SECOND HELPING
Celtics win again in Chicago, even series
Isaiah Thomas is playing through tears after the death of his sister, drawing strength from the rest of the Celtics. They found another gear in Chicago.
Thomas scored 33 points, and the Celtics beat the Bulls 104-95 on Sunday to tie their first-round playoff series at 2-all.
“Mentally and emotionally, I’m not here so I just feed off what the guys give me,” Thomas said. “They give me a lot of confidence. I can’t do it without those guys. They believe in me and being here is what makes me feel sane and somewhat normal through these tough times.”
Thomas’ life changed just over a week ago when his younger sister Chyna was killed in a one-car crash in their home state of Washington.
Thomas keyed a third- quarter run after the Bulls wiped out a 20-point deficit and briefly went ahead, helping top-seeded Boston return the favor in Chicago after dropping the first two games at home.
Gerald Green made four 3pointers on his way to 18 points. Al Horford added 15 points and 12 rebounds, and the Celtics pulled even in a series that was in danger of becoming a rout. Game 5 is Wednesday in Boston.
Jimmy Butler had 33 points and nine assists for the Bulls.
Rockets 113, Thunder 109
In Oklahoma City, Nene scored 28 points on perfect shooting from the field, and the Rockets took a 3-1 lead in the series.
The 6-foot-11 center made all 12 of his shots and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was an impressive performance from a reserve who averaged about nine points per game in the regular season.
James Harden tallied 16 points on 5-for-16 shooting. Eric Gordon and Lou Williams each scored 18 points.
Houston can close out the series Tuesday at home.
Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook had a tripledouble by halftime and finished with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists. The Thunder said Westbrook joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to claim three consecutive playoff triple-doubles.
Cavaliers 106, Pacers 102
In Indianapolis, LeBron James made a 3-pointer with 68 seconds left and the Cavaliers hung on for a seriesclinching victory.
James tallied 33 points and 10 rebounds as he became the first player under the current playoff format to win 21 straight first-round games. He also set an NBA record with his 10th career playoff sweep.
The Cavaliers found themselves in a 102-100 deficit with 1:31 left. But James answered with the go-ahead 3pointer and Cleveland sealed the win on James’ free throw with one second left.
Jazz 105, Clippers 98
In Salt Lake City, Joe Johnson scored 28 points, and the Jazz tied the series at 2-2.
Chris Paul had 27 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds for the Clippers, who played without Blake Griffin after he suffered a toe injury in Game 3.
Jazz star Gordon Hayward left the game with food poisoning in the second quarter.