Playoffs – 1st Round
East – Game 2
- Atlanta Hawks 106 – Boston Celtics 119 (BOS leads series 2-0)
Highlights: The Hawks have had their moments in these first two games, but they simply haven’t had enough fortitude or firepower to withstand the relentless avalanche that is the Boston Celtics. Boston earned a hard-fought, 119-106 Game 2 win Tuesday at TD Garden to take a 2-0 series lead. This one was generally more competitive than the last, yet the final margin was the same. Jayson Tatum led the way with 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Derrick White poured in 26 on 11-of-16 shooting, Jaylen Brown added 18 and Malcolm Brogdon and Al Horford each finished plus-20. White, in particular, was a catalyst in critical moments. Read more at: https://www.celticsblog.com/2023/4/18/23688920/celtics-hawks-easter-conference-playoffs-game-two-recap-jayson-tatum-derrick-white (Trevor Hass/Celtics Blog)
- New York Knicks 90 – Cleveland Cavaliers 107 (Series tied 1-1)
Highlights: The Cavaliers made an emphatic statement in Game 2 of their first-round series vs. the Knicks on Tuesday night with a 107-90 rout to tie the series at 1-1. Cleveland responded to the Knicks’ physicality that caused them problems in Game 1 with a stifling defensive effort and a big night from Darius Garland. But there were more winners and losers in the game than just the two teams. Read more at: https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2023/04/winners-and-losers-from-the-cavaliers-107-90-game-2-win-vs-knicks.html (Tim Bielik/Cleveland.com)
West – Game 2
- Los Angeles Clippers 109 – Phoenix Suns 123 (Series tied 1-1)
Highlights: After dropping the first game of the series to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Phoenix Suns were able to bounce back with a 123-109 victory in Game 2 on Tuesday night. The series is now tied at 1-1, and will shift to L.A. for Games 3 and 4. Devin Booker went off in Game 2, and his production was a huge part of the reason the Suns were able to knot the series up. In 45 minutes of action, Booker scored 38 points, including 25 in the second half, and he also added nine assists. It was an impressive performance that showcased just how dangerous he is on the offensive end. Read more at: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/suns-vs-clippers-score-live-updates-from-nba-playoffs-as-kevin-durant-kawhi-leonard-square-off-in-game-2/live/ (Michael Kaskey-Blomain/CBS NBA)