NBA roundup: Suns sneak past Warriors, Grizzlies clinch second seed

San Francisco, California - In what could be a Western Conference Finals preview, the Phoenix Suns came up big on the road with a 107-103 win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

Chris Paul sealed the win for the Suns with a late score.
Chris Paul sealed the win for the Suns with a late score.  © IMAGO / Icon SMI

Between first and third in the West, there was a playoff atmosphere from the opening tip, and momentum swings throughout culminated with six lead changes in the final quarter.

Without the injured Stephen Curry, Jordan Poole put up 38 points on 11-of-21 shooting, but it was not enough as the Suns executed in the crucial moments.

Draymond Green tied the game with 2:21 remaining, converting a critical and-one after finishing through the contact from Jae Crowder.

Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, and Damian Lillard among NBA All-Star Skills players
NBA Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, and Damian Lillard among NBA All-Star Skills players

The Warriors came up big defensively once again while in the bonus down the stretch, forcing a miss and foul from Devin Booker from the ensuing scramble for the rebound. Jordan Poole converted both from the line for a 101-100 lead with 39.8 seconds remaining.

Ultimately, Chris Paul managed to penetrate and collapse the defense in timely moments, adding eight assists to his 15 points, and all six of his field goals coming inside the arc.

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The Mavs' Luka Dončić goes up to score against the Cavs.
The Mavs' Luka Dončić goes up to score against the Cavs.  © IMAGO / Agencia EFE

Meanwhile in the West, the Memphis Grizzlies secured the second seed on Wednesday, with a 112-11 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

With Ja Morant still watching on from the sidelines due to a knee injury, Tyus Jones put up 25 points, also adding six assists and five rebounds.

While the Grizz clinched the second seed, the end to a four-game winning streak saw San Antonio fall half a game behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the West's last play-in spot.

NBA's Joel Embiid to undergo left knee procedure
NBA NBA's Joel Embiid to undergo left knee procedure

The Miami Heat defeated one of their chief rivals for the Eastern Conference top seed, coming out with a big 106-98 road win over the Boston Celtics.

Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry combined for 47 points, while Bam Adebayo finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds to break a season-worst four-game losing streak.

Boston had their chance late trailing 102-98 but Jayson Tatum was called for an offensive foul and Marcus Smart was ejected in the fallout.

Luka Dončić put on another sizzling performance for the Dallas Mavericks, with 35 points, 13 assists, and 9 rebounds in a 120-112 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cover photo: IMAGO / Icon SMI

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