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The first round of the NBA play-offs saw three exciting games played last night, with Phoenix, Boston, and Cleveland emerging as winners. These results have set the tone for a thrilling playoff season, as the race for the championship title continues.
Phoenix Outshines LA Clippers
In a closely contested match, Phoenix Suns managed to secure a 123-109 victory over the LA Clippers, tying the series at 1-1. The Suns' star player, Devin Booker, put on a scintillating performance, scoring 38 points and dishing out 9 assists.
Kevin Durant, who has been in fantastic form, added 25 points with 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Meanwhile, veteran point guard Chris Paul contributed 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists. When asked about Booker's performance, Durant had this to say: "He's an all-around player.
He can do everything at an elite level on a basketball court." Suns coach Monty Williams also praised his team's performance, saying: "Sometimes basketball is just being able to sit down and guard the ball, keep your man from getting to the basket and contesting the shot." For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard led the charge with 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Russell Westbrook scored 28 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
Despite the loss, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue remained optimistic, saying: "They played great."
Boston Dominates Atlanta
In another closely contested match, the Boston Celtics emerged victorious, defeating Atlanta 119-106 and taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
Jayson Tatum starred for the Celtics, scoring 29 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists. When asked about his team's performance, Tatum said: "We’re so much more of a dynamic team when D-White is asserting himself and being aggressive and not being passive.
These last two games, being aggressive, making the right play, attacking the rim, and not necessarily waiting, makes us that much more of a better team." For the defeated Atlanta side, Dejounte Murray recorded 29 points with 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
Cleveland Edges New York
In front of its home fans, Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 107-90 victory over New York Knicks, leveling the series at 1-1. Darius Garland led the way for the Cavaliers, scoring 32 points and dishing out 7 assists.
Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks, scoring 22 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. "Everybody in the building told me to go be aggressive, go shoot the ball," Randle said. "I watched the film from the first game and saw some opportunities where I can go get mine and go be aggressive, and that's what I just tried to do today." The next two games will be hosted by visiting teams, setting the stage for more exciting matchups in the NBA play-offs.
