Can the upstart Lakers and Heat keep the pressure on the Grizzlies and Heat and head home up 2-0? The health of Ja Morant (hand) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) will take center stage — in both Wednesday’s Game 2, and possibly the rest of the series. In Denver, the Nuggets looked like they returned to midseason form after a dominating Game 1 over the Timberwolves.
Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns bounced back after a disappointing Game 1 by handing the Los Angeles Clippers a 123-109 defeat to even their first-round series. Booker led the way with 38 points as all Suns starters scored in double-figures. Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points for Los Angeles, and he’s averaging 34.5 for the series. Game 3 will be Thursday night in Los Angeles.
The Boston Celtics are rolling through the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs. The defending Eastern Conference champions are up 2-0 on the Atlanta Hawks after their 119-106 victory in Game 2 Tuesday night. Jayson Tatum led the way with 29 points for Boston who as a team produced impressive shooting splits of 55.8/45.5/80. Atanta’s trio of Dejounte Murray, Trae Young and De’Andre Hunter scored a combined 71 points, but the Hawks’ depth has just been no match for that of the Celtics.
The Cavaliers evened their series with the Knicks at 1, win a 107-90 victory, behind an amazing performance from Darius Garland, who led all scorers with 32 points, including six 3s. Garland and Caris LeVert (24 points) combined to knock down 51.5% of their 3-point shots. It was also Cleveland’s first postseason victory that did not involve LeBron James since April 1998. Shooting woes plagued the Knicks starters, as none of them shot 50%. Julius Randle (40%) scored 22 points and Jalen Brunson (29%) scored 20 points.
Below is a quick look at Tuesday’s scores and Wednesday’s slate followed by a series-by-series schedule for the full first round.
All times listed are Eastern. Games on ESPN, ABC and NBA TV can be streamed on fuboTV (try for free).
Tuesday’s results
Game 2: Celtics 119, Hawks 106 (Boston leads 2-0)Game 2:…..
