NBA playoffs wrap 2019: Raptors even series with 76ers; Nikola Jokic leads Nuggets to win

Ameer Tyree

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NBA playoffs wrap 2019: Raptors even series with 76ers; Nikola Jokic leads Nuggets to win image

Toronto avoided digging itself into a big hole Sunday.

The Raptors topped the 76ers 101-96, knotting their second-round series at 2-2.

Kawhi Leonard torched the 76ers for a game-high 39 points and 14 rebounds. Despite the struggles of Pascal Siakam, who entered the game nursing a calf injury, Toronto prevailed.

Once again, Jimmy Butler was a driving force for Philadelphia. He finished with a team-high 29 points and also snagged 11 rebounds in the losing effort.

Butler is known for hitting big shots when it counts, and he did just that on multiple occasions.

However, the clutch shooting of Leonard down the stretch proved to be too much.

He was brought in to take Toronto to the next level, and it looks like he's trying to do just that.

Denver, meanwhile, stopped the Trail Blazers from going up 3-1 by claiming a 116-112 victory in Portland.

Jamal Murray tallied a game-high 34 points and made all 11 of his free throw attempts while Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double in the Nuggets' winning effort. 

Murray scored some impressive buckets, but one circus shot in particular stood out.

Damian Lillard poured in 28 points but his fourth quarter efforts weren't enough to pull Portland ahead.

The series is all tied up and Game 5 will be in Denver. The Nuggets were one of the best teams at home during the regular season.

Studs of the Night

JJ Redick totaled 19 points and made four 3-pointers for the 76ers.

CJ McCollum finished with a team-high 29 points for Portland.

Duds of the Night

Siakam only managed 9 points on 2-of-10 shooting.

Monte Morris scored two points on 1-of-6 shooting for Denver.

Highlights

Leonard was unfazed by the pressure and sank a dagger from behind the arc in the fourth quarter.

Murray elevated over two Trail Blazers for an emphatic slam.

What's Next?

Warriors at Rockets —  Houston defended home court in Game 3 and has a chance to even the series up Monday. The Rockets squeaked by with an overtime victory in the Toyota Center despite a 46-point performance from Kevin Durant. But, Stephen Curry probably won't be as bad down the stretch for a second consecutive game.

 

Ameer Tyree