Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
April 24, 2019•Update: April 24, 2019
ANKARA
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 118-115 on Tuesday evening to advance to Western Conference semifinals.
Damian Lillard was scorching hot in the match, he scored 50 points, including the game-winning three point shot. Lillard scored 34 in the first half, the most points ever in a playoff match half since Steve Nash in 2005.
The Blazers won the series 4-1 to advance to the West semis, will meet the winner of the Denver Nuggets - San Antonio Spurs series.
CJ McCollum and Maurice Harkless each scored 17 points to help Blazers knock off Russell Westbrook, Paul George and the Thunder.
Westbrook, who shot only 35.5 percent from the field, scored 24 points, dished out 14 assists and pulled down 11 rebounds.
Paul George scored 36 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, but it was not enough to cool down Lillard.
76ers eliminate Nets to advance to East semis
The Philadelphia 76ers closed out the Eastern Conference first round series against the Brooklyn Nets after winning 122-100 and advance to the conference semifinals.
76ers won the series 4-1, thanks to 23 points and 13 rebounds from Joel Embiid in only 20 minutes of action.
76ers will meet the Raptors in the conference semifinals.
Raptors eliminate Magic to advance to East semis
The Toronto Raptors was another winning team of Tuesday night's playoff action, they took care of Orlando Magic to close out the series 4-1.
Raptors defeated the Magic 115-96 to advance to the Eastern Conference semi finals, where they meet the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam combined for 51 points in the win.
Denver Nuggets beat Spurs, go up 3-2 in series
In the other matchup of the Western Conference first round match, the Denver Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 108-90 to lead the series 3-2.
The Nuggets, dominating the match, led the Spurs as much as 30 points and managed to take the crucial Game 5.
In a total team effort, seven players scored in double digits, led by Jamal Murray, who scored a game-high 23 points.
The series will continue in San Antonio for Game 6.
Here are the final situation in NBA Playoffs:
Eastern Conference
(1) Milwaukee Bucks 4-0 Detroit Pistons (8) *
(2) Toronto Raptors 4-1 Orlando Magic (7) *
(3) Phila 76ers 4-1 Brooklyn Nets (6) *
(4) Boston Celtics 4-0 Indiana Pacers (5) *
* Milwaukee Bucks will play against the Boston Celtics in Eastern Conference semifinals
* Toronto Raptors will play against the Philadelphia 76ers in Eastern Conference semifinals
Western Conference
(1) Golden State Warriors 3-1 Los Angeles Clippers (8)
(2) Denver Nuggets 3-2 San Antonio Spurs (7)
(3) Portland Trail Blazers 4-1 Oklahoma City Thunder (6) *
(4) Houston Rockets 3-1 Utah Jazz (5)
* Portland Trail Blazers will meet winner of Nuggets - Spurs series winner
