NBA playoffs: Warriors take 2-1 lead on Rockets without Jimmy Butler; Aaron Gordon stuns Clippers at buzzer

The NBA playoffs continued Saturday with 4 first-round matchups, three within the Western Convention. Within the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers took a 3-0 collection lead over the Miami Warmth.

In Saturday’s two Sport 4’s, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder closed out a sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies, whereas the Denver Nuggets tied their collection towards the Los Angeles Clippers, with one of many closest calls you’ll ever see, and the Golden State Warriors outlasted the Houston Rockets to take the collection lead.

The complete slate:

Take a look at Yahoo Sports activities’ predictions for each first-round series, along with Kevin O’Connor’s ranking of the top 40 players within the NBA postseason.

Listed below are the outcomes and key takeaways from Saturday’s video games:

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Warriors 104, Rockets 93

The Houston Rockets didn’t have to worry about Jimmy Butler. They nonetheless needed to fear about Stephen Curry.

It did not work out.

The Warriors took Sport 3 in entrance of a raucous crowd on the Chase Middle, erasing a double-digit lead within the second quarter and taking management within the fourth behind yet one more present of all-time greatness from Curry.

Curry completed with 36 factors on 12-of-23 taking pictures with 9 assists and 7 rebounds.

Stephen Curry is likely one of the best gamers of all time

It actually must be stated: The Rockets tried to cease Curry. Tried.

With Butler out, the Rockets did what just about each Warriors opponent did earlier than the commerce deadline. They keyed in on Curry and defended with assist prepared to maneuver in on him. That is simpler stated than accomplished, as a result of their won’t be a sports activities expertise on Earth extra depressing than preserving observe of Curry for a whole sport.

That is to not say Curry acquired no assist, although. Past swapping out Butler for Jonathan Kuminga, head coach Steve Kerr inserted rookie middle Quinten Put up into the beginning lineup in trade for Moses Moody. It was a unique look that simply did not work offensively till in regards to the closing 4 minutes of the primary half.

At that time, the Rockets had been up 12 factors and looking out on observe to beat the short-handed Warriors. Then Curry sparked a 9-0 run to finish the half, narrowing the deficit to 3. Gary Payton II additionally had one among his finest video games of the season, posting 16 factors on 7-of-9 taking pictures.

And now the Warriors get a day’s relaxation, as Butler tries to heal in time for Sport 4.

Some postgame enjoyable between Draymond Inexperienced and Jalen Inexperienced

The Warriors’ different longtime star, Draymond Inexperienced, additionally had a superb sport, however simply on protection. as Golden State held the Rockets to 19-of-48 taking pictures contained in the paint.

The opposite form of affect he’s identified for was evident when the ultimate buzzer sounded, as Jalen Inexperienced (9 factors on 4-of-11 taking pictures) met him at half-court with some harsh phrases. The veteran’s response gave the impression to be telling his opponent to go paint his nails.

Sport 4 is scheduled for Monday at 10 p.m. ET within the Chase Middle.

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Nuggets 101, Clippers 99

There has by no means been a game-winning dunk this near the buzzer.

With a fraction of a fraction of a second remaining, Denver Nuggets ahead Aaron Gordon dunked teammate Nikola Jokić’s errant 3-point try, sealing a surreal win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

The win spoiled the Clippers’ 22-point fourth-quarter comeback and evened the collection, 2-2.

Officers conferred after the ultimate buzzer, leaving the viewing public in limbo. After a number of minutes, referee Zach Zarba introduced Gordon had juuust launched the ball earlier than the clock hit zeroes.

Clippers mount huge comeback

Although the Nuggets led via the whole lot of the primary half, the Clippers remained shut — till the third quarter, when Denver turned its 50-48 halftime benefit into an 85-65 lead getting into the fourth.

