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NBA playoffs scores, takeaways: Wolves complete the sweep over Suns, Jalen Brunson gives Knicks 3-1 lead

The 2024 NBA playoffs stormed back into action Sunday with eight teams competing in Game 4s. The Mavericks tied the largest comeback in NBA playoffs history when they erased the Clippers' 31-point advantage and briefly held the lead late in the fourth quarter. But that was as close as they would get. Paul George sizzled in the first half and finished with 33 points, James Harden added 33 and Los Angeles pulled out a 116-11 win to tie the series 2-2.

In the opener on Sunday, Jalen Brunson got the playoff party started and scored 47 points to set a franchise playoff record as the Knicks held on for a 97-92 win in Philadelphia to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Sixers. 

With a 126-113 win over the Bucks, the Pacers have pushed Milwaukee to the brink of elimination with a commanding 3-1 series lead. Things got spicy early when Bobby Portis found himself ejected after a scrap with Andrew Nembhard

In Sunday's finale, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves completed the sweep against Kevin Durant and the Suns. It is Minnesota's first playoff series victory in 20 years. Despite head coach Chris Finch's abrupt exit due to injury, the Timberwolves held on to win 122-116. 

Here is a recap of the final scores from Sunday's action, along with a few takeaways from the night:

NBA playoffs scores: Sunday, April 28

  • Game 4: Knicks 97, 76ers 92 (NY leads 3-1) -- Recap
  • Game 4: Clippers 116, Mavericks 111 (Series tied 2-2) -- Recap
  • Game 4: Pacers 126, Bucks 113 (IND leads 3-1) -- Recap
  • Game 4: Timberwolves 122, Suns 116 (MIN wins series 4-0) -- Recap

Takeaways from Sunday night

Brunson's burner

As if Jalen Brunson could become any more of a legend in Knicks world, he went out and set a franchise record with 47 points in New York's Game 4 win on Sunday, putting his team one victory away from a conference semifinal appearance. The All-Star point guard went 18-for-34 from the field, 9-for-11 from the free throw line and scored 24 points in the second half to lead the Knicks to victory.

After struggling to start the series, Brunson has clearly found his rhythm, and the 76ers will have to rethink their approach if they're going to avoid elimination on Tuesday night.

Harden comes up clutch

In a game that was all Clippers early, the Mavericks fought all the way back from 31 points down to take the lead late in Game 4 on Sunday. That's when James Harden decided to take control, scoring 13 points in the final five minutes, almost entirely off of floaters in the lane.

Harden's had plenty of postseason moments to forget over the course of his Hall of Fame career, so clutch performances like this stand out. Kawhi Leonard might not return in this series, so the Clippers are going to need much more production from Harden and Paul George if they're going to survive in a tied series heading back to Los Angeles.

Short-handed Bucks fall ... short

The Bucks were already fighting an uphill battle in Sunday's Game 4 with both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard out with injuries. Things got more complicated in the second quarter, when Bobby Portis was ejected following an altercation with Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard.

Milwaukee fought hard to keep things close, but they eventually ran out of gas, despite 27 points and nine rebounds from Brook Lopez and 25 points and 10 rebounds from Khris Middleton. The Pacers now sit one win away from advancing to the second round, with the status of Milwaukee's top two players still up in the air.

Edwards powers Wolves sweep

The Phoenix Suns have officially been sent packing. The Timberwolves became the first team to punch their ticket to the conference semifinals with an impressive win on Sunday in Phoenix. Anthony Edwards was the story of the game, pouring in 40 points, 31 of which came in the second half, while making spectacular plays on both ends along the way.

It was the first playoff series win for the Timberwolves in 20 years, and they now advance to play the winner of the Denver Nuggets-Los Angeles Lakers series. Meanwhile, the Suns are going to have a lot of questions this offseason with a top-heavy roster that clearly wasn't good enough to compete for a title.

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Final: Timberwolves 122, Suns 116

(Wolves win series 4-0)

In what was expected to be one of the most competitive series of the first round, perhaps even resulting in an upset, the Minnesota Timberwolves became the first NBA team to punch their ticket to the conference semifinals by completing a sweep of the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant did all they could to keep the Suns' season alive, combining for 82 points on 38 shots, but Anthony Edwards would have none of that.

The budding superstar absolutely took over down the stretch, making shots from all conceivable angles, blocking Booker's dunk attempt and throwing down yet another jaw-dropping poster dunk.

Edwards finished with 40 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns provided support with 28 points and 10 rebounds on 4-for-6 3-point shooting.

