Both teams even it 1-1 for the series as they start to travel to the opposing arena. The Sixers came back and demonstrated they were no push overs last night after arrays of boos heard in their arena. They equalled an NBA playoff record with 51 points scored in the third quarter that lead them to a rout of the Brooklyn Nets.
The warriors routed the clippers, up 30 points by the middle of the Third quarter only to blow it all away leading the Clippers to a historic best NBA play-off comeback after being down by 31 points.
All that and more, as SportsTips.com have got you covered on the low down of yesterday’s games!
Brooklyn Nets vs Philadelphia Sixers (1-1)
The Sixers suffered a shock defeat in their opening game against the Nets. Outside of Jimmy Butler, not many in the Sixers uniform were proud of their performance that night. The sixers came in to the game with this in mind and Ben Simmons definitely had something to prove after he was loudly boo’d at the free throw line.
It was a back and forth affair in the first two quarters with how hot the Nets were shooting from the three point line. Despite great shots from Simmons, Embiid and Reddick, the Sixers just couldn’t pull away as most of their offense revolved around the two point game leaving them in a trench as the Nets hit three after three. Carl Levert and Dinwiddie was amazing sparks off the bench.
It’s been revealed to us now that Sixers coach, Brett Brown had an impassioned speech at half time. The Sixers were up by 1 and Brown thought this was not enough if the team wanted to challenge themselves to a NBA finals berth this year. The Sixers then recorded a 51 – 23 run in the third quarter, tied for the best NBA Playoff record on most points scored in a quarter!
Jared Dudley had a key role in Game 1 but was unable to suit up in game 2, with the series heading back to Brooklyn, we expect the Nets to win one more game with their great defensive record at home. D’Angelo will be more comfortable shooting shots at his own gym after going 6-16 in game 2. Post defense is key for the Nets to keep the game competitive and to abuse Joel Embiid on a switch. For the Sixers it’s all about abusing the pick and roll with Simmons and Embiid with the Nets ranked dead last in pick and roll defense.
Sixers Win 145 – 123
Top Scorer: Joel Embiid 23 Points
Top Assists: Ben Simmons 12 Assists
Top Rebounds: TIED – Joel Embiid & Ben Simmons 10 Rebounds
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers (1-1)
The warriors came into the game hungry for a sweep and they dominated the first half thanks to an offensive masterclass from two time MVP Stephen Curry. The Clippers looked resilient though and the team still looked to be fighting despite their 20 point deficit.
The strange defensive assignment of Beverley on Durant has been a heated and questionable one since Game 1, the small Beverley doesn’t have the reach or size to measure up with Durant but his effort on him these series has been nothing but impressive. Staying close to him all game, Durant was limited on shots and was forced to pass the ball most of the time. He fouled out late but finished the game with 8 shots and 12 free throws.
The Clippers trio of Harrel, Gallinari and Williams were a sight to see last night and the lack of the defensive switch by the Warriors really showed. DeMarcus Cousins unfortunately fell down in the 1st quarter of the game, and looks to be out for the whole playoffs. This allowed Gallinari to relax more on the defensive end and concentrate his efforts on the offensive end and it showed immensely. Lou Williams lead the come back with a big 36 points and a clutch 3 by young rookie addition Landry Shamet sealed the game for them.
The Warriors need to truly lock in to win this series as their biggest enemy is usually themselves. For the Clippers any win is a good one as they are simply outmatched in every area, but with the 110% effort they give every night you can never count them out of the game.
Clippers Win 135 – 131
Top Scorer: Lou Williams – 36 Points
Top Assists: Lou Williams – 11 Assists
Top Rebounds: Montrezl Harrell – 10 Rebounds
Highlights
Player of the Night: Lou Williams
Best Team Performance: Los Angeles Clippers
Most Disappointing Team: Performance: Golden State Warriors
