependable from the 3-point line was 2 for 12 and Tyler Herro had 22 points but was only 4 for 12 from the arc. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 27 points 16 rebounds, Jimmy Butler added 27. Boston had the edge in this one and deserved the win. Miami leads the series 2-1. Game 4 is Wednesday at 8:30 EST.
L.A.LAKERS 105 – DENVER NUGGETS 103
The Nuggets came within 2.1 seconds of a tie in their series with the Lakers. They had been behind most of the game, once by 16 and more than once by 12 but they fought back to lead 103-102 with 2.1 seconds remaining. On the last play Rajon Rondo inbounded the ball to Anthony Davis who hit a three and the Lakers stole the victory. Davis led the Lakers with 31 points and 9 rebounds and LeBron James added a double double (26 points 11 rebounds).
Denver’s Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 6 rebounds as 9 assists despite a few aggressive hits above the shoulders from Dwight Howard that went uncalled. Jamal Murray was double and triple teamed every time he got to the half court but still managed to post 25 points. It was a tough loss for the Nuggets. They outscored the Lakers 53-45 in the second half and had their 3 point shots been more accurate (8 for 24 overall)the game would not have been close, but the Lakers prevailed and now lead the series 2-0. Game 3 is Tuesday at 9pm.
