Round 2 — the next three are in!
Last year’s finalist, the Phoenix Suns, beat the New Orleans Pelicans and advanced to the next round of the NBA playoffs, as did the Philadelphia 76ers, who beat the Toronto Raptors. The Dallas Mavericks are also ahead, knocking out the Utah Jazz after a drama game.
One man eclipses everyone on this NBA night: Suns playmaker Chris Paul (36) delivers a perfect game, sinking every one of his 14 throws.
However, the superstar also attracts attention with a nasty elbow blow….
Defending champions Milwaukee Bucks, the Golden State Warriors, the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics are already one round ahead.
New Orleans Pelicans — Phoenix Suns 109:115
What a thriller! The hard-fought game went back and forth until the final phase. Then the Suns grab the lead and won’t give it up.
At last year’s finalist from Phoenix, superstar Devon Booker is fit again after his thigh injury. He can’t put his stamp on the game yet. Nor does he have to. Because build-up player Chris Paul turns up the heat and scores 33 points. He started his career here 17 years ago.
Paul sinks 14 of 14 attempts! AN AMAZING QUOTE! He’s the first NBA player in history to do that in the playoffs.
After the game, Paul’s eyes light up during the interview with the TNT reporter and he sobs into the microphone. “This city made me great! i love everyone here It’s all very emotional here for me. I always cheer for this team — when I’m not playing against them myself.”
However, his super show is overshadowed by a nasty action: during an offensive action, Paul elbows opponent Jose Alvarado on the chin. Doesn’t look like an accident…
Not the only hard scene from him: With a block, Paul lets opponent Alvarado run up badly.
The Suns (No. 1 in the west) win the duel with 4:2. Nevertheless: Very strong performance by the Pelicans (No. 8).
Toronto Raptors — Philadelphia 76ers 97:132
What a swatter for the Raptors! The Sixers make everything clear in Canada, win the series 4-2 and deservedly advance to the second round.
Outstanding in the 76ers: Joel Embiid, who made 32 points and 10 rebounds. The whole game, the center giant was badly insulted by the Toronto crowd. And what does he do? He also provokes the fans and puts his hands to his ears.
In the next round, the Miami Heat is now waiting for Embiid and the Sixers (No. 4 East). The Raptors (No. 5) are now on summer break.
Utah Jazz — Dallas Mavericks 96:98
Which: Before the game, French jazzman Rudy Gobert is stung by his own bees at home — in the face! The defense giant can still play.
Gobert takes it with humor, joking before the game in relation to his swollen face: “There were seven guys. But I’m the only one who left the room.”
The Mavericks around superstar Luka Doncic want to close the sack here and get into the next round 4-2. But the Jazz didn’t play along, leading 53:41 at the break.
In the third quarter, however, Doncic and Co. turn up the heat and hit one three after the other. The German Maxi Kleber is successful with a spectacular throw one second before the end of the shot clock. With 77:72 against the Mavs in the fourth quarter.
At the end there is high tension! Ten seconds before the end, Doncic misses a shot to make everything clear at 97:96. Then Utah to counterattack — stepping error! Insanity!
5 seconds to play, the Mavs back on the ball. Brunson is fouled. free throws. The first throw doesn’t go in. The nerves! Number two — in! 98:96. Time out for the jazz!
What is Utah doing now? Threesome to win? Or twos on overtime? 4.3 seconds are still to play. Bodganovic gets the free threesome — and forgives! End!
The Mavericks have not made the second round since 2011.
+++
The USA Insider! Nils Suling lives in the USA and analyzes the issues America is talking about. Everything about football, basketball, ice hockey, baseball, soccer, martial arts. Follow the USA insider on Twitter: @NilsSuling
