Rockets stave off Lakers sweep, Celtics crush 76ers
SkimNews Take
Individual player performance, even from stars like LeBron, can dramatically shift outcomes in high-stakes playoff games, highlighting the fine margins that separate victory from defeat.
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- Raptors tied their series with the Cavaliers 93‑89, despite shooting the worst percentage ever in a playoff win.
- Spurs erased a 17‑point halftime deficit to beat Portland 114‑93, marking the largest comeback win after trailing 15+ at half in NBA playoff history.
- Celtics crushed Philadelphia 128‑96, their biggest road playoff victory, shooting 45.3% from three and with Payton Pritchard and Jayson Tatum combining for 62 points.
- Rockets avoided a sweep by defeating the Lakers 115‑96, with Amen Thompson scoring a game‑high 23 points while LeBron James managed only 10 points on 2‑of‑9 shooting.
Why it matters: The Rockets gain a lifeline to extend their postseason, while the Lakers lose a chance to close the series, pushing the Lakers' revenue from home playoff games down by an estimated $5 million and forcing a scramble for future roster moves.
