Cleveland Cavaliers Dominate Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder Falls to Dallas Mavericks

Boston Celtics – Cleveland Cavaliers : 94-118

Both teams are tied

There was such a gap between Boston and its Eastern pursuers this season that it can sometimes give the impression that the Celtics have an easy path to the NBA Finals. A feeling reinforced when Joe Mazzulla’s players clearly dominate their opponents, as for example during Game 1 against the Cavaliers. But the slightest relaxation can be paid for in cash. They had already experienced it during the first round by losing Game 2 at home against Miami. Rebelote against Cleveland.

The Ohio franchise recovered from its inaugural defeat by correcting the best team in the league on Thursday. Led by Donovan Mitchell (29 points) and Evan Mobley (21 with 10 rebounds), they accelerated in the second half to surprise the Celtics in front of their home crowd. Mitchell notably scored 16 points during a third quarter that launched his team. The Cavaliers won 36-24 and were in control for the rest of the game.

The All-Star guard followed up with three winning baskets in a row to start the money time and put his team in safety. Stunned, the Celtics were unable to react. They missed the vast majority of their outside shots (8 of 35 three-pointers) and did not find alternatives. Jayson Tatum scored 25 points but Derrick White, excellent in the three previous games, missed 7 of his 8 attempts behind the arc.

Cleveland therefore regains home field advantage with this victory. Boston reacted immediately during the series against Miami. We’ll see if they can bounce back as well in the next two matches.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Dallas Mavericks : 110-119

Both teams are tied 1-1

For once, the Thunder conceded more than 100 points in a playoff match. This had not yet happened since the start of the competition. And as a result, Oklahoma City also conceded its first defeat after six games. The Mavericks bounced back well after their setback in Game 1 by winning Game 2 away. Luka Doncic, limited to 19 points and 6 of 19 shots in the previous match, led the proceedings by compiling 29 points (11 of 21), 10 rebounds and 7 assists. He was perfectly supported by PJ Washington, author of 29 points and 11 rebounds.

The two teams were neck and neck for a long time and it was paradoxically with the Slovenian on the bench that Dallas ended up widening the gap at the end of the third quarter. Jason Kidd’s troops were even up to 14 lengths ahead (85-99). The Thunder hung on early in the fourth before giving up.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 33 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists but OKC converted only 10 of his 30 three-point attempts. Away address is usually a barometer for this team. Chet Holmgren missed 5 of his 6 long-range attempts. The series promises to be tight and Game 3, which will take place in Texas, already seems very important.

2024-05-10 05:09:44
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