After dropping two straight games to the Toronto Raptors, the Boston Celtics had a bounce-back game on Monday night and took a 3-2 lead in their second-round matchup courtesy of a dominant 111-89 victory.
In a game the Celtics never trailed, Jaylen Brown scored 27 points, Kemba Walker had 21 and Jayson Tatum scored 18 as Boston’s starters outscored Toronto’s starters by a 93-45 margin.
Now leading the series again, the Celtics can lock up a trip to the Eastern Conference finals with a win on Wednesday.
“We were playing with great purpose,” said Boston coach Brad Stevens. “You could feel that from the get-go.”
In Monday night’s other game, the Clippers outlasted the Nuggets 113-107 to take a 2-1 series lead. Paul George had 32 points for the winners, and Kawhi Leonard added 23 and also had a late block against Denver to help lock up the Game 3 victory.
“He did a great job. He came out there with energy, led us on both ends of the floor,” Leonard said of George. “We just followed his lead.”
The NBA playoffs continue tonight with a pair of games.
In the West, LeBron James and Lakers take on James Harden and the Rockets with their series tied at a game apiece. In the East, the Bucks (down 3-1) will continue their fight to be the first NBA team to come back from a 3-0 series deficit when they take on the Heat.
More Like This
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
