NBA Final Four Set

 

The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks did something in closing out their series against the Milwaukee Bucks (defending NBA champions) and the Phoenix Suns (64 regular season wins) they both won on the road in game 7 as they advanced to the conference championship series. 

 

It began Sunday afternoon when the Celtics took out the Bucks 109-81 in a game that saw Boston down 3-2 and were on the brink of elimination. They held home court winning game 6. Then watched as Boston’s forward Grant Williams torched Milwaukee for 27 points nailing 7, 3 pointers. His forward teammate Jayson Tatum added 23 points while Payton Prichard came off the bench to add 14. Bucks center Giannis Antetokounmpo did all he could do but his 25 points and 20 rebounds was not enough. Jrue Holiday chipped in 21 points. 

 

Boston’s postseason defense has been a huge factor in their postseason success. They held the Bucks to 36% for the game as one Milwaukee’s best player Kris Middleton missed the entire series with a knee injury. Said the Greek Freak after the game, “It hurts. It kind of hurts not to win.” He went on to praise Tatum and Boston saying, “I’ve got to wish Tatum and his team the best for moving forward. I think they’re a great team, they have great chemistry and they have an opportunity to win one.” Games 1 and 2 started Tuesday night in Miami after the Heat eliminated Philadelphia in 6 games. The Heat have not lost at home in the playoffs. 

 

What was just as stunning was the Phoenix Suns getting blown out at home against the Dallas Mavericks Sunday evening. It was the 5^th time that a Chris Paul team had a 2-0 series lead only to end up losing the series. How lopsided was this game? The halftime score was 57-27 with Dallas’ Luka Doncic scoring as many points as the entire Suns team. Doncic finished with 35. Teammates Spencer Dinwiddie came off the bench to add 30 while Jalen Brunson chipped in with 24. Paul finished his sorry night (along with the last 5 games) with 10 points attempting only 8 shots. Backcourt mate Devin Booker was a no-show as well scoring only 11 points on 3-14 shooting missing all 4 of his 3-point shots.

 

“You play long enough and you don’t win, every time you lose, they’re going to say it was your best chance,” said Paul afterwards. “But l think for me, us, it’s we’ll be back next year. I’ll tell you that much.” Paul then shut down talk of retirement. “I’m not retiring tomorrow, thank god. Hopefully, I’m healthy coming back.”

 

The Dallas Mavericks begin their series against the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night. They played 4 times during the regular season with Dallas taking 3 of the 4 contests.