By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
ANKARA (AA) – The Toronto Raptors defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in an away match on Sunday to tie the Eastern Conference semi-finals series at two apiece.
The Raptors beat the 76ers 101-96 behind Kawhi Leonard's 39 points. Leonard scored a clutch three-pointer with 1:01 left to play in the game to lift his team against the 76ers.
The 76ers lost home court advantage with the defeat.
Leonard shot 13/20 from the field, pulled down 14 rebounds and dished out 5 assists as well.
Jimmy Butler scored 29 and JJ Redick had 19 for Philadelphia, while the team is craving for another Eastern Conference Finals appearance for the first time since 2001 when Allen Iverson carried the team into the Finals.
The pivotal Game 5 will be played on Tuesday in Toronto.
– Nuggets tie series at 2-2 against Blazers
The Denver Nuggets was the other winner of the evening as they beat the Portland Trail Blazers 116-112 to tie the Western Conference semi-finals series at 2-2.
While Jamal Murray scored 34 points for a game-high to lead his team, Nikola Jokic had 21 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for his second straight triple-double.
For the Blazers, CJ McCollum had 29 points and Damian Lillard added 28 but it was not enough to take a commanding 3-1 lead.
– Rockets grab first win against Warriors in series
The Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 126-121 in overtime on Saturday to cut reigning champions' series lead to 2-1 in the Western Conference semi-finals.
James Harden scored 41 points, including a tough three-pointer at the end of the overtime to carry his team to victory.
Kevin Durant led all scored with 46 points, but the Rockets managed to withstand.
Here is the latest in the NBA Playoffs:
Eastern Conference:
(1) Milwaukee Bucks 2-1 Boston Celtics (4)
(2) Toronto Raptors 2-2 Philadelphia 76ers (3)
Western Conference:
(1) Golden State Warriors 2-1 Houston Rockets (4)
(2) Denver Nuggets 2-2 Portland Trail Blazers (3)
