Leonard lifts Clippers into series lead as Celtics, Raptors go up 3-0
August 22, 2020 04:13 MYT
The Los Angeles Clippers took the lead in their series against the Dallas Mavericks, while the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors are 3-0 up.
Kawhi Leonard starred as the Clippers posted a 130-122 win over the Mavericks.
Leonard finished with 36 points, nine rebounds and eight assists as the Clippers grabbed a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference first-round series.
Mavs star Luka Doncic had a triple-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, but also suffered an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis managed a double-double of 34 points and 13 rebounds, going 11-of-18 from the field for Dallas.
Kawhi FLUSHES it with the left.#NBAPlayoffs on @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/Bwg0LCjbAv
— NBA (@NBA) August 22, 2020
The Celtics and Raptors are each one win away from setting up an Eastern Conference semi-final.
Boston moved into a 3-0 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers thanks to a 102-94 win, while the Raptors beat the Brooklyn Nets 117-92 to be a victory away from advancing.
Kemba lifts Celtics, special Siakam
Kemba Walker had 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the Celtics' victory.
The 76ers are on the verge of a first-round exit, but Joel Embiid finished with a double-double of 30 points and 13 rebounds.
Pascal Siakam's 26 points helped the Raptors to their comfortable win.
A double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds from Rudy Gobert helped the Utah Jazz past the Denver Nuggets 124-87. The Jazz lead the Western Conference first-round series 2-1.
Jazz guard Mike Conley went seven-of-eight from three-point range to post 27 points.
Terrible Temple
Garrett Temple struggled for the Nets. The forward was two-of-12 from the field, managing just five points in nearly 36 minutes.
Wonderful Walker
Walker contributed 14 of his 24 points in the second half for Boston.
CLUTCH Kemba. @KembaWalker pours in 14 of his 24 PTS in the 2nd half to lead the @celtics to a 3-0 series lead! #NBAPlayoffs #WholeNewGame pic.twitter.com/pAMat5Qy2m
— NBA (@NBA) August 22, 2020
Friday's results
Toronto Raptors 117-92 Brooklyn Nets
Lakers face Trail Blazers
Having drawn level in the Western Conference first-round series, the Los Angeles Lakers face the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 3 on Saturday.