Horford and Smart cleared to play, White out for Celtics
"We're coming" young Grizzlies promise after semifinal loss
The NBAs youngest team to reach a conference semifinal in the past 25 years has wasted little time turning disappointment into motivation. Yes, the Memphis Grizzlies soaked in every lesson to help chase their first NBA championship. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins says this will motivate the Grizzlies moving forward and make them better. The Grizzlies won their first playoff series in seven years before falling in six games in the Western semifinals to Golden State. Every point this season was scored by a player under 30. The Grizzlies have two first-round draft picks to build further around All-Star Ja Morant.
Curry's 21 points, 12 boards lead Warriors in Game 1, 112-87
Stephen Curry had 21 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, Golden States defense held Luka Doncic in check, and the Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-87 for a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference finals. Doncic scored 20 points but shot just 6 for 18 and 3 of 10 from deep. He made back-to-back 3-pointers late in the first half to get his team within 54-45 at the break, but Curry and Klay Thompson helped the Warriors pull away in the second half. Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Friday night at Chase Center.
Tatum's huge effort helps Celtics win 108-95 to force Game 7
Jayson Tatum scored 46 points, outdueling Giannis Antetokounmpo and making sure there wouldnt be another Milwaukee Bucks fourth-quarter comeback, and the Boston Celtics beat the defending champions 108-95 to force a seventh game in their Eastern Conference semifinal. The third straight victory for a road team in this series forced a Game 7 on Sunday in Boston. The winner heads to Miami to begin an East finals matchup with the top-seeded Heat on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo had 44 points, 20 rebounds and six assists.
Curry, Thompson send Warriors into Western Conference finals
Klay Thompson knocked down eight 3-pointers on the way to 30 points, Stephen Curry scored 29 with six 3s, and the Golden State Warriors advanced to the Western Conference finals by beating the Memphis Grizzlies 110-96 in Game 6. Curry found his shooting touch late and made two straight baskets late in the third for a 78-77 lead entering the final 12 minutes, while Draymond Green contributed 14 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists. Andrew Wiggins scored 10 of his 18 points in the fourth with a pair of timely 3s.