The San Antonio Spurs advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at home 114-95. In the East, Boston missed an opportunity to advance, losing in Game 5 to Philadelphia 97-113.
San Antonio advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2016/17 season and is chasing its first title since 2014.
Although Portland shot in today’s game 19 times more than the home teamSan Antonio was much more efficient (55/35). Spurs had a 20-point advantage after halftime, and the balance of power on the field did not change in the next period either.
For San Antonio, the burden of scoring was shared by De’Aaron Fox (21), Julian Champagnie (19), and Dylan Harper and Victor Wembanyama (14 rebounds, 6 blocks), who each scored 17 points.
For Portland, Deni Avdija scored 22 points, but he had no help from his teammates.
San Antonio will face the better of the two in the conference semifinals Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggetswith Minnesota currently leading the series 3-2 in wins.
It’s in the East Boston missed an opportunity to pass. The Celtics were 3-1 in wins before today’s home game and had long leads of more than ten points, most recently at 63-52, before Philadelphia turned the game around and extended the streak with a brilliant last quarter.
Joel Embiid he led the 76ers with 33 points and eight assists, Tyrese Maxey contributed with 25 points, while for Boston Jayson Tatum (16 rebounds) and Jaylen Brown scored 24 and 22 points, respectively.
He dominated, especially in the second half. He did an outstanding job and all the time he impressed with his presence on the floor. We are very proud of him and these are performances that need to be shown in the playoffsMaxey praised his teammate Embiid.
It’s Embiid was getting shots too easily. We have to make it a lot harder for him. He was hitting some easy shots, which only encouraged himBrown said of Boston’s poor defensive performance against the former MVP.
Game 6 will take place in Philadelphia, and the eventual seventh is a Game 7 in Boston a few days later.
Atlanta will also be fighting for their spot in Game 6 at home after the Hawks were virtually defenseless in Madison Square Garden against New York Knicks leading 3-2.
The Knicks dominated throughout and ended up winning 126-97.
Jalen Brunson shined, scoring 39 points and adding eight assists, hitting 15 of 23 shots from the field, and no other player on the court scored more than 18 points.
Game 6 in Atlanta will also be scheduled for Friday night.
I know they will try to impose themselves when they get home. We have to be ready for anything, we know what’s comingKnicks player Jordan Clarkson said after the game.
(Hina | Photo: Philadelphia 76ers)
