NBA PLAYOFFS RECAP
Photo: NBCSports
It was a stare-down that caused quite the buzz early in the third quarter of Monday night's playoffs. After Milwaukee Bucks star, Giannis Antetokounmpo slam dunked on Al Horford, the two exchanged a gaze and a few words that quickly resulted in a technical foul against Antetokounmpo. When asked during a press conference about the context of what he said, Horford claims he didn't know revealing it after the game,
"I didn't make out what he said, but the way he looked at me didn't sit well with me," said Horford. "That got me going."
In other words, it was the stare-down for him. And Horford did not back down, as the next quarter, he returned the favor. After a powerful pump fake, Horford inadvertently hit Antetokounmpo, as he went to the rim and slam dunked on the two-time MVP. Emotions were high following the play as Horford let out a scream that shook the arena. Despite Horford receiving a technical foul for the aggressive play, the momentum was clearly in Boston's hands as they finished up game 4 with a 116-108 victory tying the series 2-2. Celtics, Marcus Smart shared that play is what they needed to intensify the game
Photo: NBCSports
"It's a big-time play in a big-time moment," Smart said. "It's a physical game. We were on the other end a couple times, so it felt kind of good to have that one. "
It's clear Horford's performance helped seal the win finishing with 30 pts, a playoff-high in his career, but the dunk truly made headlines. Star player, Jayson Tatum added his view of Horford's play changed the tone of the game.
"That was a hell of a play," Tatum said. "Especially anytime Al turns back the clock and he looks like his old self; it gets everybody off the bench. Al plays with so much passion. When Al is playing with passion like that, everybody else has to follow."
While Boston takes the dub, this series is nowhere close to being a takeaway for either team. On Wednesday the two will face off again to see who will advance to 3 wins.
San Francisco - Despite head coach, Steve Kerr getting ruled out for the game due to COVID-19 just before tip-off, the Warriors took a 3-1 lead on the Grizzlies after finishing game 4 with 101-98. Assistant coach Mike Brown filled in and it was a competitive game as the score remained close. While struggling to shoot threes, in the fourth quarter the Warriors trailed 69-62 after Desmond Bane's 3-pointer beat the buzzer. Ultimately both teams struggled shooting 3s, The Grizzlies were 9 of 35 on 3s. The Warriors started 0 for 15 from deep right before half-time. In the end, it was the Warriors who were on top after vital performances from Steph Curry, who balled out with 32 pts, five rebounds, and eight assists, Wiggins who totaled 17 pts, 10 rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and one steal, and Thompson who put up 14pts, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.
Despite Memphis' star player Ja Maront being out facing an injury, Tyrus Jones stepped up to the plate and had 19 pts, six rebounds, and five assists. In great efforts, Memphis still fell short as Golden State takes a 3-1 lead in the series. Can the Grizzlies make a comeback? Safe to say we'll be glued to the screens on Wednesday night.
Photo: ESPN
