Bucks & Dubs Move On

04/28/2022

By: Jeff Yoder

Warriors KO Nuggets (102-98), Bucks Bury Bulls (116-100) as Both Teams Advance to Round 2

Another night of NBA playoffs saw the 3-seeds from each conference close out their opening-round series in Game 5s at home. Former MVPs Steph Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo punched their tickets to Round 2 while reigning MVP Nikola Jokic gets a first-round exit. Half of the first-round matchups are still going, and all three could get closed out tonight. Let’s run it back:

 

NBA Playoff Highlights

 

Gm 5: Bucks def. Bulls (116-100)

The defending champs are moving on. The Bucks buried the short-handed Bulls in Game 5 with a first-quarter runaway before Chicago clawed back. The Bulls were without Zach LaVine due to COVID-19 protocols, and DeMar DeRozan was held to just 11 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo (33 points, 9 rebounds) had his way with Chicago in the paint. Bobby Portis (14 points, 17 rebounds) and Pat Connaughton (20 points, 6-for-9 3-pt) stepped up in the absence of Khris Middleton. The Bucks get the Celtics in Round 2. MIL Wins Series (4-1)

 

Gm 5: Warriors def. Nuggets (102-98)

The Dubs are back! After a tumultuous few seasons riddle by injuries, the Warriors shined bright in their opening-round matchup against the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. Jokic (30-19-8) didn’t have enough to force Game 6 as Steph Curry (30-5-5) knocked in five triples. Young Glove — Gary Payton II — was big off the bench for the Warriors with 15 points. It’s hard to believe Wednesday night marked Golden State’s first playoff series win since 2019. They’ll get the winner of the Grizzlies-Timberwolves series. GSW Wins Series (4-1)

 

Tonight’s Schedule

Gm 6: 76ers at Raptors (7:00 pm ET) | PHI Leads 3-2

Gm 6: Suns at Pelicans (7:30 pm ET) | PHX Leads 3-2

Gm 6: Mavericks at Jazz (10:00 pm ET) | DAL Leads 3-2

 

Additional Storylines

Yahoo! Sports: Steph Curry & Warriors Rally to Close Out Series With Nuggets

B/R: Devin Booker May Return From Hamstring Injury for Suns-Pelicans Game 6

The Ringer: The Grizzlies & Wolves are Flawed, But Damn Are They Entertaining

 

Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images