NBA Playoffs results round-up

Results from 20 April 2010

Western Conference First Round:

Los Angeles Lakers (1) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (8)

A magnificent 39 point performance from Lakers’ star Kobe Bryant ensured Los Angeles came out on top in a very tense battle at the Staples Centre in front of a star-studded crowd. David Beckham, Kid Rock, Charlize Theron and Jack Nicholson were all in the crowd to see the Lakers win 95-92, which gives them a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Thunder power forward Jeff Green missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer that would have taken the game to overtime but it was an encouraging performance by the young team led by small forward Kevin Durant who had 32 points. Spanish power forward Pau Gasol was also influential for the Lakers as he recorded his second double-double of the series with 25 points and 12 rebounds.

Next match: Thursday 22nd April

Phoenix Suns (3) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (6)

Jason Richardson hit four three-pointers in his 29 points as the Phoenix Suns thrashed the Trail Blazers to draw the series level at 1-1. The Suns won every quarter in a dominating 119-90 win with Canadian points guard Steve Nash dishing out 16 assists. Veterans Andre Miller and Marcus Camby were crucial in the Blazers win over the Suns on Sunday but combined for just 18 points last night as the Phoenix ran them ragged. Power forward Amare Stoudemire (18 points) and small forward Grant Hill (20 points) ably assisted Richardson and Nash as the Suns cruised to victory.

Next match: Thursday 22nd April

Eastern Conference First Round:

Boston Celtics (4) vs. Miami Heat (5)

Celtics star Ray Allen was on fire as Boston destroyed the Miami Heat to take a 2-0 lead in the best of seven series. Allen scored on nine of his 11 field goal attempts, including seven three-pointers as he led the Celtics with 25 points. Boston were without suspended power forward Kevin Garnett but Glen Davis filled in brilliantly for the former MVP with 23 points and eight rebounds. Not even 29 points from All Star Dwyane Wade kept the Heat close as they were beaten 106-77.

Next match: Friday 23rd April

Atlanta Hawks (3) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (6)

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