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	<title>Eastern Conference Stories - newsnz</title>
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		<title>Raptors vs cavaliers: RJ Barrett&#8217;s clutch shot leads Raptors to Game 7</title>
		<link>https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/raptors-vs-cavaliers/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Bennett]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 10:35:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cleveland Cavaliers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eastern Conference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home-court advantage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA Playoffs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[overtime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[raptors vs cavaliers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RJ Barrett]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toronto Raptors]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/raptors-vs-cavaliers/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>RJ Barrett secured a dramatic win for the Raptors with a last-second 3-pointer, pushing the series to Game 7 against the Cavaliers.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/raptors-vs-cavaliers/">Raptors vs cavaliers: RJ Barrett&#8217;s clutch shot leads Raptors to Game 7</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On May 1, 2026, <strong>RJ Barrett</strong> delivered a thrilling moment for the <strong>Toronto Raptors</strong>, hitting a game-winning 3-pointer with just 1.2 seconds left in overtime. This crucial basket helped the Raptors secure a narrow <strong>112-110</strong> victory over the <strong>Cleveland Cavaliers</strong>, allowing them to force a decisive Game 7 in their playoff series.</p>
<p>The intensity of the game escalated as it progressed. The Raptors held an impressive 11-point lead in the fourth quarter but found themselves on the brink of defeat. Cleveland&#8217;s <strong>Evan Mobley</strong> had a chance to clinch the game with a last-second shot but missed as time expired, sealing Toronto&#8217;s fate for another chance.</p>
<p>Throughout the matchup, <strong>Scottie Barnes</strong> stood out with an impressive performance, scoring 25 points and dishing out 14 assists. The Raptors capitalized on Cleveland&#8217;s mistakes, scoring 25 points off of their 18 turnovers. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s star player, <strong>Donovan Mitchell</strong>, contributed significantly with 24 points.</p>
<p>The sellout crowd of <strong>19,919</strong> at Scotiabank Arena witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions. As head coach Kenny Atkinson expressed post-game, &#8220;This is why you fight so hard to get home-court advantage.&#8221; His sentiment reflected not only their victory but also the struggle they faced throughout this playoff series.</p>
<p>The Raptors&#8217; fast-break strategy proved effective as they outscored the Cavaliers <strong>20-6</strong> in that department. However, they still have yet to win a playoff game in Cleveland over their last ten attempts, making Game 7 particularly daunting.</p>
<p><strong>Key stats from the game:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The Raptors scored <strong>25 points</strong> off Cleveland’s turnovers.</li>
<li>Cleveland committed <strong>18 turnovers</strong>.</li>
<li>The Raptors led by as much as <strong>11 points</strong> in the fourth quarter.</li>
<li>This marks the first time RJ Barrett made <strong>3 three-pointers</strong> in this series.</li>
<li>Evan Mobley scored <strong>26 points</strong>, leading Cleveland&#8217;s efforts.</li>
</ul>
<p>The atmosphere heading into Game 7 is charged with anticipation. Both teams are aware that all six games so far have been won by the home team. As Mitchell stated, &#8220;Protect home court. That’s all you can do.&#8221; The stakes couldn&#8217;t be higher as they prepare for this critical showdown in Cleveland.</p>
<p>No timeline has been shared regarding Brandon Ingram’s status for Game 7 after he missed this crucial match due to a sore right heel. His absence could significantly impact Toronto&#8217;s chances against a well-matched opponent like Cleveland.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/raptors-vs-cavaliers/">Raptors vs cavaliers: RJ Barrett&#8217;s clutch shot leads Raptors to Game 7</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
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		<title>C/2025 r3 panstarrs new zealand: NBA Playoffs: New York Knicks Dominate Atlanta Hawks</title>
		<link>https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/c-2025-r3-panstarrs-new-zealand/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Fraser]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 10:29:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Atlanta Hawks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[c/2025 r3 panstarrs new zealand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eastern Conference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jalen Brunson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Karl-Anthony Towns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mike Brown]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA Playoffs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Knicks]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/c-2025-r3-panstarrs-new-zealand/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The New York Knicks delivered a stunning performance against the Atlanta Hawks, securing a historic playoff victory. With an impressive halftime lead, the Knicks showcased their strength in the series.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/c-2025-r3-panstarrs-new-zealand/">C/2025 r3 panstarrs new zealand: NBA Playoffs: New York Knicks Dominate Atlanta Hawks</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On May 1, 2026, the <strong>New York Knicks</strong> achieved a historic playoff victory against the <strong>Atlanta Hawks</strong>, winning 140-89 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference playoffs.</p>
<p>The Knicks closed the series with a 4-2 record, marking their fourth consecutive trip to the second round. They set an NBA playoff record by leading at halftime with an astonishing score of 83-36.</p>
<p>OG Anunoby played a pivotal role, scoring 26 points in just the first half. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns notched his second triple-double of the series, showcasing his all-around game.</p>
<p>The Knicks shot an impressive 58.8 percent from the field while holding Atlanta to just 37.8 percent. This defensive effort allowed them to force 19 turnovers, contributing significantly to their victory margin.</p>
<p>Mike Brown praised his team&#8217;s performance, stating, &#8220;Offensively, we did the things that we were supposed to do. And our players were really, really good with their focus and attention to detail.&#8221; His strategic approach clearly paid off.</p>
<p>Karl-Anthony Towns reflected on their potential, saying, &#8220;When we&#8217;re locked in, playing close to our best, we&#8217;re really, really good. It&#8217;s about finding that team and that version of us consistently.&#8221; His words resonate as they advance deeper into the playoffs.</p>
