2 Even, 1 Leavin’

04/19/2023 2 Even, 1 Leavin’

By: Jeff Yoder

Suns (Clippers) & Cavaliers (Knicks) Win Game 2s to Even Series 1-1; Celtics Take Commanding 2-0 Lead Over Hawks

Two even and one leavin’! The 4-seed Cavs and Suns got one back on the Knicks and Clippers Tuesday night, respectively, and the Celtics are leaving the Hawks in the dust. Three more Game 2s are on the way tonight. Let’s rewind:

 

#2 Celtics def. #7 Hawks (119-106)

Jayson Tatum (29-10-6) and Derrick White (26-7-3) led another Celtics charge in Game 2 as Boston put Atlanta in a 2-0 hole. Dejounte Murray (29-6-6) hit seven 3s to lead Atlanta, but Trae Young (2-for-8, 3pt) was held in check for the second straight game. Boston’s defense appears to be too tough for the Hawks, and this first-round series is slipping away fast. BOS Leads Series (2-0)

 

#4 Cavaliers def. #5 Knicks (107-90)

A big answer from Cleveland! The Cavs exploded for a 34-17 advantage in the second quarter Tuesday night to bury the Knicks and even the series at one game apiece. New York struggled from deep (7-for-24) while Darius Garland (32-7-3) hit six 3s to ignite the Cavs. Caris LeVert (24 points) was big off the bench for the Cavs, and we’re heading back to the Garden all tied up. Series Tied (1-1)

 

#4 Suns def. #5 Clippers (123-109)

It looked for a moment like the Clippers might steal both games in the desert after they jumped ahead by 13 in the second quarter, but the Suns used a 23-10 run to end the half before winning the third quarter and pulling away in the fourth. Devin Booker (38 points) shot 14-for-22 from the floor (4-for-7, 3pt) for the best game of the NBA postseason thus far. Phoenix prevails and avoids a devastating playoff start. Series Tied (1-1)

 

Tonight’s Schedule

Gm 2: #7 Lakers at #2 Grizzlies (7:30 pm ET)

Gm 2: #8 Heat at #1 Bucks (9:00 pm ET)

Gm 2: #8 Timberwolves at #1 Nuggets (10:00 pm ET)

 

Additional Storylines

B/R: With Giannis Hurt & West Open, Celtics Emerge as New Title Favorites

CBS Sports: Booker, Suns Rise Past Clippers to Even Series

SI: Cavs Defense Clamps Down Against Knicks to Even Series

 

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images