By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Awesome night for Joel Embiid, who pushed the Philadelphia 76ers to the 115-103 win against the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of their Second Round series, giving his team the 3-2 lead. The 2022-23 NBA MVP had a monster night with 33 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks.
“It’s not over. We have to get one more. All of us. We have to show up. What we did tonight, it’s easier said than done. But we have to do it again”, Joel Embiid said following the victory, being the only Philadelphia 76ers player in history to be behind Allen Iverson in 30-point games in the NBA Playoffs.
James Harden went close to a triple-double with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Tyrese Maxey took over with one of his best NBA Playoffs performances, ending the game with 30 points and 7 rebounds. “Don’t think too much of it, just go out there and play our brand of basketball”, the Beard stated.
On the other end, Jayson Tatum gave his all on the home court to push Boston, putting up a double-double of 36 points and 10 rebounds, while also dishing 5 assists. “I think we just didn’t have it today”, he commented. Jaylen Brown added 24 points and 6 rebounds.
Elsewhere, Nikola Jokic had yet again another monster performance in the series against the Phoenix Suns. After dropping a 53-point losing effort in Game 4, the Joker had another triple-double in Game 5, pushing his team to the 118-102 win and the 3-2 lead in the series.
The Serbian superstar had 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists to lead Mike Malone’s side, becoming the first center with at least 10 triple-doubles in NBA Playoffs history. “To be honest, I just like to win the game, so whatever it takes. If we play the way we did today, we’re going to have a chance”, he said about potentially booking a ticket to the Western Conference Finals in Game 6.
He was followed by Bruce Brown’s 25 points off the bench, while Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. added 19 points each. On the losing side, Kevin Durant went also close to a triple-double with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, but Devin Booker was Phoenix’s highest scorer with 28.
“Yeah. I’ve been in here a couple of times now. I love it. Every game has its own character. Every game is its own movie, its own different preparation, and everything to go with it. We’re going watch over the film, see how we can be better for Game 6”, the 26-year-old Kentucky product said following the loss.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images