NBA Playoffs Round 1: Nuggets, Suns through to Western Conference semis
Hawks defeat Celtics to send series to Game 6
Denver Nuggets secured their place in the Western Conference semifinals following a 112-109 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in their Playoff First round clash. Jamal Murray scored 35 points for the Nuggets and Nikola Jokic contributed 28 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists for the Nuggets. Anthony Edwards scored 29 points for the Timberwolves, who bowed out 4-1 after Game 5 of the series.
Phoenix Suns have qualified for the Western Conference semifinals after claiming a 136-130 win over the Los Angeles Clippers to win the series 4-1 and knock the Clippers out. Devin Booker led the scoring with 47 points and ten assists, and Kevin Durant scored 31 points in the game. Norman Powell scored 27 points for the Clippers in the game.
Atlanta Hawks stayed alive in their playoff first round meeting with the Boston Celtics after they claimed a 119-117 win over the reigning Eastern Conference champions. Trae Young scored 38 points and 13 assists, and John Collins scored 22 points. Jaylen Brown scored 35 points for the Celtics, who now lead the series 3-2.