<p>The season ended on a disappointing note for the Hawks, who lost three consecutive games by double digits. The team struggled to find their rhythm against a relentless Knicks squad.</p>
<p>In a notable moment during the game, Dyson Daniels and Mitchell Robinson were involved in a physical altercation that led to Robinson&#8217;s ejection. This incident added intensity to an already charged atmosphere.</p>
<p>The Knicks now look ahead as they prepare for their next challenge in the semifinals. They will face either the Boston Celtics or the Philadelphia 76ers—two formidable opponents waiting in the wings.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/c-2025-r3-panstarrs-new-zealand/">C/2025 r3 panstarrs new zealand: NBA Playoffs: New York Knicks Dominate Atlanta Hawks</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Hawks vs knicks</title>
		<link>https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/01/hawks-vs-knicks/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Bennett]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 03:52:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eastern Conference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Game 6]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hawks vs knicks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA Playoffs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[triple-double]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/01/hawks-vs-knicks/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The New York Knicks set an NBA playoff record with a 47-point halftime lead against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6, winning 140-89.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/01/hawks-vs-knicks/">Hawks vs knicks</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In a stunning performance, the <strong>New York Knicks</strong> routed the <strong>Atlanta Hawks</strong> 140-89 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first-round series on April 30, 2026. The Knicks achieved a historic 47-point halftime lead, marking the largest in NBA playoff history.</p>
<p>OG Anunoby led the Knicks with an impressive 29 points, showcasing his scoring prowess. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a rare triple-double with just 12 points, but he also contributed significantly with 11 rebounds and 10 assists on only four shots. This efficiency helped propel the Knicks to dominate throughout the game.</p>
<p>The game unfolded at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, where the Knicks shot an impressive 58 percent from the field. In contrast, the Hawks struggled, managing to shoot only 38 percent and committing a staggering 19 turnovers. Coach Mike Brown remarked, &#8220;Just a really, really good night offensively,&#8221; highlighting his team&#8217;s exceptional play.</p>
<p>This victory not only secured the series for the Knicks at 4-2 but also tied for the sixth-largest margin of victory in NBA playoff history at 51 points. The Knicks had previously never won by more than 49 points before this season—now they have three such wins within three months.</p>
<p>Jalen Brunson emphasized the importance of their defensive capabilities, stating, &#8220;It shows us what we’re capable of defensively.&#8221; This win sets a strong tone as they advance in the playoffs.</p>
<p>The Knicks now look forward to facing off against either the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers in their next matchup. Fans eagerly anticipate who will emerge as their next opponent in this thrilling postseason journey.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/01/hawks-vs-knicks/">Hawks vs knicks</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Celtics vs 76ers: Celtics Leaning on Historic 3-Point Shooting</title>
		<link>https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/04/29/celtics-vs-76ers/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Daniel Wilson]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:28:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[3-point shooting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Celtics strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[celtics vs 76ers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eastern Conference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Embiid injury]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA Playoffs]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/04/29/celtics-vs-76ers/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Boston Celtics are making waves in the NBA Playoffs, relying heavily on 3-point shooting against the Philadelphia 76ers. With a commanding lead, they aim for the series win.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/04/29/celtics-vs-76ers/">Celtics vs 76ers: Celtics Leaning on Historic 3-Point Shooting</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Boston Celtics are making headlines in the <strong>NBA Playoffs</strong> as they face off against the Philadelphia 76ers. Currently leading the series 3-1, they have adopted a strategy that emphasizes long-range shooting, taking a remarkable 55.9% of their shots from beyond the arc.</p>
<p>This shift in strategy has proven effective. In fact, the Celtics outscored the Sixers by an average of 21.8 points per game from 3-point range. Payton Pritchard has emerged as a key player, shooting an impressive 5-for-9 from beyond the arc in critical moments during the last two games.</p>
<p>However, not all is well for the Sixers. Star player Joel Embiid is listed as questionable due to an abdomen injury, which could impact Philadelphia&#8217;s chances significantly. Fans in Philadelphia are holding their breath as they await updates on his condition.</p>
<p><strong>Key statistics:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The Celtics lead the series 3-1 against the Sixers.</li>
<li>55.9% of the Celtics&#8217; shots have come from 3-point range in this series.</li>
<li>They have outscored Philadelphia by an average of 21.8 points per game from beyond the arc.</li>
<li>Paul George is averaging 17.5 points with a true shooting percentage of 63.6% in these playoffs.</li>
<li>Nikola Vučević has played more minutes than teammate Neemias Queta throughout this series.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Celtics&#8217; reliance on late-game execution has also been noteworthy—they shot 23-for-49 (47%) in the final seconds of shot clocks during Games 3 and 4. This ability to deliver under pressure highlights their playoff experience and strategic planning.</p>
<p>As Game 5 approaches on April 28, fans at TD Garden will be eager to see if Boston can close out the series decisively or if Philadelphia will rally back without their star center. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, bringing excitement to homes across both cities.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/04/29/celtics-vs-76ers/">Celtics vs 76ers: Celtics Leaning on Historic 3-Point Shooting</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
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