If there is no Joel Embiid, there is James Harden!

The NBA play-offs continued with 2 games. By defeating the Boston Celtics 119-115 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Philadelphia 76ers took a 1-0 series lead.

James Harden, who took the stage in the absence of Joel Embiid, who suffered a knee injury, led the 76ers to victory. The All-star scored 45 points, matching his career high in the playoffs, and also had 6 assists.

Tyrese Maxey chipped in 26 points, 4 steals, Tobias Harris chipped in 18 points, 5 rebounds, and De’Anthony Melton chipped in 17 points.

Jayson Tatum had 39 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, Jaylen Brown 23 points, 6 rebounds and Malcolm Brogdon 20 points for the Celtics.

Nikola Jokic | Photo: Reuters

JOKIC SHOTS 39, NUGGETS FOR 2-0

The Western Conference leaders, the Denver Nuggets, won 97-87 in Game 2 of their conference semifinals against the Phoenix Suns, making it 2-0.

Serbian center for the host Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, was the most effective name on the field with 39 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists. Aaron Gordon had 16 points and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 14 points.

Devin Booker’s 35 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and Kevin Durant’s 24 points and 8 rebounds for the Suns were not enough to win.

Chris Paul, who had to leave the field in the third quarter with a sore groin, finished the game with 8 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds. (AA)