NBA: 76ers tie series, Nuggets beat Blazers in opener

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Jimmy Butler scored 30 points as the Philadelphia 76ers evened the Eastern Conference semifinals series with the Raptors at 1-1 on Monday evening.

The NBA playoffs continued with two matches in the conference semifinal showdowns as the 76ers snapped a 14-game losing streak against the Raptors in Canada.

It was Philadelphia's first win in Toronto since November 2012.

Butler scored 12 points in the fourth quarter to withstand a late Raptors rally, giving his team the crucial victory.

Kawhi Leonard scored 35, Pascal Siakam added 21, and Kyle Lowry chipped in with 20 points for the Raptors in the loss.

- Nuggets beat Blazers at home, lead 1-0

In the Western Conference semifinal series, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 121-113 to lead the series 1-0.

Making no mistake at home, the Nuggets cruised to victory behind Jokic's 37 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jamal Murray also scored 23 points, while Paul Millsap and Gary Harris combined for 30 points for their team.

The Trail Blazers' star Damian Lillard scored 39 points, CJ McCollum added 16 points, and Rodney Hood scored 17 as they could not prevent their defeat.

Here is the latest situation in the NBA playoffs:

Eastern Conference:
(1) Milwaukee Bucks 0-1 Boston Celtics (4)
(2) Toronto Raptors 1-1 Philadelphia 76ers (3)

Western Conference:
(1) Golden State Warriors 1-0 Houston Rockets (4)
(2) Denver Nuggets 1-0 Portland Trail Blazers (3)