Author: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

A gritty, intense series got the gritty, intense finish it deserved as the Celtics fought off the defending champion Raptors 92-87.

Los Angeles went small against small-ball darling Houston. The problem is the Lakers’ small-ball lineup is bigger and better than the Rockets’.

The Celtics-Raptors series has had some bad blood. The players can’t stand each other at this point, but sharing the same hotel, there is no escape.

A series many expected to come down to a Game 7 will get it after the Raptors held off the Celtics for a wild 125-122 win in double overtime.

This offseason could be one of the most pivotal moments in Milwaukee Bucks history, as the team and Giannis Antetokounmpo face a fragile situation.

Pascal Siakam is shooting 40.4% from the field in the bubble, but he’ll need to quickly find his stroke again with the Raptors now facing elimination.

Toronto outscored Boston 51-21 on 3-pointers for a 100-93 win in Game 4 to even the series after dropping the first two games.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone has been away from family for 60 days. Players can see guests, but Malone ripped NBA for not letting coaches do the same.