The quest for a spot in the playoffs finals was on with two semifinals, one from each conference scheduled for the day. Philadelphia 76ers found their rhythm back to overcome Atlanta Hawks and level the series while Utah Jazz struck first against the LA Clippers.
NBA Playoffs Second Round
76ers 119- 102 Hawks
Following their surprising loss in Game 1, the number one seed found their rhythm back to defeat the Hawks comfortably.
The hosts were led by MVP runner-up Joel Embiid who scored 40 for the night and also led in rebounds with 13. Tobias Harris chipped in with 22 points as well.
Philadelphia 76ers made their intentions clear in the first quarter itself with a 13-point lead, but it was cut short to just four at the halfway point.
Trae Young and Danilo Gallinari top scored for the vistiors with 21 points to their name.
The second half of the game was illuminated by Shake Milton who scored 14 points in a six-minute span and the sent the team into a wild 28-9 run.
Jazz 112-109 Clippers
The number one seed in the Western Conference overcame a stern challenge from Los Angeles Clippers to take Game 1.
Coming off back to back wins over Dallas Mavericks to complete a remarkable comeback, the Clippers suffered a narrow defeat at the Vivint Arena.
Donovan Mitchell led the charge with a stunning 45-point display with the hosts being on the backfoot during the first half.
At the half-time break, the Jazz were staring at a 13-point deficit. They came back strong in the third quarter and tied the scores heading into the final quarter, the charge was led by Mitchell who was responsible for almost half of the points Jazz scored in the quarter.
The game had a wild finish in store with the Clippers behind by 3 points in the dying seconds of the game. Marcus Morris received the ball in the corner from Kawhi Leonard, but his three-point attempt was blocked by defensive player of the year candidate Rudy Gobert.
Kawhi Leonard top scored for the visitors with 23 points. He was aided by Paul George and Luke Kennard, who put in 20 and 18 points respectively.
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