Jokić scored 16 of his game-high 36 factors within the third quarter, when the Nuggets shot 56%, they usually stretched their result in as massive as 22 factors within the opening minute of the ultimate body. Led by Kawhi Leonard (24 factors, 9 rebounds), James Harden (15 factors, 11 assists), Ivica Zubac (19 factors, 12 rebounds, 6 assists) and Norman Powell (22 factors), the Clippers responded with a 32-9 run to take a 97-96 lead.

It will be their solely lead of the sport.

After Bogdan Bogdanović’s put-back put the Clippers up one with 1:11 remaining, Jokić made one among a pair of three throws to tie the sport 12 seconds later, 97-97. Neither crew would rating till Jokić broke the tie with a fadeaway jumper over Zubac with 16 seconds to play. Harden missed a game-tying layup, however Zubac tipped it in to tie the sport once more, 99-99, paving the way in which for Gordon’s last-second heroics.

Jokić: ‘High-5 middle’?

Jokić reminded us: Three-time MVPs don’t go quietly within the first spherical of the NBA playoffs.

The 7-foot Serbian amassed 36 factors (14-25 FG, 3-6 3P, 5-6 FT), 21 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block in 43 minutes. It marked the fourth 30-20-5 sport of his playoff profession. The others who’ve hit these marks at the least 4 instances within the postseason: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain. That’s it.

Talking of which, the TNT crew launched an attention-grabbing debate at halftime, as Shaquille O’Neal named Jokić one of many top-five facilities within the historical past of the sport. Charles Barkley and Jalen Rose checked him on that, naming Kareem, Chamberlain, Invoice Russell, Hakeem Olajuwon and, after all, O’Neal to their checklist.

“I would never take Hakeem off,” stated O’Neal, who added, “All right, [Jokić is] top 10.”

Stick together with your take, Shaq! It was a superb one. To not take away anybody from a top-five checklist, however Jokić has extra MVPs than O’Neal and Olajuwon mixed. They each have Jokić beat in rings … up to now. Statistically, although, it’s not loopy to place Jokić on par with each O’Neal and Olajuwon — particularly after this night time.

• Jokić (10 seasons): 21.8 PPG (56/36/82), 10.9 RPG, 7.2 APG; 28.5 PER

• O’Neal (19 seasons): 23.7 PPG (58/1/53), 10.9 RPG, 2.5 APG; 26.4 PER

• Olajuwon (18 seasons): 21.8 PPG (51/20/71), 11.1 RPG, 2.5 APG; 23.6 PER

Porter, Gordon intestine it out

The Nuggets acquired good minutes from Gordon and Porter, each of whom are battling important accidents. Gordon, enjoying via a lingering proper calf damage, “can barely jump right now,” he informed ESPN’s Marc J. Spears on Friday. On the identical time, Porter’s sprained left shoulder is “probably like 20 or 30%” wholesome.

It positive regarded like Gordon may soar simply positive on the game-winning dunk. Perhaps it was all adrenaline. He completed with 14 factors (5-9 FG), six rebounds and 5 assists in 43 minutes on his closely taped proper leg.

In the meantime, Porter scored a series-high 17 factors, including 4 rebounds and two assists in 42 minutes. He harm his shoulder on the finish of a 15-point, 15-rebound effort in a slender Sport 2 loss and was restricted to seven factors on 9 pictures in a blowout defeat in Sport 3. He answered the decision in Sport 4, sprinkling 4 3-pointers all through, every of which made an ever-winnowing lead just a little extra snug for Denver.

Christian Braun added 17 factors, as all 5 Nuggets starters scored in double figures. Every of them performed at the least 42 minutes. The contributions from Gordon, Porter and Braun helped offset a subpar offensive effort from Jamal Murray (13 factors on 5-for-17 taking pictures) and little further assist from the bench (4 factors mixed). As soon as once more the Clippers regarded just like the deeper crew, however the collection is tied.

Technicals galore

These are among the many most bodily first-round collection now we have seen in years. Bruises are mounting, particularly because the youthful Rockets and Magic have tried to manhandle the veteran Warriors and Celtics, respectively. Responses are coming. And issues are heating up between the Nuggets and Clippers as effectively.

