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)