NBA playoffs wrap 2019: Raptors, Nuggets take series leads with blowout wins

Ameer Tyree

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NBA playoffs wrap 2019: Raptors, Nuggets take series leads with blowout wins image

The Raptors played exceptional basketball Tuesday.

Toronto pounded Philadelphia 125-89 in Game 5, giving it a 3-2 lead in the second-round series.

Kawhi Leonard has been the most dominant player on the court throughout the series, but Pascal Siakam stole the show this time. The third-year forward followed up his poor Game 4 performance with a game-high 25 points and eight rebounds against the 76ers.

Siakam had been struggling with a bruise on his right calf, but definitely had some spring in his step at Scotiabank Arena.

Joel Embiid was listed as probable to play as tipoff approached due to a respiratory infection. The 76ers big man underwhelmed for the second straight game. But, Jimmy Butler picked up the slack with a team-high 22 points for Philadelphia.

It's win or go home for the 76ers now, so they can't afford to lose at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday. If they do, their season is over.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets also cruised to a 124-98 blowout home win over the Trail Blazers.

Denver pulled away in the second quarter and Portland never managed to make the game competitive after halftime. The Nuggets now hold a 3-2 lead in the second-round series.

Paul Millsap finished with 24 points and eight rebounds for Denver while Jamal Murray chipped in 18 points. Damian Lillard tallied 22 points for Portland in the losing effort.

Portland will host Game 6 on Thursday.

Studs of the Night

Leonard totaled 21 points and 13 rebounds for Toronto.

Nikola Jokic registered 25 points, 19 rebounds and six assists for Denver.

Duds of the Night

JJ Redick scored three points on 1-of-6 shooting for the 76ers.

Trail Blazers center Enes Kanter scored seven points on 2-of-9 shooting in the loss.

Highlights

Leonard attacked the rim all game long against Philadelphia.

Murray with the huge putback slam.

What's Next?

Celtics at Bucks —  Milwaukee has a chance to become the first team to punch its ticket to the third round of the playoffs. The Bucks have won three straight while the Celtics have struggled since their Game 1 win.

 

Ameer Tyree