The Wolves move on to face the winner of the Denver Nuggets-Los Angeles Lakers series, which the Nuggets lead 3-1. It's the first time in 20 years that the Wolves have made it to the second round of the playoffs. As for the Suns, the questions will come fast and furious this offseason about a roster construction that was meant to win now, but has just been eliminated in borderline embarrassing fashion.  

 
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Pacers outlast shorthanded Bucks to take 3-1 lead

The Indiana Pacers pulled away in the second half on Sunday night to beat the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks, 126-113, in Game 4 of their first-round series. With their third consecutive win, the Pacers now have a 3-1 lead and are one win away from their first playoff series victory since 2014. 

Milwaukee entered the game without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Damian Lillard (Achilles), then lost Bobby Portis to an ejection mid-way through the first quarter. Despite all of those absences, they battled hard and made just about every shot in the first half. Ultimately, though, they were unable to keep up with the Pacers. 

Indiana was also on fire and made a franchise playoff-record 22 3-pointers. Myles Turner led the way with seven 3s en route to 29 points, and seven different players hit at least one shot from behind the arc for the Pacers. As a team, they shot 51.7% from the field overall and assisted on 33 of their 46 buckets. 

The series will now shift to Milwaukee for Game 5 on Tuesday night. 

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Clippers outlast Mavericks late surge to tie series at 2-2

After leading by 31 points in the first half, the Clippers avoided an epic collapse in the second half after Dallas fought all the way back in the fourth quarter thanks to clutch shooting from James Harden down the stretch. Harden finished with 33 points in the win, while Paul George added on another 33 points of his own. It was a gutsy win from L.A. who were without Kawhi Leonard due to knee inflammation, and avoided going down 3-1 in the series. Instead, the Clippers now head back to Los Angeles with the series tied at 2-2 and a chance to regain the momentum against the Mavericks.

The Mavericks were no shows in the first half, but Kyrie Irving turned in a masterful performance racking up 40 points in the loss. Luka Doncic had 29 points, but even after regaining the lead for a moment in the fourth quarter, the Mavericks couldn't slow down Harden in the closing minutes. Dallas squandered a huge opportunity Sunday afternoon, and instead of heading to L.A. with the chance to close out the Clippers, they'll now go back to Crypto.com Arena for Wednesday's Game 5 with the series all tied up.

 
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Knicks take commanding 3-1 series lead

It sure did look like the Sixers were on pace to tie this series up Sunday afternoon. Four of Philly's five starters scored in double figures, Embiid was his usual MVP self, and the Knicks struggled with efficiency for most of the game. But Jalen Brunson just wouldn't let the Knicks quit in their 97-92 victory. The All-Star guard posted a playoff career-high -- and franchise playoff-high -- 47 points as well as 10 assists. He literally willed New York to a win. 

The Knicks were relentless on the offensive glass, with a 21-8 advantage in second-chance opportunities. They held the Sixers to just 16 fourth-quarter points to squeeze out a win. The Knicks will now have a chance to close out this series at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

Some notable stats:

  • Jalen Brunson: 47 points (18-34 FG, 2-8 3PT, 9-11 FT), 4 rebounds, 10 assists in 43 minutes
  • OG Anunoby: 16 points (8-16 FG, 0-4 3PT, 0-0 FT), 14 rebounds, 3 blocks in 46 minutes
  • Joel Embiid: 27 points (7-19 FG, 1-6 3PT, 12-14 FT), 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks in 43 minutes
  • Tyrese Maxey: 23 points (8-21 FG, 3-9 3PT, 4-4 FT), 6 rebounds, 6 assists in 41 minutes
 

Chris Finch down with injury

Wolves point guard Mike Conley was pushed toward the sideline during action and collided with head coach Chris Finch, who immediately went down in pain. After several moments on the floor, Finch walked to the locker room with assistance. It looks like Minnesota will have to finish this one without him.

 

No answer for Edwards

Whether it's offense or defense, Anthony Edwards has taken over this game. He's knocking down fadeaway jumpers and came up with a huge block at the rim against Devin Booker. It looks like Ant smells blood in the water and is doing everything in his power to get the sweep.

 

End of 3rd quarter - Suns 92, Timberwolves 90

  • Kevin Durant: 31 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast, 4 blk
  • Devin Booker: 37 pts, 6 reb, 4 reb
  • Karl-Anthony Towns: 26 pts, 9 reb, 4-5 3P
  • Anthony Edwards: 24 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast, 7-15 FG
 

Master efficiency from KD and Book

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker have combined for 66 points so far this game on just 28 shots -- almost unthinkable efficiency for the stakes and the fact that they're playing the league's No. 1 defense. The Wolves have found no answers thus far, and will need to slow down the two superstars if they're going to close out the series tonight.

