The NBA Playoffs is in the middle of its first week, and there have been some surprises along the way. Two major injuries to key players has undoubtedly affected two series, while family tragedy has impacted another. In spite of all this, intense, hard-fought playoff basketball continues and the battles are slowly heating up.
Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls
On the Eastern Conference side of things, the 8th-seeded Chicago Bulls, who made the playoffs only on the last day of the regular season, took a commanding 2-0 lead against the best regular season team in the East, the Boston Celtics.
This was after they dominated the Celtics on the road en route to winning Game Two 111-97. Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade led a balanced Bulls attack with 22 points each, while former Celtic Rajon Rondo narrowly had a triple-double with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 14 assists. The still-grieving Isaiah Thomas led Boston with 20 points on only 6 for 15 shooting.
Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Toronto Raptors, currently the third seed, evened up their series against the Milwaukee Bucks, defeating them in Game Two at home, 106-100. Kyle Lowry scored 22 points and his clutch step-back jump shot with under 9 seconds left put the Raptors up by two possessions, 104-100. All-Star swingman DeMar DeRozan had 23 for Toronto, who also got good support from Serge Ibaka (16 points), Jonas Valanciunas (10 and 10), and Cory Joseph (11 points in 17 minutes).
The Bucks were led by Greek phenomenon Giannis Antentokounmpo, who had a game-high 24 points and 15 rebounds. Game Three will be played in Milwaukee on Thursday.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Utah Jazz
Later that night, the Los Angeles Clippers also tied up their own series against the Utah Jazz, beating them at home 99-91 behind their Big Three of DeAndre Jordan, Chris Paul, and Blake Griffin.
The trio combined for 63 points and a number of dazzling plays, including highlight dunks from Jordan and Griffin. Paul was his usual surgical self, racking up 10 assists in addition to his point total. Utah was led by the 20 points of Gordon Hayward. The Jazz continues to miss the services of starting big man Rudy Gobert, who was injured on the first play of the first game of their series.
Upcoming playoff games
Next up in the NBA Playoffs schedule is a series of Game Twos, featuring the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference, followed by the OKC Thunder and Houston Rockets as well as the Portland Trailblazers and Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. The higher-seeded teams are looking to defend their respective home courts and take 2-0 series leads in their match-ups.