SUNDAY’s NBA PLAYOFF GAMES

Nuggets 116, Trail Blazers 112

PORTLAND, ORE.

Nikola Jokic had 21 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for his second straight triple-double and fourth of the playoffs, and Denver evened its Western Conference semifinal series against Portland at 2-2. Jamal Murray led all scorers with 34 points and made all 11 free throws for the Nuggets, who handed Portland their first postseason loss at home this season. The series now heads back to Denver for Game 5. CJ McCollum had 29 points and Damian Lillard added 28 for the Blazers, who missed out on taking a 3-1 lead in a conference semifinals for the first time since 2000. It was less than 48 hours after Portland’s epic 140-137 quadruple-overtime victory to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Raptors 101, 76ers 96

PHILADELPHIA

Kawhi Leonard scored 39 points, including a clutch 3-pointer with 1:01 left, to help Toronto beat Philadelphia and even the Eastern Conference semifinal series at 2-2. Marc Gasol scored 16, Kyle Lowry had 14 and the Raptors rebounded after consecutive losses to reclaim home-court advantage. Game 5 is Tuesday night in Toronto. Jimmy Butler scored 29 and JJ Redick had 19 for Philadelphia. The 76ers are trying to reach the conference finals for the first time since Allen Iverson led them to the NBA Finals in 2001.

Associated Press