In Game 1 of the Conference Semifinal of the NBA Playoffs, the home teams prevail.
The Cleveland Cavs hold the lead for less than 20 seconds in the first quarter, for the rest it is a green and white solo in the first match between Cleveland and Boston. Thanks to an excellent 18/46 from beyond the arc, the hosts dominate a game in which both contenders have to do without their starting centers (Allen and Porzingis).
After a first quarter with wide baskets (74 points combined between the two teams), the Celtics conceded only 61 points in the remaining 36 minutes.
Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday night.
Cleveland Cavs @ Boston celtics: 95-120
Cavs: Mitchell 33, Mobley 17 + 13 rimbalzi, Garland 14.
Celtics: Brown 32, White 25, Tatum 18 + 11 rimbalzi.
Lu Dort keeps good guard over Luka Doncic, held to 19 points with 6/19 from the field, in the match won by OKC against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavs win the rebounding battle (52-39) but shoot a very weak 39.3% from the field, drawing the first period and losing the other three.
Playoffs record for Oklahoma City with 29 assists and the first half closed at +9, with Dallas making up for it thanks to a 12-4 run to open the second half; from then on it is 51-30 for the home team, who will also host Game 2 next Thursday.
Dallas Mavericks @ Oklahoma City Thunder 95-117
Mavs: Irving 20, Doncic 19, Gafford 16 + 11 rebounds.
OKC: Gilgeous-Alexander 29, Holmgrem 19, Jal. Williams 18.