The Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets both fought back to level their match-ups in their respective Conference semi-finals after winning Game 2.
LeBron James was the first to step up and deliver a monster performance for his team, putting up 33 points as the headband returned along with his ferocious aggressive nature in getting to the basket.
It was expected from the Cavs after dropping Game 1, but the Chicago Bulls had no answer in the first quarter and trailed thereafter with coach Tom Thibodeau not impressed with their start to the game.
Kyrie Irving added 21 points, but it was the three-point shooting of Cleveland that made the difference and ensured that they are tied at 1-1 going into Game 3 in Chicago on Friday night.
Elsewhere, James Harden played the lead role for the Houston Rockets as they also tied their series with the Los Angeles Clippers at 1-1. Their star guard scored 16 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter to lift them to a victory.
Harden was stuck on the bench with foul trouble for most of the third quarter, but he stepped in when needed most to deliver a playoff turning performance to add to Dwight Howard’s 24 points and 16 rebounds.
Blake Griffin led the visitors with 34 points but had just eight in the second half as Houston made adjustments to limit him. Meanwhile, point guard Chris Paul missed out again as he continues to recover from a hamstring strain suffered in the last series.
The match-up now moves to Los Angeles on Friday night with the Rockets now looking to build momentum and take a lead.
NBA Results:
Chicago Bulls 91-106 Cleveland Cavaliers
Los Angeles Clippers 109-115 Houston Rockets
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