Full Court Press: Warriors and 76ers Win Series 4-1, Celtics Top Bucks At Home

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 24th, 2018

Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks

92-87 Celtics, Celtics lead series 3-2

Next Game: Game Six, Thursday 4/26 @Milwaukee

The Boston Celtics squeaked by the Bucks, taking the 3-2 lead in this series. Boston led for almost all of the game, by as much as 16 in the third quarter. Milwaukee attempted a comeback but it was thwarted by some big plays from Marcus Smart and some poor officiating. Marcus Smart returned from injury and he was huge on offense and defense for Boston. In 24 minutes off of the bench, he scored nine, grabbed five rebounds and dished five assists. He turned it over five times but brought great energy and intensity. Jaylen Brown had his worst offensive game of the series, with 14 points, shooting 38.5% from the field. Al Horford was massive, making clutch plays and leading the Celtics. He recorded 22 points and 14 rebounds but six turnovers. The rookie Semi Ojeleye made his first playoff start and did a great job defending Giannis Antetokoumpo.

Antetokounmpo was off tonight. He only mustered 16 points but supplemented 10 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks, and two rebounds. Khris Middleton took on most of the offensive load, trying to create for himself all night and hitting some clutch shots that were too little too late. He scored 23 points, shooting 3-6 from deep. Jabari Parker continues his stellar play, scoring 17 points and grabbing eight rebounds. This game could easily go to seven games with both teams excelling on their home courts. I can’t wait to see how this series unfolds.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Miami Heat

104-91 Sixers, Sixers win series 4-1

The Philadelphia 76ers bounced the Heat out of the first round for the first time since 2010. Miami fought hard in this series, but the 76ers’ young talent was too much for the veteran-led team. This game followed the same trend as the rest of the series. The game was tied at the half, 46-46, but a huge third quarter from Philadelphia opened up this game. Miami made a bit of a comeback at the end, cutting the lead to eight, but it was too little too late. Ben Simmons keeps proving that he is the leader of this team, scoring 14 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing six assists. Marksman J.J. Redick led the team in scoring with 27 shooting 50% from three. Joel Embiid had a big night, with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals. After a 10 win season a couple years ago, the Process is finally coming to fruition. The 76ers will play either the Bucks or Celtics in round two.

The Miami Heat battled in this series but were overwhelmed by Philadelphia’s runs. Kelly Olynyk led the Heat in scoring with 18 points, adding eight rebounds and six assists. Dwyane Wade, in what could be his final NBA game, scored 11 off of the bench. Tyler Johnson had a productive scoring night, scoring 16 points but fouling out. This Miami team now looks to the offseason where they will attempt to retool for another playoff run.

Past Full Court Press Editions

• Full Court Press: Bucks, Cavaliers, Wizards All Even Up Series 2-2, Spurs Avoid The Sweep (4/22/18)
• Full Court Press: 50 Point Third Quarter Leads Houston Past Minnesota (4/23/18)

Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs

92-87 Warriors, Warriors win series 4-1

The Golden State Warriors won their round one series with a close victory over the Spurs. San Antonio looked dead in the water down 16 late in the third but made it close in the fourth. They cut the lead all the way down to two with a 14-4 run, the score being 93-9. They, unfortunately, couldn’t finish the deal, though. LaMarcus Aldridge did all he could, making clutch plays and nearly leading his team to the win. Aldridge scored 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Patty Mills had a great game as well, with 18 points. In what could be the last game of his NBA career, Manu Ginobili fought valiantly, providing 10 points, seven assists, and five steals. The Spurs have so much to be proud about. They played their hearts out without Kawhi Leonard and Gregg Popovich. San Antonio now turns their attention to the offseason.

The Warriors nearly choked away a 16 point lead in the fourth but the scoring of Kevin Durant helped them pull away despite a poor shooting night (1-8 from three). He finished the game with 25 points, five assists, and six rebounds. Klay Thompson added 24 points; Draymond Green dominated with 17 points, seven assists, and 19 rebounds. The Warriors play the Pelicans in their second-round series. Based on how well New Orleans played in round one, this could be a trap series if Stephen Curry does not play.

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.