PHILADELPHIA — The 76ers are one win away from forcing a Game 7. Joel Embiid poured in 33 points and Tyrese Maxey added 25 points and 10 rebounds as Philadelphia defeated Boston 115-103 on Tuesday night, trimming the Celtics’ series lead to 3-2.
The Sixers dominated the fourth quarter 28-11 and held Boston without a field goal on its final 14 attempts. Embiid, who attacked the paint more aggressively down the stretch, said afterward, “Obviously you don’t want to go home, so you do whatever it takes.” Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday at Wells Fargo Center.
Durant ruled out again for Rockets
HOUSTON — Kevin Durant will miss a third straight game with a left ankle sprain and has been ruled out for Wednesday’s Game 5 against the Lakers. Houston trails the first-round series 3-1.
Durant did not practice Tuesday but completed light work on an anti-gravity treadmill before the team traveled to Los Angeles, signaling an effort to return if the series extends. The forward logged heavy minutes during the regular season and has already missed multiple postseason contests. Houston won Game 4 without him, yet faces elimination at Crypto.com Arena without its leading scorer.
Hawks reeling after back-to-back blowouts
NEW YORK — A once-promising series has turned sharply against Atlanta. The Hawks now trail 3-2 after the Knicks rolled to a 121-91 victory in Game 5. Jalen Brunson scored 39 points, and New York led by as many as 32.
“I just think that their mindset was to come out and try to bully us and be physical, and they did that,” Hawks guard Dyson Daniels said. Rebounding, pace and overall physicality have tilted toward the Knicks, who head to State Farm Arena for Thursday’s Game 6 with a chance to close out the series.
Source: Hoops Wire
