What more is there to say?
The 2014 NBA Playoffs continued on Friday, April 25, and the unpredictability continued with more road team success. One of the most unlikely heroes imaginable stepped up in the clutch, road teams continued to establish superiority over their home counterparts and three series took intriguing turns.
Here’s everything that you need to know about last night’s postseason action.
1. Mike Dunleavy erupted for 35 points as the Chicago Bulls went on the road to defeat the Washington Wizards 100-97. One of the most noteworthy stories of the game was Nene Hilario, who went from an offensive force in Games 1 and 2 to being ejected after a confrontation with Jimmy Butler in Game 3.
As for Dunleavy, he set a Bulls franchise playoff record with eight 3-point field goals made.
2. The home team is 0-3 in the Bulls and Wizards’ series.
3. Joe Johnson scored 29 points and Deron Williams added 22 to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 102-98 escape of the Toronto Raptors. DeMar DeRozan finished with 30 points and Patrick Patterson had 17 for the Raptors, but a late fell short at Barclays Center.
The 29 points were Johnson’s most in a playoff game since May 2, 2011.
4. DeRozan joins Vince Carter as the only players in Raptors franchise history with multiple 30-point playoff games.
5. An unlikely hero emerged as Troy Daniels hit the game-deciding 3-pointer as the Houston Rockets stunned the Portland Trail Blazers 121-116 in overtime. James Harden shot 13-of-35 from the field for 37 points and Damian Lillard scored 30 for the Trail Blazers, but this one came down to Daniels’ marksmanship.
With Houston’s win, home teams are 0-3 in this series.
Bonus Fact: Road teams are 12-10 in the 2014 NBA Playoffs.