Jimmy Butler helped the Philadelphia 76ers tie the series with the Toronto Raptors with a strong double-double performance. Nikola Jokic and Damian Lillard traded buckets in Game 1 of the Western Conference semis, while Nick Wright gave his opinion on officiating in Game 1 between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets.
Butler with a solid display in the fourth quarter
Jimmy Butler led the Philadelphia 76ers to a 94-89 road victory over the Toronto Raptors in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semis with a double-double of 30 points and 11 rebounds. Butler scored 12 of his points in the fourth quarter and prevented the Raptors from making a comeback.
👏 @JimmyButler scores 12 of his team-high 30 PTS in the 4th Q to help the @sixers even the series at 1-1! #PhilaUnite
Game 3: Thursday (5/2), 8pm/et, ESPN pic.twitter.com/H560pCZWh8
— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2019
Defense dictates the offense
The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Toronto Raptors thanks to great defense as they allowed just 89 points to the hosts, and although Jimmy Butler had an excellent offensive game, he says that the strong defense is crucial for his team’s performances.
"Defense! Whenever we let our defense dictate our offense, we're such a great team!"@JimmyButler after dropping 30 PTS, 11 REB, 5 AST in the @sixers Game 2 victory in Toronto! #PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/MyBD6mAfY4
— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2019
Jokic and Lillard continue to shine
The Denver Nuggets opened Game 1 of the Western Conference semis with the Portland Trail Blazers with a 121-113 win. Nikola Jokic and Damian Lillard led their respective teams in offense. Jokic scored 37, while Dame had 39 points.
Nikola Jokic (37 PTS) and @Dame_Lillard (39 PTS) trade buckets in Game 1 of the @nuggets/@trailblazers series! #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/U9fUukWoHI
— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2019
Cowherd doesn’t believe in Milwaukee
Colin Cowherd has serious doubts that Milwaukee Bucks are good enough to win the NBA title and he doesn’t even think they will win the series with Boston Celtics. Cowherd says that Giannis Antetokounmpo needs a better No. 2 than Khris Middleton.
.@ColinCowherd: Giannis and the Bucks aren’t winning the NBA Title with Khris Middleton as their No. 2. #Herdin60 pic.twitter.com/XXlPL87yRl
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) April 30, 2019
Charania on the Suns’ coach pursuit
NBA insider Shams Charania has the latest news on Phoenix Suns’ search for a new head coach and he believes Phoenix will interview Philadelphia 76ers assistant Monty Williams for the second time. However, this time around, Suns’ owner Robert Sarver will attend the meeting.
“I’m told Phoenix will interview Monty Williams for a second time this week, and this time it’s expected to include Suns owner Robert Sarver.”
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania with the latest on the head coaching searches. pic.twitter.com/2wgfP14AvF
— Stadium (@Stadium) April 30, 2019
Wright talks about officiating
Nick Wright comes to the conclusion that the hosts were protected by referees.
"There were 11 blown calls which hurt the Warriors. The problem is there were 17 according to the NBA's own data that hurt the Rockets… the NBA's own data says the Warriors have gotten the beneficial whistle."@getnickwright on the +6 difference in blown calls during Game 1 pic.twitter.com/7pMnoIKxdA
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) April 30, 2019