 

Edwards going off

After a slow start, Anthony Edwards has 14 points in the third quarter to bring his total to 23 for the game. He's attempting to match Devin Booker, who has a ridiculous 33 points on 14 shots.

 

Halftime - Suns 61, Timberwolves 56

  • Kevin Durant: 20 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast, 3 blk
  • Devin Booker: 19 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast
  • Karl-Anthony Towns: 15 pts, 5 reb, 3-3 3P
  • Anthony Edwards: 9 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast, 2-8 FG
 

Edwards ice cold

While Kevin Durant and Devin Booker light it up on the other side, Anthony Edwards has yet to get going in Game 4. He's 0 for 5 from the field and has just three points, with all but one of his shot attempts coming from 3-point range. The Wolves have also been frigid from long distance, going 1 for 11 from 3-point range. In some ways, they have to be encouraged that the game is tied, knowing that their superstar will eventually get going and the 3s will start falling.

 

Wolves living at the line

Frank Vogel can't be happy about the Timberwolves' 15(!) free throw attempts in the first quarter. That being said, the Suns are still only down by a point. Bradley Beal's three fouls aren't ideal, but Kevin Durant and Devin Booker both have zero, so Phoenix can stay afloat offensively.

 

Turner throws down a huge slam

Myles Turner is best-known for his 3-point shooting and rim protection, but he showed off his dunking ability in the third quarter of Game 4. Running the break as a trailer, he took a drop-off dish from TJ McConnel and rose up for a thunderous slam over Brook Lopez. 

 

Middleton staying in despite ankle problem

The Bucks' injury problems just will not relent. Already without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, they now have a hobbled Khris Middleton. He landed wrong after a reverse layup attempt and immediately hobbled off the court and back towards the locker room. 

While he has since come back into the game, we'll see how he fares on a bum ankle. 

 

Bucks sticking around with incredible shooting

The Pacers were heavily favored coming into this game, and when Bobby Portis was ejected early in the first quarter it only increased their chances to win. The Bucks, though, are refusing to give up without a fight. They're within three points at the break thanks to some unbelievable shooting. 

They are 28-of-49 (59.6%) in the first half, and have been dominating in the paint and from the mid-range. They already have 32 paint points and are 7-of-12 on mid-range jumpers. Will they be able to keep that up in the second half? 

 

Portis ejected after scuffle with Nembhard

These teams developed a real rivalry this season and we've seen tempers flare here in the middle of the first quarter. Bobby Portis and Andrew Nembhard got tangled up during a box out and exchanged shoves before Portis then lashed out and gave an extra slap to Nembhard's head. 

The referees went to the monitor to review the situation and gave each of them a technical foul for the initial shove. Portis then received an extra technical for the hit to Nembhard's head and as such was ejected from the game. Huge loss for the Bucks, who are already without Antetokounmpo and Lillard. 

 

Antetokounmpo and Lillard out, Haliburton in

Here is the injury update for tonight's game:

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo remains out due to a calf strain that he suffered on April 9
  • Damian Lillard is out after re-aggravating an Achilles tendon injury in the closing seconds of regulation of Game 3
  • Tyrese Haliburotn is in despite dealing with back spasms
 

Mavericks take first lead since first quarter after being down 31 points

Somehow, some way the Mavericks are leading 105-104 with 2:14 left in the game, after falling behind by 31 points. Kyrie Irving has hit back-to-back clutch buckets for Dallas to put his team ahead by one point. He has 38 points on the afternoon, but none more important than the last two shots.

 

Mavericks knocking on door after falling behind by 31 points

This game looked over after the first half. The Clippers got up to a 31-point lead, Paul George couldn't miss and the Mavericks looked stuck in the mud. But suddenly at the end of the third quarter the Mavericks are down just 82-78. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have combined for 46 points, and after a strong first half Paul George has been held to just two points so far. It's setting up to be an exciting fourth quarter as Dallas has finally woken up here. 

 

Mavericks responding in the third quarter

After a disastrous first half in which the Clippers built up a 31-point lead, the Mavericks have cut L.A.'s lead down to 10 points three minutes into the third quarter. Dallas has tightened up on defense, Luka Doncic is starting to make shots and Dallas is in a far better position to make a comeback in this game. 

