Brown helps Celtics rout Raptors to take 3-2 lead in series

game plan from Boston coach Brad Stevens was simple: Start things off with an increased effort on defense to set an immediate tone.

Celtics did exactly as he asked — and put reigning NBA champions on ropes.

Jaylen Brown scored 27 points and Celtics never trailed, rolling past Toronto Raptors 111-89 in Game 5 of ir Eastern Conference semifinal series on Monday night.

Boston w leads series 3-2 and can earn a trip to East finals on Wednesday.

Kemba Walker scored 21 for Celtics, whose starters outscored Toronto’s starters by a whopping 93-45. Jayson Tatum scored 18, Daniel is and Brad Wanamaker each had 15 and Marcus Smart added 12 for Boston.

Fred VanVleet scored 18 for Toronto, which trailed by as many as 30. rman Powell scored 16 for Raptors, while Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry mand 10 points apiece. Matt Thomas also had 10 for Toronto.

CLIPPERS 113, NUGGETS 107

Paul George scored 32 points, Kawhi Leonard added 23 along with a big late block and dynamic duo helped Clippers rally in fourth quarter for a win over Nuggets in Game 3 of ir Western Conference semifinal series.

Leonard did a little bit of everything as he grabbed 14 rebounds and dished out six assists. He also had two blocks, including one late on a shot by Jamal Murray at rim.

Los Angeles takes a 2-1 lead in best-of-seven series. Game 4 is Wednesday.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers called a timeout to calm down Clippers with 8:29 left and trailing 97-90. Fueled by defense, Los Angeles went on a 14-4 run to take a 104-101 lead. Clippers wouldn’t trail again.

Lou Williams sealed win with a driving layup that extended lead to six with 2:04 left. George turned in a torrid shooting night. He finished 12 of 18 from floor, including five 3-pointers.

Nikola Jokic had 32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists for Denver despite a sore right wrist that had him questionable before game.

Im credits: AP