NBA Playoffs: Sixers, Blazers stay alive, force Game 7

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Toronto Raptors 112-101 on Thursday night to force the Game 7 in the NBA playoffs.

Jimmy Butler was the star for his team, he scored 25 points, dished out 8 assists and grabbed 6 rebounds in the must-win match.

The starting five for the Sixers scored in double figures, Ben Simmons chipped in with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

Kawhi Leonard of the Raptors scored game-high 29 points, had 12 rebounds and 5 assists but could not propel his team to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Game 7 will be played in Toronto on Sunday.

- Blazers defeat Nuggets to force Game 7

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Denver Nuggets 119-108 on Thursday evening to force Game 7.

In a win-or-go-home situation, the Blazers stepped up to beat the Nuggets.

Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for 62 points in the Blazers victory, while Rodney Hood scored 25 points off the bench.

The Game 7 will be played in Denver on Sunday.

Here is the latest in NBA playoffs:

Eastern Conference:

(1) Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 Boston Celtics (4) *

(2) Toronto Raptors 3-3 Philadelphia 76ers (3)

Western Conference:

(1) Golden State Warriors 3-2 Houston Rockets (4)

(2) Denver Nuggets 3-3 Portland Trail Blazers (3)

* Series over