Mavs Defeat Suns in Game 4, 111-101, Even Series
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 111-101, in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals at American Airlines Center on Sunday.
This series is now tied 2-2.
A 37-25 first quarter set the foundation for Dallas in this win, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, Phoenix never had a shot to tie the game after the opening five minutes, with Dallas getting their lead up to 17 points at times. The Mavericks shot 20-of-44 from three-point range while holding the Suns to 9-of-25 from long range. They also won the turnover battle, 17-11, outscoring Phoenix in points off of turnovers, 23-9.
The Suns (2-2) were led by Devin Booker, tallying 35 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Jae Crowder collected 15 points and six rebounds. Deandre Ayton amassed 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Chris Paul compiled five points, five rebounds and seven assists before fouling out. Cameron Johnson led the bench with 11 points and five boards.
The Mavericks (2-2) were led by Luka Doncic and his 26 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and three steals. Dorian Finney-Smith finished with 24 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Brunson tallied 18 points, four rebounds and four assists. Davis Bertans led the bench with 12 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie provided 10 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Game 5 will be played in Phoenix on Tuesday.
This series is now tied 2-2.
A 37-25 first quarter set the foundation for Dallas in this win, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, Phoenix never had a shot to tie the game after the opening five minutes, with Dallas getting their lead up to 17 points at times. The Mavericks shot 20-of-44 from three-point range while holding the Suns to 9-of-25 from long range. They also won the turnover battle, 17-11, outscoring Phoenix in points off of turnovers, 23-9.
The Suns (2-2) were led by Devin Booker, tallying 35 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Jae Crowder collected 15 points and six rebounds. Deandre Ayton amassed 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Chris Paul compiled five points, five rebounds and seven assists before fouling out. Cameron Johnson led the bench with 11 points and five boards.
The Mavericks (2-2) were led by Luka Doncic and his 26 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and three steals. Dorian Finney-Smith finished with 24 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Brunson tallied 18 points, four rebounds and four assists. Davis Bertans led the bench with 12 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie provided 10 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Game 5 will be played in Phoenix on Tuesday.
76ers Topple Heat, 116-108
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Miami Heat, 116-108, at Wells Fargo Center on Sunday night in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal-round series. The series is now tied, 2-2.
The 76ers (2-2) came into the night looking to replicate their stellar Game 3 defensive performance, but also expecting a much better showing from the Heat (2-2) after limiting them to 79 points Friday night. Miami did indeed open the game in much more competitive fashion, racking up 56 first-half points but still falling behind by eight points by intermission. The visitors' best quarter of the game was the third -- which saw them cut their deficit in half -- but after getting as close as within six with 2:50 remaining, Philadelphia managed to pull away for the eight-point victory.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 40 points, adding six assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Bam Adebayo furnished 21 points, seven boards and four assists. Victor Oladipo supplied 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. Tyler Herro generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals.
James Harden enjoyed his best game of the postseason, leading the 76ers with 31 points and adding nine assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Joel Embiid posted a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Tyrese Maxey delivered 18 points, four assists and three rebounds. Tobias Harris posted 13 points, four assists, three boards and two steals. Danny Green and Georges Niang tallied 11 and 10 points, respectively, wile pulling down two rebounds each.
The series now shifts back to South Florida, where the two teams will reconvene for Game 5 on Tuesday night.
The 76ers (2-2) came into the night looking to replicate their stellar Game 3 defensive performance, but also expecting a much better showing from the Heat (2-2) after limiting them to 79 points Friday night. Miami did indeed open the game in much more competitive fashion, racking up 56 first-half points but still falling behind by eight points by intermission. The visitors' best quarter of the game was the third -- which saw them cut their deficit in half -- but after getting as close as within six with 2:50 remaining, Philadelphia managed to pull away for the eight-point victory.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 40 points, adding six assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Bam Adebayo furnished 21 points, seven boards and four assists. Victor Oladipo supplied 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. Tyler Herro generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals.
James Harden enjoyed his best game of the postseason, leading the 76ers with 31 points and adding nine assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Joel Embiid posted a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Tyrese Maxey delivered 18 points, four assists and three rebounds. Tobias Harris posted 13 points, four assists, three boards and two steals. Danny Green and Georges Niang tallied 11 and 10 points, respectively, wile pulling down two rebounds each.
The series now shifts back to South Florida, where the two teams will reconvene for Game 5 on Tuesday night.