With 6.6 seconds left within the first half, following a Braun foul on Harden, the 2 acquired entangled. Jokić stepped in, after which Gordon, and a fracas ensued. Harden shoved Jokić. Gordon and Harden shoved one another. Technical fouls had been issued to Braun, Jokić, Gordon, Harden, Powell and Kris Dunn.

All of the fouls had been offsetting. It was as if nothing had occurred. After which every part occurred.

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Thunder 117, Grizzlies 115

The Thunder completed off the Grizzlies with a win in Sport 4 on Saturday, and it did not take a 29-point comeback this time.

With Memphis lacking star level guard Ja Morant, out with a hip injury from Game 3, Oklahoma Metropolis was in management for many of the nip-and-tuck sport behind 38 factors from Shai Gilgeous Alexander. Regardless of Morant lacking the sport and Zach Edey and Scotty Pippen Jr. fouling out, the Grizzlies stayed inside putting vary till the ultimate possession.

All issues thought-about, the Grizzlies can at the least say this loss was the least embarrassing of the collection.

Thunder wrestle from distance, however persevere

Oklahoma Metropolis didn’t have its A sport offensively Saturday, struggling mightily to seek out the vary from past the arc — simply 7-for-35 (20%) from 3-point land as a crew, one of many worst long-distance shooting performances in franchise playoff history.

Nice groups have a couple of method to win, although … and if we’ve realized something this season, it’s that the Thunder — the NBA’s No. 1 defense, and the most effective groups within the league at winning the possession battle — are a reasonably nice crew. And now, they’re on to Spherical 2.

The MVP favourite steps up

Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP finalist, scored his 38 factors on 13-for-24 taking pictures, capped by a stepback dagger with 11 seconds remaining, to assist Oklahoma Metropolis end off the sweep of an undermanned Grizzlies squad. All-Star ahead Jalen Williams added 23 factors, 5 assists and 4 rebounds for the top-seeded Thunder, who will tackle the winner of the 4-vs.-5 matchup between the Nuggets and Clippers within the Western Convention semifinals.

With Morant unavailable, Memphis wanted massive video games from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane to increase its season. They mixed for simply 35 factors on 32 field-goal makes an attempt, although, as they battled each foul bother and a snarling OKC protection.

Whereas this collection opened with the Thunder blowing the Grizzlies out in Video games 1 and a couple of — and outscoring Memphis by 32 factors within the second half of Sport 3 — the closeout contest was a a lot nearer affair, with seven lead modifications and neither crew capable of get greater than 12 factors away from the opposite. With its long-range taking pictures offline, Oklahoma Metropolis relied largely on its protection, forcing the Morant-less Grizz into 21 turnovers, resulting in 32 Thunder factors. Between all these Memphis miscues and OKC each limiting its personal errors (simply eight turnovers resulting in 9 Memphis factors) and grabbing its misses (12 offensive rebounds, 15 second-chance factors), the Thunder wound up taking 14 extra field-goal makes an attempt than the Grizzlies — a serious possession benefit that paid main dividends.

Memphis regarded to bounce again from Thursday’s devastating blown 29-point lead by getting off to a sizzling begin, opening 8-for-12 from the ground to achieve an early edge. The Thunder stored tempo, although, due to Gilgeous-Alexander lastly beginning to thaw out after an icy begin to the playoffs.

After taking pictures simply 35.3% from the ground and 25% from 3 within the first three video games of the collection, Gilgeous-Alexander made his first seven pictures on Saturday, pouring in 16 factors within the first quarter — the highest-scoring postseason quarter of his career — and helping on seven extra, serving to stake OKC to a 34-31 lead after 12 minutes.

However whereas Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams got here out sizzling, Oklahoma Metropolis’s frigid perimeter taking pictures allowed a bodily (typically too physical) Memphis crew to remain within the struggle. Morant’s replacements at level guard (Scotty Pippen Jr.) and within the beginning lineup (elevated reserve ahead Santi Aldama) mixed for 25 factors on 8-for-15 taking pictures within the first half, sending the Grizzlies into intermission down just one, 60-59.

