Post Up: Nets Advance While Suns Take Series Lead and Lillard Has Career Night

Tuesday night’s slate of games would have been a trio of blowouts if it weren’t for Damian Lillard, who carried the Portland through a game that will not be soon forgotten. In a two overtime thriller, the Nuggets were pushed to the limits on their way to taking a slight edge in the series.

We’ve broken down each of the Tuesday’s matchups below.

No. 2 Nets 123, No. 7 Celtics 109

BKN wins series 3-1

While it wasn’t surprising, the Brooklyn Nets were able to finish the Boston Celtics off on Tuesday night in Game 5 of the series. Without a handful of key pieces, the Celtics were just no match for the most talented team in the NBA.

Jayson Tatum continued his hot scoring streak with 32 points on the night, but was matched by James Harden who put in 34 points of his own. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant also combined for 49 points to help the Nets move to the second round with ease.


No. 3 Nuggets 147, No. 6 Trail Blazers 140

DEN leads series 3-2

In a contest that went into double overtime, Game 5 of Nuggets/Blazers was the game of the night without a doubt. In fact, it might go down as the best game of the entire first round. Damian Lillard went off for 55 points and ten assists, including two shots that sent the game into the first and second overtime periods respectively.

Nikola Jokic continued to impress and led the Nuggets with 38 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists while Monte Morris had a huge night with 28 points, 23 of which came in the second half. Michael Porter Jr. knocked down a huge three in the second overtime and finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Lillard broke the NBA playoff record for most threes made in the game with 12, but it wasn’t enough in this instant classic.


No. 2 Suns 115, No. 7 Lakers 85

PHX leads series 3-2

Without Anthony Davis on Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers looked lost. LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers struggled tremendously and were out of the game early on. Down by 30 points at half, Los Angeles only scored ten points in the second quarter and never recovered.

LeBron James finished with only 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds while Kyle Kuzma was the only other Laker who showed up offensively, finishing with 15 points. Phoenix looked excellent, with Devin Booker leading the charge offensively with 30 points. Cameron Payne continues to be a huge spark plug off the bench, finishing with 16 to lead the reserves. If we learned anything as the Suns took the series lead, it’s that the Lakers need Anthony Davis back as soon as possible.