Home-court advantage ensures no sweeps in NBA conference semis

The GIST: This weekend was all about squads channeling their inner Dorothy, as the lower-seeded teams capitalized on their home-court advantage, ensuring no second-round series will end in a sweep. Dreams you dare to dream really can come true.

Eastern Conference (EC) No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 3 Philadelphia 76ers: The Celtics hustled their way to a fourth-quarter comeback, but the Sixers’ James Harden shook off his playoff demons and hit the game-winning three-pointer in overtime, leading Philly to a 116–115 win. All tied up, the series heads back to Boston for Game 5 tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Western Conference (WC) No. 1 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 4 Phoenix Suns: Despite clutch Chris Paul being sidelined with a groin injury, the Suns (especially Devin Booker) thrived at home this weekend, winning Games 3 and 4 to even the series. With the spiciness level officially rising from mild to medium, Game 5 gets underway tomorrow at 10 p.m. ET.

EC No. 5 NY Knicks vs. No. 8 Miami Heat: Both teams struggled offensively in Saturday’s Game 3, but the Heat ultimately prevailed 105–86, spearheaded by a dominant defense and Jimmy Butler’s successful return. That means Miami’s up 2-1 and will try to defend home court once again tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. Caliente.

WC No. 6 Golden State Warriors vs. No. 7 LA Lakers: The Lakers displayed a real team effort in Saturday’s 127–97 Game 3 blowout win, and now LA (up 2-1) has a chance to push the defending champs to the brink with a home victory tonight at 10 p.m. ET — unless Steph Curry has something to say about it.