Philadelphia 76ers found their rhythm back to execute a clinical win over Atlanta Hawks in Game 3 of the second round in the playoffs. On the other hand, Phoenix Suns continued their rout with a third straight win in the series over the Denver Nuggets.
NBA Playoffs Second Round
Hawks 111-127 76ers
Atlanta Hawks began their round of fixtures at home with a defeat against the commanding number one seed from the East.
The 76ers marched to a comfortable win on the bank of 27 points by Joel Embiid and a 22-point display by Tobias Harris.
However, it was Trae Young who led the scoring in the match by posting 28 points with 9-for-17 shooting and eight assists, that ended in vain. Hawks’ Clint Capela also led in rebounds with 16 to his name for the evening.
The visitors established an eight-point lead at the end of the first quarter, which was cut down to five at half-time.
A staggering display in the third quarter sealed the game in the 76ers’ favour after they outscored the Hawks by 15 points during that period.
“That was definitely the quarter they were able to get their momentum and get separation,” Trae Young said of the third quarter
Nuggets 102-116 Suns
Phoenix Suns have now managed to rack up six consecutive wins in the playoffs with their last defeat being against Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of the first round.
Devin Booker and Chris Paul combined to tally 55 points for the side at the Ball Arena. Moreover, DeAndre Ayton was a menacing presence in the paint following his 15 rebounds during the match.
The dazzling display by the duo overshadowed an emphatic triple-double by Nikola Jokic. The recently crowned NBA MVP registered 32 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists for the side in a losing effort.
Denver Nuggets hoped for an inspired comeback in the second half when they had managed to cut the deficit down to single digits, but another impressive run by the hosts stretched the lead to 20 points, ending Nuggets’ hopes in the process.
The Suns now have a foot inside the Western Conference finals as no team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit in a series.
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