The latest action from the playoffs saw Milwaukee Bucks win a heated contest against the visiting Brooklyn Nets to claw back into the series. Los Angeles Clippers on the other hand have once again trapped down into a 2-0 deficit in a series as they continue to struggle against Utah Jazz.
NBA Playoffs Second Round
Bucks 86-83 Nets
While the contest between these two sides have been a dream for the offensive stars, this time, for a change, scoring took a backseat.
In a surprising low scoring encounter, the Bucks marginally secured a win to change the series score to 2-1.
The Bucks took their opponent by complete surprise with the first quarter ending 30-11 in their favour. The number two seed reacted strongly in the second quarter, to reduce the deficit to 3 points at the half-time break.
With the Nets dominating the series so far, this was the first time the fans were witnessing a evenly matched back and forth clash. Things got heated in the third quarter as Kevin Duran and PJ Tucker got into a heated exchange, which had to be resolved with the help of a security guard.
Kevin Durant’s three in the final quarter gave Nets a slender lead, but eventually a missed shot by Bruce Brown, the Bucks were able to capitalise and reclaimed the lead through Jrue Holiday.
After Khris Middleton converted both of his free throws to give the Bucks a three point lead with only 2.1 seconds to go, Kevin Durant attempted a three despite being double teamed. The shot nearly found its way in, but ended up hitting the rim, giving Bucks a hard earned win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo stepped up with 33 points and 14 rebounds while his teammate Khris Middleton did one better after his 35 point, 15 rebound display at the Fiserv Forum.
Kevin Durant led the scoring for the Nets by posting 30 points while Kyrie Irving ended the evening with 22 to his name.
Jazz 117-111 Clippers
The number one seed in the Western Conference continued their ruthless run in the playoffs with a win over Clippers in Game 2.
Utah Jazz dominated the first half and walked away with a 13-point lead at halftime. Jazz enforced nine straight misses on Clippers during the fag end of the game while Donovan Mitchell hit one out of two from the free-throw line to seal the deal despite hobbling at the end. He appeared to be hurt by a foul by Paul George while sealing a driving shot.
The guard led the scoring once again with a 37-point display and became the first player since Karl Malone to register over 35 points in back to back playoff games since Karl Malone.
Defensive Player Of The Year winner Rudy Gobert had 20 rebounds to his name in the contest as well. Meanwhile, NBA Sixth Player Of The Year Jordan Clarkson thumped 24 points off the bench, which included six three-pointers.
Kawhi Leonard posted 21 points and it was Paul George and Reggie Jackson who dominated the scoring for the visitors with 27 and 29 points respectively.
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