Wizards Rout Celtics in Testy Game 3
The physicality in the Celtics-Wizards series continued on Thursday night, and Washington got themselves on the board by blowing past Boston, 116-89. John Wall had 24 points and led a quick 22-0 run in the first quarter to help the Wizards pull away for good. On the other end of the floor, the Wizards held the Celtics to just 35.1 percent shooting, including Isaiah Thomas putting up just 13 points following his 53-point effort in Game 2. Otto Porter and Bojan Bogdonovic also contributed 19 points apiece for the Wizards, who finished at 47 percent shooting on the night. Al Horford's 16 points led the Celtics in their dismal performance, which included them getting outscored 56-28 in the paint. Although, the night was headlined by Kelly Oubre Jr., who was ejected for shoving Kelly Olynyk to the ground following a hard screen. The incident took place in the first half, as many believe that Oubre will be suspended for his actions. This only adds to the animosity that is building from regular season confrontations, and this controversial series continues in D.C. on Sunday night.
Warriors Take 2-0 Series Lead on Jazz
The Golden State Warriors used their usual balanced attack to extend their series lead to 2-0 on the Utah Jazz on Friday night with a 115-104 victory. Kevin Durant had 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Draymond Green added 21 points, including five three-pointers, helping Golden State join the Cavs as they only undefeated teams through six playoff games. Steph Curry had himself a productive night as well with 23 points and seven assists, as the Warriors took advantage of a Jazz team that was without George Hill. Gordon Hayward stepped up to score 33 points, while Rudy Gobert had a double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds in the loss. Green has made a habit of putting up numbers in all statistical categories for Golden State and did so again on Thursday with seven rebounds, six assists, four steals, and his 20th block of this postseason. The six straight wins to being a postseason sets a franchise record for Golden State. They will look to extend that streak in Game 3 on Saturday night in Salt Lake City.
Rangers Roll to Even Series With Senators
The New York Rangers rebounded from a tough start to their series to dominate on their home ice, including on Thursday night, as Oscar Lindberg scored twice to lead a 4-1 New York win over the Ottawa Senators. The second straight win for the Rangers evens the series at one, as Henrik Lundqvist kept the Senators quiet for most of the night with 22 saves. Kyle Turris was the only Ottawa player to beat Lundqvist on the night. The Rangers netminder has recovered from allowing six goals in Game 2 to stop 48 of the past 50 shots against him. Craig Andersen was pulled by Ottawa and replaced by Mike Condon after making 17 saves, but also surrendering goals to Nick Holden and Chris Kreider. Condon finished with nine saves in one period of action. Ottawa also lost defenseman Erik Karlsson to an injury in the second period. Both Karlsson and Andersen are expected to play in Saturday's Game 5. With Thursday's win, the Rangers have now won four consecutive postseason games at Madison Square Garden. Although, the series shifts back to Ottawa on Saturday, where New York allowed a combined eight goals in the first two games.
The physicality in the Celtics-Wizards series continued on Thursday night, and Washington got themselves on the board by blowing past Boston, 116-89. John Wall had 24 points and led a quick 22-0 run in the first quarter to help the Wizards pull away for good. On the other end of the floor, the Wizards held the Celtics to just 35.1 percent shooting, including Isaiah Thomas putting up just 13 points following his 53-point effort in Game 2. Otto Porter and Bojan Bogdonovic also contributed 19 points apiece for the Wizards, who finished at 47 percent shooting on the night. Al Horford's 16 points led the Celtics in their dismal performance, which included them getting outscored 56-28 in the paint. Although, the night was headlined by Kelly Oubre Jr., who was ejected for shoving Kelly Olynyk to the ground following a hard screen. The incident took place in the first half, as many believe that Oubre will be suspended for his actions. This only adds to the animosity that is building from regular season confrontations, and this controversial series continues in D.C. on Sunday night.
Warriors Take 2-0 Series Lead on Jazz
The Golden State Warriors used their usual balanced attack to extend their series lead to 2-0 on the Utah Jazz on Friday night with a 115-104 victory. Kevin Durant had 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Draymond Green added 21 points, including five three-pointers, helping Golden State join the Cavs as they only undefeated teams through six playoff games. Steph Curry had himself a productive night as well with 23 points and seven assists, as the Warriors took advantage of a Jazz team that was without George Hill. Gordon Hayward stepped up to score 33 points, while Rudy Gobert had a double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds in the loss. Green has made a habit of putting up numbers in all statistical categories for Golden State and did so again on Thursday with seven rebounds, six assists, four steals, and his 20th block of this postseason. The six straight wins to being a postseason sets a franchise record for Golden State. They will look to extend that streak in Game 3 on Saturday night in Salt Lake City.
Rangers Roll to Even Series With Senators
The New York Rangers rebounded from a tough start to their series to dominate on their home ice, including on Thursday night, as Oscar Lindberg scored twice to lead a 4-1 New York win over the Ottawa Senators. The second straight win for the Rangers evens the series at one, as Henrik Lundqvist kept the Senators quiet for most of the night with 22 saves. Kyle Turris was the only Ottawa player to beat Lundqvist on the night. The Rangers netminder has recovered from allowing six goals in Game 2 to stop 48 of the past 50 shots against him. Craig Andersen was pulled by Ottawa and replaced by Mike Condon after making 17 saves, but also surrendering goals to Nick Holden and Chris Kreider. Condon finished with nine saves in one period of action. Ottawa also lost defenseman Erik Karlsson to an injury in the second period. Both Karlsson and Andersen are expected to play in Saturday's Game 5. With Thursday's win, the Rangers have now won four consecutive postseason games at Madison Square Garden. Although, the series shifts back to Ottawa on Saturday, where New York allowed a combined eight goals in the first two games.