Oklahoma Metropolis seized management within the third, ripping off an early 9-0 run fueled by — what else — its protection:

Scotty Pippen Jr. and Memphis present coronary heart — but it surely’s not sufficient

However Pippen Jr. — a revelation in Morant’s place, scoring a profession playoff excessive 30 factors to go along with 11 rebounds and 4 assists — continued to work his method to the basket and maintain the Grizzlies shut. However after a 10-0 Memphis run made it a one-score sport heading into the ultimate minute, Thunder middle Chet Holmgren stripped Pippen Jr. under the basket earlier than drawing a sixth foul that turned Memphis’ finest offensive initiator right into a spectator for the stability of the sport.

A pair of late 3s by Bane and Vince Wlliams Jr. made the Thunder sweat into the closing seconds. However Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault didn’t let OKC get off a possible overtime-forcing 3-point try, having his gamers foul with a three-point lead to protect the benefit — and, a number of ticks later, make Oklahoma Metropolis the primary crew to maneuver on within the 2025 NBA playoffs.

— Dan Devine

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Cavaliers 124, Warmth 87

The Warmth wanted a win Saturday to keep away from falling behind 3-0. In addition they arguably had their finest alternative to get a victory with the Cavaliers lacking second-leading scorer Darius Garland.

Nonetheless, Miami did not play something like a crew whose season was at stake, getting blown out at residence. It was the worst playoff loss within the Warmth’s historical past and the third-biggest playoff margin of victory for the Cavaliers.

Cleveland had a 20-point lead and boosted the margin to 22 factors after three quarters. With 5 minutes remaining within the sport, Warmth coach Erik Spoelstra emptied his bench and determined to maneuver on to Sport 4, the place Miami will hope to keep away from a collection sweep.

De’Andre Hunter made up for Garland’s absence

Sam Merrill took Garland’s place in Cleveland’s beginning lineup and did not present a lot. However De’Andre Hunter crammed the lacking level manufacturing along with his finest scoring efficiency of the playoffs. The sixth-year veteran tallied 21 factors off the bench, taking pictures 3 of 5 on 3-pointers.

Loads of the postseason stays to be performed, however Hunter supplied precisely the form of increase the Cavaliers had been hoping for when they acquired him at the trade deadline from the Atlanta Hawks. Cleveland now has the form of depth that may assist in an extended playoff collection towards groups just like the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics.

Tyler Herro was ‘f***ing round’

Tyler Herro did not like being singled out by Garland as a weak defender who could possibly be “picked on” by the Cavaliers, saying he wasn’t “f***king around” in his matchup. Dealing with nearer scrutiny after these feedback, Herro did not shine below a harsh highlight.

The Warmth guard scored solely 13 factors, harassed right into a 5-of-13 taking pictures efficiency (together with 1 of three on 3s) by a smothering defensive effort from the Cavs’ backcourt. (Perhaps Garland’s absence helped his crew on that finish of the ground.)

Coming off a 33-point efficiency in Sport 2, Herro arguably wanted to be even higher. As an alternative, he registered one among his worst video games of the season. He hadn’t scored fewer than 20 factors in his previous 15 video games.

Cavaliers’ frontcourt stepped up

Along with not having Garland’s 24 factors per sport within the lineup, Donovan Mitchell scored solely 13 for the Cavs whereas taking pictures 4 of 14 from the ground. Being outscored by Max Strus (18 factors) doubtless would not have been predicted as a key to victory by any observer.

Nonetheless, the Cavaliers additionally made up for Garland’s absence by choosing up their play within the frontcourt with a robust efficiency from Jarrett Allen. Allen tallied 22 factors and 9 rebounds, answering Bam Adebayo’s an identical numbers for the Warmth. He additionally helped restrict Kel’el Ware to eight factors and Andrew Wiggins to 10 in a transparent win on the frontline for Cleveland.

— Ian Casselberry