By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Domantas Sabonis was the driving force for the Indiana Pacers in the 144-117 victory on Tuesday. His side qualified for the next round of the 2021 NBA Play-In Tournament eliminating the visitors in the process. The Lithuanian big, initially questionable due to bruised left quadriceps, produced 14 points, 21 rebounds, and nine assists.
Georgian reserve, Goga Bitadze posted a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double alongside three blocks, one assist, and one steal coming off the bench. Additional European held came in handy as the Pacers were missing Caris LeVert, Myles Turner, T.J. Warren, and Jeremy Lamb, while Gordon Hayward and Cody Martin were out for Charlotte.
The Boston Celtics clinched a playoff berth and the seventh seed thanks to the home win, 118-100, against the Washington Wizards. They will take on the second-seed Brooklyn Nets. The losing side will host the Pacers Thursday for the eighth seed meaning a best-of-seven series versus the Philadelphia 76ers.
French Evan Fournier registered eight points, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal. A big-time performance by Jayson Tatum pouring 32 of his 50 points after the break was the difference-maker. The guests had Ukrainian Alex Len at five points and Latvian Davis Bertans at four points.
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