 

Clippers walking all over Mavericks at halftime

Paul George has 26 points, James Harden has 18 points and the Clippers are dominating the Mavericks in Game 4. Dallas looks utterly shellshocked, and find themselves down 66-49 at halftime. We've seen big leads evaporate before, and Kyrie Irving is doing his best to give Dallas a fighting chance after putting up 15 points in the first half, but L.A. has been lights out to open this game. Certainly not how Jason Kidd wanted his team to respond after a dominate Game 3 performance, so we'll have to see what adjustments they make at halftime. 

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Repeat of Game 1 happening in Dallas

The Clippers are without Kawhi Leonard and yet here they are in Game 4 blowing out the Mavericks. Paul George has more points (16) than Dallas has in the first quarter (15). The Mavericks have a real opportunity to take a commanding lead in this series and looks like they're squandering it. Obviously still a lot of time left in this one, but things aren't looking good for Dallas. 

 

Clippers at Mavericks Game 4 info

We're minutes away from tip-off in Dallas. Here's how to watch Game 4.

  • Date: Sunday, April 28 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: American Airlines Center -- Dallas
  • TV channel: ABC | Live streamfubo (try for free)
  • Odds: Mavericks -5.5; O/U 209.5
Getty Images
 

Clippers at Mavericks storylines

Mavericks: Luka Doncic has been leading the Mavericks, but he's been rather inefficient in doing so. It's not super alarming, but he's shooting just 37.7% from the field and 30% from deep. The 3-pointer clearly isn't falling for him, and yet in Game 2, he settled for some poor shots from deep despite going 3 of 14 from beyond the arc. Dallas needs him to be a bit smarter in his shot selection, especially when the 3-ball isn't falling. Doncic is still turning in elite performances, and he continues to put in a great deal of effort defensively, but if the Mavericks want to go on a deep run they'll need him to start upping his efficiency.

Clippers: With Kawhi Leonard ruled out of Game 4 with knee inflammation, the Clippers can't afford for someone like Paul George to have an off night. James Harden did his job, but he didn't get much help elsewhere in the starting lineup. Norman Powell had 21 points off the bench, but that won't do it against a Mavericks team that has all the momentum heading into Game 4.

Getty Images
 

Brunson back in the game after heading back to locker room

After what looked like a scary injury to end the third quarter that forced Brunson to go back to the locker room, the All-Star guard is checking back into the game. That's a huge sigh of relief for the Knicks who are relying heavily on Brunson's scoring ability to win this game.

 

Jalen Brunson back to locker room after third quarter

After fighting tooth and nail to get the Knicks a lead in the closing seconds of the third quarter, Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson went back to the locker room following the last possession of the third quarter. It's unclear exactly what happened, but it appears as though Brunson hurt his right leg. 

USATSI
 

Brunson has the Knicks ahead 77-76 at end of third quarter

It's been a thrilling three quarters between the Knicks and Sixers, and Jalen Brunson's late and-1 to end the third quarter has the Knicks out front by one point with 12 minutes left to play. The Knick were down by as much as 12 points, but Brunson just won't let the Knicks quit. He's up to 38 points, while Joel Embiid is leading the Sixers with 26 points. It should be an exciting finish to this game with both teams trading big shots and leads every possession. 

 

Bogdanovic downgraded to OUT for remainder to game

Bogdanovic tweaked his foot in the first minute of the second quarter, and was previously questionable to return. He's now out for the remainder of the game with a left ankle contusion. 

 

Halftime: Sixers up 49-47 vs. Knicks

The Knicks turned their poor first-quarter performance around behind Jalen Brunson, who is up to 23 points at halftime. Miles McBride is also giving the Knicks a jolt off the bench, putting up eight points on 2 of 3 from deep in 14 minutes of action in the first half. But the Sixers managed to hang onto a slim two-point lead. Embiid slowed down in the second quarter after putting up 10 points in the first frame, but his teammates carried the load, with Tyrese Maxey totaling 13 points at halftime. 

While Brunson took over to keep the Knicks close in the first half, he's not getting a ton of help from his teammates. Donte DiVincenzo is 0 for 4 from the floor, and Josh Hart has just one point. That's not going to cut it in the second half, even if the Sixers are shooting just 36.4% from the floor.

 

Bogdanovic questionable to return with left foot contusion

After exiting the game just one minute into the second quarter, Bogdanovic is now questionable to return to the game. His left foot got caught under Tobias Harris after both dove for a loose ball, and Bogdanovic immediately began grabbing at his foot. Bogdanovic hasn't been a huge factor for the Knicks, but with the number of injuries they've been dealing with this series, not having him as an option in the rotation is obviously a loss.

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