Hawks level series with Wizards, Raptors in command over Bucks

LOS ANGELES, USA – Dennis Schroder shook off a slow start to score 18 points in the Atlanta Hawks’ 111-101 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday, April 24 that knotted their NBA playoff series at two games apiece.

Germany’s Schroder drained two 3-pointers, made a jump shot and a driving layup in the final 4 minutes as the Hawks thwarted a Wizards comeback bid in Atlanta.

The Hawks and Wizards are now assured of going at least 6 games, with game 5 on Wednesday in Washington.

Schroder was key for the Hawks. Despite falling into early foul trouble and going scoreless in the first half he finished by making 6 of 15 shots from the field and all 4 of his free throw attempts, along with grabbing 3 rebounds.

Paul Millsap led the Hawks with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, winning the showdown with the Wizards’ Markieff Morris, who called the Atlanta forward a “crybaby” after game 3.

Morris had 9 points for the Wizards, who were led by Bradley Beal’s 32.

Washington star John Wall scored a series-low 22 points and added 10 assists and 5 rebounds.

Raptors seize control

In Toronto, the Raptors took a commanding 3-2 series lead over the Milwaukee Bucks with a 118-93 victory.

Norman Powell, starting for the second time in the best-of-7 Eastern Conference first-round series, scored 25 points for the Raptors, who took a 3-2 lead and will try to clinch the series in Milwaukee on Thursday.

The winners of the series will take on the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers, who swept their series against the Indiana Pacers.

The Cavaliers beat the Raptors in the Eastern Conference finals last season.

Kyle Lowry added 16 points and 10 assists for the Raptors. Serge Ibaka contributed 19 points, DeMar DeRozan had 18, DeMarre Carroll added 12 and Cory Joseph scored 10 off the bench.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 30 points and nine rebounds. Malcolm Brogdon added 19 points and Greg Monroe had 11.

The Raptors got off to a strong start, using a 17-0 first-quarter run to take a 26-11 lead.

Milwaukee responded with a 9-0 run, but the Raptors were up 31-20 at the end of the first period.

Toronto led by as many as 19 before taking a 57-48 lead into halftime. – Rappler.com