Full Court Press: Bucks, Cavaliers, Wizards All Even Up Series 2-2, Spurs Avoid The Sweep

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 22nd, 2018

Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks

104-102 Bucks, Series tied 2-2

Next Game: Game Five, Tuesday 4/24 @Boston

The Milwaukee Bucks evened up the series with their second home win over the Celtics. The Bucks were in control of this game midway through the third but a 20 point Celtic comeback brought Boston back into the ballgame. This game went down to the wire. An ice-cold stepback three from Jaylen Brown tied the game up and a Giannis Antetokounmpo tip-in ended up winning the game for the Bucks. The Celtics chose to isolate Marcus Morris on Khris Middleton which ended up in a contested mid-range and a brick. Brown set another playoff career high in this game, scoring 34 points with eight rebounds. Jayson Tatum complimented him well, adding 21 points. Al Horford added 13 points and nine boards; the Celtics outrebounded the Bucks on the offensive glass 16-2. Boston struggled to attack the rim; Milwaukee’s defense was very solid for most of this game.

The Bucks’ interior defense was menacing today. They recorded an unreal 14 blocks as a team; Thon Maker had five (!!!) of those for the second straight game. They blocked 13 shots in game three. Giannis Antetokounmpo continued to give Boston headaches, scoring 27 with seven rebounds and five assists. Middleton continued to supplement well on offense, 23 points, and six rebounds. He has been great on both ends for the Bucks in this series. Jabari Parker continues to play well, recording 16 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. As this series returns to Boston, it should continue to entertain.

Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs

103-90 Spurs, Warriors lead series 3-1

Next Game: Game Five, Tuesday 4/24 @Golden State

In a hard-nosed game, the Spurs avoided the sweep at home. They are playing with a chip on their shoulder, playing for their coach and doing this all without Kawhi Leonard. San Antonio led the entire way; the Warriors did not hold a lead the entire game. Late in the fourth, the Warriors attempted a comeback but a Manu Ginobili fadeaway hook in the lane was the dagger.

The 40-year-old Ginobili seemed unfazed by the postseason and his age. Manu scored 16 and dished five assists off of the bench, scoring 10 in the fourth. He played in his 217th postseason game, moving into sixth all time. He also hit his 321st playoff three, passing Reggie Miller for third all time. LaMarcus Aldridge dominated down low, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Rudy Gay scored well with 14 and seven rebounds. San Antonio played a disciplined game, only turning the ball over eight times.

Golden State looked flustered today in all facets of the game. They turned it over 16 times, shot 25% from three and overall played a disorganized game. However, they absolutely dominated the Spurs on the boards, outrebounding them 61-34. Draymond Green was all over the floor, recording a near triple-double with nine points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists. Kevin Durant was unstoppable all night but it wasn’t enough in the end. He scored 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. The Spurs did an excellent job containing Klay Thompson; he only scored 12 points on 4-16 shooting. Despite the fact that the Warriors will likely win this series, they look vulnerable. If Curry is not fully healthy, the red-hot Pelicans could easily give the Dubs a run for their money in round two.

Past Full Court Press Editions

• Full Court Press: Bogdanovic’s 30 Leads Indiana To A Comeback Win Over Cleveland(4/20/18)
• Full Court Press: Davis, Holiday Combine for 88, Pelicans Sweep Blazers (4/21/18)
  

Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards

103-90 Wizards, Series tied 2-2

Next Game: Game Five, Wednesday 4/25 @Toronto

After the first two games of the series, it seemed as if the Raptors had completely lost the playoff monkey on their back. But after four, it seems as if nothing has changed. The Raptors controlled this game for much of this game, leading by 14 early in the third. The Wizards made a comeback and took the lead in the fourth but with five minutes left Bradley Beal fouled out of the game. Despite the loss of their second best player, the Wizards behind John Wall and co. took control of this game. Beal scored the ball extremely well, leading the Wizards in scoring with 31 with five rebounds. Wall took over late, finishing with 27 points and 14 assists. This Washington team showed great resilience in this game as they have all series.

DeMar DeRozan dominated the Wizards on offense for most of this game, leading all scorers with 35 points, adding six assists and six rebounds. Kyle Lowry continued to shoot well, scoring 19 on 4-6 from three. He added seven rebounds and five assists as well. Despite being one of the best teams in the regular season, this team just can’t seem to figure it out in the playoffs. This series is far from over no matter how good the Raptors look on paper.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers

104-100 Cavaliers, Series tied 2-2

Next Game: Game Five, Wednesday 4/25 @Cleveland

The Cleveland Cavaliers knotted up the series in another poorly officiated, tough fought battle with the Pacers. Cleveland led for almost all of this game, including a 16 point lead in the second. The Pacers took the lead late in the game, but a 10-2 Cleveland run and the Pacers going cold led Cleveland to the win. James had another excellent performance, scoring 32 points, grabbing 12 boards and dishing 7 assists. He played 45 minutes, not sitting in the second half. Kyle Korver gave the Pacers fits coming off of screens, scoring 18 points shooting 4-9 from three.

The Indiana Pacers beat themselves down the stretch. Poor clock management, poor shot selection, and more Thaddeus Young missed layups than one can count was their demise. Seven Pacers scored in double figures but one guy couldn’t take over. Victor Oladipo was ice cold all night, with 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists on a horrible 5-19 from the field. Myles Turner had a very nice game, scoring 17 points; Domantas Sabonis played well with 19 points and six rebounds. Besides the missed layups, Young played well, bringing energy and defense. He scored 12 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. This Pacers team fought hard to come back down 16 but beat themselves down the stretch. If you want any chance against a LeBron James led team, you can’t beat yourself.

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.