The California showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors appears to be on track. The purple and gold franchise is one win away from clinching a berth in the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs after defeating its rival (104-101) at Crypto.com Arena in Game 4 of the series (3-1).
Neither LeBron James nor Anthony Davis finished out as the stars of the game, neither did Austin Reaves. That role was assumed by Lonnie Walker IV. The point guard was the catalyst that the Los Angeles Lakers needed to keep dreaming of winning the Ring alive. Substituted as he has been in most games, Walker IV scored all 15 of his points in the fourth quarter to bring the Lakers back into the game. On the other hand, LeBron James finished with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists; Anthony Davis recorded a double-double (23 points and 15 rebounds); and Austin Reaves put in 15 points. The Los Angeles franchise has won every game played at Crypto.com Arena in these Playoffs.
One more. pic.twitter.com/H2sHD3ufXW
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 9, 2023
Golden State Warriors find themselves having to row against the tide again, just as they did in the first round against Sacramento Kings. Stephen Curry shined despite his team's defeat. The Ohio native recorded a spectacular triple-double (31 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds), in addition to 3 steals. A poor performance by Klay Thompson, who finished the game with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. In the scoring part of the game, Andrew Wiggins (17 points) and Gary Payton II (15 points) delivered. Draymond Green did not have a good day - despite grabbing 10 rebounds - as he was outrebounded by Anthony Davis.
One more win and the Heat will be in the Eastern Conference Finals
Miami Heat is looking to be in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year. And it is just one step away from doing so. The Florida franchise defeated the New York Knicks ( 109-101) in the fourth game of the series (3-1). By winning the next game at Madison Square Garden, they will advance to the NBA Finals preliminary round.
Defended home court ☑️
3-1, good guys pic.twitter.com/2d1V5Gnl7Z
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 9, 2023
If the duo of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo continue their hot streak, they can make it happen. The forward, born in Houston Texas, continues to amaze: he finished the game with a double-double (27 points and 10 assists) in addition to grabbing 6 rebounds. The 25-year-old center dominated the zone and also recorded a double-double (23 points and 13 rebounds). Max Struss scored 16 points and Kyle Lowry, a substitute, 15 points. The Heat have never let a playoffs slip away with a 3-1 lead.
The game's leading scorer was Jalen Brunson. The New York Knicks point guard recorded a double-double (32 points and 11 assists), which was not enough for his team to reach the victory and even off the playoffs. Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett scored 20 and 24 points respectively and Mitchell Robinson was paced by Bam Adebayo.
Durant and Booker downplay a colossal Jokić
Phoenix Suns tie the playoffs. The Arizona franchise beat the Denver Nuggets (129-124) at the Footprint Center in Game 4 of the series (2-2). A duel that provided a tense moment after Nikola Jokić shoved Suns owner Mat Ishbia. Although there was initial speculation that the Nuggets star would be penalized with a one-game suspension, the NBA have decided not to do so, sources told ESPN.
Protected home court.#RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/hQjDsUxUUN
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 8, 2023
As long as Devin Booker and Kevin Durant perform, Phoenix Suns won't struggle. Both recorded a double-double (Booker 36 points and 12 assists and Durant 36 points and 11 rebounds). For his part, Deandre Ayton was "minuscule" against Nikola Jokić.
Once again, the Serbian center played a stratospheric game. The 53 points he scored plus the 11 assists he dished out and the 4 rebounds he grabbed were ineffective in helping the Colorado franchise extend its series lead. Jamal Murray finished with 28 points and Michael Proter Jr. with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Harden cuts down the Celtics
Another tie that remains even. Philadelphia 76ers narrowly beat Boston Celtics (116-115) in overtime in Game 4 and so force Game 6 in the series (2-2).
what. a. game. 😮💨
🪙@cryptocom pic.twitter.com/b3mLDwbpp2
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 7, 2023
James Harden gave his teammates a stellar performance (42 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds) and was the beacon that guided the Pennsylvania franchise to victory. The Beard was accompanied by a great Joel Embiid, who recorded a fantastic double-double (34 points and 13 rebounds). Tyrese Maxey rounded out the game with 14 points.
Six Boston Celtics basketball players finished the game with 10 points or more: Jayson Tatum (24 points), Jaylen Brown (23), Marcus Smart (21), Malcolm Brogdon (19), Derrick White (12) and Al Horford (10). Without a doubt, Tatum was the best. In addition to the points he scored, he grabbed 18 rebounds and dished out 6 assists.
After the Game 4 wins for the Heat and Lakers, here's where the bracket stands!
For more, visit the Playoff Hub: https://t.co/MndHjxCujI pic.twitter.com/O0vfaueiNB
— NBA (@NBA) May 9, 2023
