Basketball – Play-offs: Capela and Atlanta move closer to second round

Atlanta is just one victory away from qualifying for the second round of the NBA play-offs. Winners of the Knicks on Sunday in Act IV (113-96), the Hawks, led by a Trae Young in great shape (27 points), lead 3-1 in the series and will have the opportunity to conclude on the floor of the New York franchise on Wednesday.

Clint Capela and his family made the difference in the second period (53-49 at halftime) and especially in the third quarter (35-22), with in the end three players above 20 points: Trae Young , John Collins (22) and Danilo Gallinari (21). The Geneva pivot, he shone under the baskets (15 rebounds, including 12 in defense) and achieved his 50th double-double of the season (10 points). All in 28’04 of play (+10 differential).

With a Chris Paul recovered from his shoulder injury, the Suns outscored the Lakers (100-92), allowing Phoenix to return to a draw in their series against defending champions, who lost Anthony Davis to injury .

Chris Paul, injured in the first game of the series, ended the game with 18 points and 9 assists. Well supported by Jae Crowder, author of his best game for a long time (17 pts, 7 rebounds), he explained to have been convincing with his coach Monty Williams, who wanted to leave him on the bench: “give me a few minutes (to play), I’ll see what I can do ”.

Among the Lakers, LeBron James was the best scorer of his team (25 pts, 12 rebounds), which was forced to play half of the match without Davis, who fell heavily on the floor, probably suffering from adductors.

The Nets are in an excellent position to qualify for the semifinals of their Conference after their 141-126 victory over the Boston Celtics: they lead three wins to one in their series.

Finally, in the series between West Dallas and the Clippers, the two franchises are tied for two wins, the Californians having won 106-81 on Sunday.