At home, Atlanta dominated the Knicks 105-94 and now leads 2-1 in their series of the first round of the NBA play-offs. The Genevan managed a double-double.
Posted today at 08:17
The Geneva pivot has achieved his 49th double-double since the start of the season.
Getty Images via AFP
Thanks to a second quarter-fire, Atlanta won Act III of the first round of the NBA play-offs against New York. In front of the 15,743 spectators present at the Philips Arena, the locals dominated the Knicks 105-94 and now lead 2-1 in this series which is contested in the best of 7 matches.
Capela, little inspired offensively during Act II – 4 points – was this time much more prolific: the Geneva pivot scored 13 points. He also honored his rank as best rebounder of the regular season with 12 catches, which allowed him to achieve his first double-double in these play-offs, his 49th since the start of the year. Finishing with a +15 differential, Clint Capela had the best record of his team.
But if the Hawks have triumphed, they owe it mainly to their collective strength. With Capela, they are seven to have scored 10 points or more: De’Andre Hunter (11 pts), John Collins (14), Bogdan Bogdanovic (15), Danilo Gallinari (12), Kevin Huerter (10) and the inevitable Trae Young, author of 21 points and 14 assists – including one on a Capela alley-oop – all played an active part in this success. The 22-year-old point guard has once again proven himself to be the offensive leader of the Georgian franchise. “He doesn’t really have a weakness. He finds a unmarked man and if he doesn’t, he goes to the basket himself, ”said coach Nate McMillan of Young, who was spat on by a Knicks fan during the match. act II.
After a balanced start to the game, Atlanta made the difference in the second quarter, handing the New Yorkers a 22-5 partial, only to never let go of their bones again. In the Knicks ranks, 30-point Derrick Rose found himself too lonely to dispute the Hawks’ victory. The two teams will meet on Sunday evening for Act IV.
Boston is relaunching
Carried by a phenomenal Jayson Tatum, author of 50 points, the Celtics closed the gap in their series against Brooklyn. After two defeats portending a “sweep” in four matches, as the gap seemed large between the two teams, the Celtics won 125-119 on their floor against the Nets.
Tatum, who had only accumulated 31 points (9/32 on shots) in the first two confrontations, responded impressively with 50 entries (16/30, 7 assists, 6 rebounds). The 11 he scored in the last four minutes of the 3rd quarter made the difference, Boston entering the final quarter leading 96-84.
“I tried to redeem myself”
“I just tried to be better. I had two difficult matches so I tried to redeem myself and do whatever I can to win, ”commented the 23-year-old winger, who became the third youngest player in history to score at the minus 50 points in the play-offs, behind Rick Barry (1967) and Michael Jordan (1986). At his side, Tristan Thompson struggled in the racket (19 pts, 13 rebounds), Marcus Smart was efficient behind the arc (5/8, 23 pts), just like Evan Fournier (4/7, 17 pts ).
Opposite, the “Big3” was two-thirds: James Harden scored 41 points (10 assists) and Kevin Durant added 39 (9 rebounds, 4 interceptions). Insufficient however, because Kyrie Irving did not have a good evening (16 pts, 6/17 on shots).
The leader, who did not leave an unforgettable memory during his two years in Boston, had energized the fans of the C’s two days ago, speaking of “the subtle racism” which they can show according to him. The Garden obviously responded to him with boos and a few bird names whenever he had the ball. The hall was only 25% full (4,700 fans). Sunday it will be full, and the already electric atmosphere will only increase tenfold. Irving and the Nets are warned.
Kawhi Leonard awakens
The Clippers were back to the wall after two losses on their floor and they were able to react to that of Dallas (118-108), despite a still masterful performance from Luka Doncic (44 pts, 9 assists, 9 rebounds).
The Slovenian prodigy started off strong, scoring 11 of the Mavs’ first 14 points, including three three-pointers. With 19 lengths behind in this first quarter, LA was however able to quickly stop the bleeding in the wake of Kawhi Leonard, terribly skilful and who finished with 36 points (13/17, 8 rebounds).
Paul George (29 pts, 7 rebounds) supported him well, while opposite Doncic did not have the usual support of Kristaps Porzingis (9 pts) or Tim Hardaway Jr (12 pts).
“We had no choice but to re-mobilize, to stay strong and together. We are still down 2-1 and we have to keep fighting, ”Paul called.
Posted today at 08:17
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