ANKARA
Chicago Bulls toppled the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-92 in an away match of the NBA playoffs Eastern Conference semi-finals on Monday night to lead the series 1-0.
The Bulls' point-guard Derrick Rose scored 25 points, Spanish center Pau Gasol tallied 21 and 10 rebounds and combo-guard Jimmy Butler chipped in 20, playing an important role in the victory against the Cavaliers.
Home team Cavaliers could not avoid the loss despite the efforts of their stars, US point guard Kyrie Irving having 30 points and forward LeBron James scoring 19 and grabbing 15 rebounds.
The second match of the series will be played in the Cleveland Cavaliers' home court, Quicken Loans Arena.
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference semi-finals, Los Angeles Clippers defeated Houston Rockets 117-101 in the Rockets' home court to lead the series 1-0.
The Clippers did not felt the absence of their ace Chris Paul having a minor injury.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin was the key factor for the win, having tallied 26 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and made 13 assists during the game.
Chris Paul, who is suffering a hamstring injury, was the hero of the Clippers-San Antonio Spurs first round series and made the final basket to eliminate the defending champions Spurs 4-3.
Moreover, Jamal Crawford scored 21, Matt Barnes 20 and J.J. Redick and Austin Rivers managed to score 17 points each.
Meanwhile in the Rockets, Dwight Howard completed the game with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Rockets star shooting guard James Harden scored 20 points and produced 12 assists. Trevor Ariza tallied 17 points.
NBA playoffs are played as a best of seven series so a team having four wins in the series eliminates its opponent.
Results of the first matches in semis:
Washington Wizards 104-98 Atlanta Hawks
Memphis Grizzlies 86-101 Golden State Warriors
Chicago Bulls 99-92 Cleveland Cavaliers
Los Angeles Clippers 117-101 Houston Rockets
Fixtures of second games:
May 6, Wednesday
Washington Wizards vs Atlanta Hawks
Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors
May 7, Thursday
Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets
