Welcome to the daily Full Court Press playoff edition, where we recap all of the day’s NBA action. Check back every night if you missed any NBA action and come back tomorrow for more NBA playoff fun.
April 20th, 2018
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers
92-90 Pacers, Pacers lead series 2-1
Next Game: Game Four, Sunday 4/22 @Indiana
In an incredible comeback win, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in a nail-biting comeback victory. Cleveland was completely in control through the first two quarters, leading by as much as 17. But in the third and fourth, the Pacers lead a 24 point turnaround, going up 84-77. LeBron James did everything he could to lead his team, cutting the lead down to one. Up 91-90, Darren Collison made 1-2 free throws leading to a desperation heave from J.R. Smith which fell short. James scored 28, snagged 12 boards, and recorded eight dimes. He turned it over six times in part to the Pacers’ relentlessly aggressive attack. George Hill scored nine points early in the first but was a non-factor later, finishing with 13. Kevin Love played well with 19 points and six boards but turned it over four times himself.
Tonight at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, we all got to watch the Bojan Bogdanovic show. He scored a season-high 30 points, shooting an astounding 7-9 from three. For context, Bogdanovic was 2-9 in the series on three before today. Victor Oladipo dominated this game. It was not his impact in the scoring department (18 points, 33.3% FG%) but his ability to get his teammates open with seven assists and his stifling defense (three steals). One of Nate McMillan’s best coaching decisions all year, in my eyes, was putting Thaddeus Young on LeBron late in the game. He was physical with James and defended him well. Young had a solid all-around game, recording 12 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Myles Turner was impactful as well, grabbing 10 rebounds and recording a +/- of 11. If Cleveland wants to advance, they will need to find some other source of offense than LeBron James.
Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards
122-103 Wizards, Raptors lead series 2-1
Next Game: Game Four, Sunday 4/22 @Washington
The Wizards came up huge today, winning a vital game three on their home court. The Raptors led by nine in the first but it was all Washington from there. Toronto held a marginal lead early in the second and never got it back. The Wizards outscored the Raptors 71-53. They led by as much as 22 in the third. John Wall and Bradley Beal finally figured it out together. Wall and Beal both scored 28 apiece and combined for 56. Wall added 14 assists, six rebounds, and four steals. Bradley Beal scored well, shooting 4-9 from beyond the arc. Washington’s team defense, led by Marcin Gortat, helped to dominate the Raptors’ attack.
DeMar DeRozan and John Wall both had solid games. DeRozan scored 23 and Kyle Lowry scored 19 with eight assists and three steals, shooting 5-8 from three. The duo turned the ball over eight times; the Raptors coughed the ball up 18 times in total. Jonas Valanciunas played well, scoring 14 and adding five rebounds. After going up 2-0 for the first time ever, The Raptors looked like their old playoff selves. It is clear that when everything goes right, the Wizards can compete with this Toronto Team.
Past Full Court Press Editions
- Full Court Press: Rockets Shut Down Timberwolves, LeBron’s 46 Evens The Series(4/18/18)
- Full Court Press: Pelicans Rout Blazers, Lead Series 3-0 (4/19/18)
Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks
122-103 X, Celtics lead series 2-1
Next Game: Game Four, Sunday 4/22 @Milwaukee
After a demoralizing game two loss in Boston, the Bucks stormed back in game three at home, routing the Celtics. They snapped an NBA leading eight-game playoff losing streak.This game was never close. Boston’s biggest lead was one, early in the first. It was all Milwaukee from there; the Bucks led by as much as 28. Boston looked disgruntled on offense all night. With only 15 assists and 15 turnovers, the Celtics looked like a team that desperately missed their star. Jayen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Terry Rozier couldn’t find their groove. They combined for only 34 points and seven turnovers. Greg Monroe played well in his old home, scoring 15 and grabbing 11 rebounds. However, he turned the ball over five times.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a solid game, scoring 19 points, grabbing five rebounds, dishing six assists and recording two steals and blocks. However, he recorded five fouls. He has averaged 4.67 fouls over the series, far too many for a team’s star. Khris Middleton led the way with 23 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Eric Bledsoe and Jabari Parker bounced back in a big way, combining for 34 points. Thon Maker came out of his shell, scoring 14. Remember, a couple things go Milwaukee’s way in game one and they lead the series 2-1. This series should continue to entertain until the very end.
Ben Pfeifer is the Managing Editor of the Colts for Full Press Coverage, the AFC South Division Editor, and head NBA editor. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Ben Pfeifer on Twitter @Ben_Pfeifer_, @FPC_NBA and @FPC_Colts.
