NBA Play-offs: Boston closes out series, Doncic launches Dallas

Tatum knocks out Cavs, deprived of Mitchell

Boston reaches the conference finals in the East. Ahead 3-1 in the series, the Celtics took advantage of first match point, taking home Game 5 (113-98 the final) and closing the score at 4-1. Once again, Cleveland has to contend with the very heavy absences of Allen and, most importantly, Mitchell.

At Boston’s TD Garden, the Celtics did nothing wrong, putting pressure on the Cavs’ defense from the first minutes of the game. Excellent performance by Tatum, who finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists with an excellent 9/16 from the field. Also of note was the excellent contribution of veteran Horford: 22 points and 15 rebounds in 15' of use. On the other side, moving performance of Mobley (33 points), the last to surrender in a Cavs jersey.

Dallas’ blowout at home to OKC. The Mavs managed to impose 104-92, thus escaping on 3-2 in the series (now they can close the series in Dallas, in game 6). Doncic’s talent shines. Decidedly more physically fit than in the last two games, the Slovenian put up a mind-blowing triple-double: 31 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds with five triples on target.

"I’m just trying to play basketball, just focusing on that. Sometimes I forget that è this is the thing I love to do", Doncic’s words in the post match reported by ESPN. In OKC’s house, Gilgeous-Alexander is doing his as usual (30 points) but no one can give him a hand offensively.