NBA playoffs schedule and results: Nets even series with Hawks while Bucks, Blazers stay alive

Lillard was awful in the first two games in Memphis, shooting just 10-of-37 overall and 1-of-11 from three. The point guard improved in Game 3 by shooting 9-of-17, but he still struggled in individual matchups against Conley. In the first three games of the series, Lillard shot a dismal 6-of-19 overall and 1-of-9 from three-point range when defended by Conley, per SportVU.

Lillard also had success driving the ball to the basket in Game 4. Lillard received 40 screens as the ball handler and Portland scored 1.34 points per possession on those plays, per SportVU. Again, not having Conley around to play strong defense and disrupt some of those screens played a role in the Blazers’ improved offense.

We love Giannis. You love Giannis. Jimmy Butler, apparently, does not love Giannis. This is a two part story:

a) Butler denies Giannis’ dribble penetration:

Meanwhile, at Capitals vs. Islanders Game 7:

NOTHING STOPS PAUL PIERCE FROM BEING PAUL PIERCE. NOT EVEN HOCKEY.

The Nets’ Deron Williams did this to the Hawks during Game 4 on Monday night:

It’s nice of Williams to finally show up. He’s been abysmal so far in this series, averaging 7.8 PPG and shooting 35 percent. He had two points in Game 2 and three points in Game 3, though, so he’s been trending up!

That kind of inefficient shooting plays right into the Grizzlies’ hands, and while Game 3 was a bit closer, the first two games were ugly.

Now the injuries are catching up to the Grizzlies, too, with Conley missing time after starting the series out hampered by a foot injury. Memphis has never had its star point guard at 100 percent while taking a 3-0 series lead, and now it’ll have to finish things off without him entirely.