NBA PLAYOFF SCOREBOARD…
BROOKLYN 123 – Boston 109… The Nets cruised past the Celtics to wrap up the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series in five games. James Harden racked up 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Kyrie Irving added 25 points and Kevin Durant tossed in 24. Brooklyn advances to take on Milwaukee in a second-round series that begins on Saturday.
DENVER 147 – Portland 140 (2OT)… The Nuggets overcame Damian Lillard’s 55 points and NBA playoff-record 12 3-pointers to outlast the Trail Blazers and take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference first-round playoff series. Nikola Jokic led Denver with 38 points and 11 boards. Michael Porter Jr. finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Monte Morris delivered 28 points off the bench. Game 6 is tomorrow in Portland.
PHOENIX 115 – L.A. Lakers 85… The Suns held the Lakers to 10 second-quarter points in opening up a 30-point halftime lead and never looked back in taking a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference first-round playoff series. Devin Booker scored a game-high 30 points. The series returns to Los Angeles for Game 6 tomorrow.