NBA playoffs wrap 2019: 76ers hold off Raptors; Nuggets top Trail Blazers in Game 1

E.Jay Zarett

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NBA playoffs wrap 2019: 76ers hold off Raptors; Nuggets top Trail Blazers in Game 1 image

The Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Raptors and 76ers is tied at 1-1.

After getting blown out in Game 1, Philadelphia came away with a 94-89 win over Toronto on Monday at Scotiabank Arena.

The 76ers looked like they were going to pull away as they carried a 13-point advantage into halftime and led by the same amount with 5:44 to play. But, the Raptors worked their way back into the game and cut their deficit to just one on a Pascal Siakam layup with less than 50 seconds remaining.

Joel Embiid, however, answered with a driving layup in traffic to make the score 92-89. He finished with just 12 points but scored the most important basket of the night.

Danny Green then missed an open 3-pointer on the other end and Tobias Harris sealed the win with a pair of free throws.

Jimmy Butler led the 76ers offensively throughout the game. He tallied 30 points and hit a big 3-pointer down the stretch.

Kawhi Leonard registered a game-high 35 points for Toronto in the losing effort.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets picked up a 121-113 home win over the Trail Blazers in Game 1 of their second-round series.

Denver took control in the third quarter, pushed its advantage to double digits in the final period and held on for the victory.

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic continued his impressive postseason by scoring 37 points while chipping in nine rebounds and six assists. Jamal Murray registered 23 points and eight assists, as well.

Damian Lillard poured in 39 points on 12-of-21 shooting for Portland.

Studs of the night

The 76ers received unexpected contributions from Greg Monroe and James Ennis III. The pair came off the bench to combine for 23 points, along with 11 rebounds, in 36 total minutes of action. Monroe later left the game with an ankle injury.

Enes Kanter, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury, tallied 26 points on 11-of-14 shooting for the Trail Blazers.

Duds of the night

Raptors forward Serge Ibaka was 1-of-5 shooting and a minus-12 in the loss to Philadelphia.

Maurice Harkless attempted just two shots and fouled out in Portland’s loss.

Highlight

Leonard with the nice cut to the basket and the slam.

Gary Harris with the impressive finish.

What’s next

Celtics at Bucks — Top-seeded Milwaukee will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Tuesday at home after a big loss to Boston in the opener. Meanwhile, the Celtics have a chance to take control before the series shifts back to TD Garden.

 

E.Jay Zarett