Celtics 132, Magic 96
Trail Blazers 141, Cavaliers 105
Grizzlies 139, Timberwolves 135
Bucks 135, Wizards 134
Hawks 135, Suns 103
Kings 104, Pacers 93
76ers 135, Rockets 115
Nuggets 113, Knicks 97
Jazz 126, Spurs 94
What went down
There’s shop talk about the Wizards being one of the teams you wouldn’t want to face in the play-in tournament. After their game against the Bucks on Thursday, they’re definitely that kind of squad.
The Bucks won 135-134, but the victory didn’t come easy. Even though it was the third seed against the 10th, it had a feel of a playoff game. The two proud teams were sharpening their swords before the postseason.
And the stars came out too. Jrue Holiday led the Bucks with 29 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while also being a pest on the defensive end. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a 23-9-8 line before fouling out.
On the Wizards’ side, Bradley Beal exploded for 42 points, going 14-for-24 from the field. Beal now has the most 40-point games in franchise history, surpassing Gilbert Arenas. Russell Westbrook, meanwhile, racked up another triple-double with his 29-point, 12-rebound, 17-assist performance.
The Bucks are well on their way to the playoffs as a top team in the East. The Wizards, despite their 30-36 record, is a dangerous team should they enter the play-in.
Big-time baller
Rookie of the Year candidate Anthony Edwards went toe-to-toe with last year’s ROY winner Ja Morant in a furious battle.
The Grizzlies won behind Morant’s 37 points and 10 assists but Edwards gets the slight edge here. The Ant Man tied his career-high of 42 points and went berserk from the 3-point line, hitting 8-of-9 shots. He shot 77.3 percent overall from the field and contributed six boards and seven dimes.
Is Edwards a lock for ROY? Well, this game surely helps his cause. And his team definitely thinks he’s the best rookie this year.
42 POINTS.
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 6, 2021
6 REB.
7 AST.
17-22 FG.
8-9 3PT.
THIS IS YOUR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, @NBA. pic.twitter.com/3TjOv5ifGY
What he said
Indiana Pacers coach Nate Bjorkgren took the high road and humbly addressed the report that his future with the team was “uncertain due to issues with players and staff.”
''You know I don't make excuses for things. I'm a young coach. I'm learning, I'm growing and I'm trying to be better. This is on me. I'm the head coach and fingers should be pointed at me. I love coaching this team and the relationships with these coaches and players, I've just got to keep getting better.''
Did you see that?
Looks like Jordan Clarkson’s Sixth Man of the Year campaign is as strong as ever. The Fil-Am guard came off the bench and once again scorched the scoreboard. He had a game-high 30 points on 12-for-16 shooting along with six rebounds and four assists in less than 25 minutes.
may we offer you a 𝚂𝙸𝚇𝚃𝙷 𝙼𝙰𝙽 𝙾𝙵 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚈𝙴𝙰𝚁 during this trying time? pic.twitter.com/WGq3wS0NvZ
— utahjazz (@utahjazz) May 6, 2021
