Thanks to series-clinching wins by the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, the conference finals playoff picture is taking shape.
Atlanta Hawks 94, Washington Wizards 91 (Friday): Thanks to a potential game-tying three-pointer by Paul Pierce being reversed by instant replay, the East-leading Atlanta Hawks defeated the Washington Wizards, 94-91, eliminating them 4-2. With the win, they advance to the East Finals for the first time since 1970.
Golden State Warriors 108, Memphis Grizzlies 95 (Friday): Thanks to 32 points from newly-minted NBA MVP Steph Curry, the NBA’s best regular-season team finished off a very stubborn and stout Memphis Grizzlies, 108-95. With the win, the Warriors advanced to the West Finals for the first time since 1976.
Cleveland Cavaliers 94, Chicago Bulls 73 (Thursday): Thanks to 19 points from backup point guard Matthew Dellavedova, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 94-73 to win their East semifinals, 4-2. With the win, the Cavaliers advance to the East finals for the first time since 2009.
Houston Rockets 119, Los Angeles Clippers 107 (Thursday): In perhaps one of the most improbable comebacks in sports history, the Houston Rockets rallied from a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter on the road, to stun the Los Angeles Clippers. With NBA MVP runner-up James Harden on the bench, the visiting Rockets outscored the Clippers 40-15 to force a deciding Game 7.