Hawks, Jazz, Sixers advance to conference semis in NBA playoffs

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz, and Philadelphia 76ers qualified for the second round of the playoffs after beating their opponents on Wednesday.

Utah Jazz's Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell made a double-double in the historic playoff victory. Gobert scored 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Mitchell amassed 30 points and 10 assists at Vivint Smart Home Arena.

Jordan Clarkson came off the bench to add 24 points.

For the Grizzlies, Ja Morant posted a double-double with 27 points and 11 assists.

With a 126-110 victory, the Jazz clinched a playoff series for the first time since 2018.

- Hawks beat Knicks to move to next round

All-star guard Trae Young's 36 points and nine assists helped Atlanta Hawks defeat New York Knicks 103-89 in Game 5 to clinch their first-round series. Clint Capela played with 15 rebounds and 14 points.

- Sixers eliminate Wizards

Philadelphia 76ers acquired a 129-112 win over the Washington Wizards with a 4-1 record.

The Sixers guard Seth Curry was the highest scorer of his team with 30 points, while Ben Simmons posted a triple-double with 19 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

The Wizards' Bradley Beal scored 32 points.

- Boston Celtics President Danny Ainge retires

Danny Ainge confirmed Wednesday that he has retired as president of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics.

"Helping guide this organization has been the thrill of a lifetime and having worked side-by-side with him since he's been here, I know we couldn't be in better hands than with Brad guiding the team going forward," Ainge said on Boston's official website.

"I'm grateful to ownership, all of my Celtics colleagues, and the best fans in basketball for being part of the journey," he added.

Brad Stevens, who has served as the team's head coach for the last eight seasons, will replace Ainge, the Celtics said.

*Wednesday's results:

​​​​​​​

Western Conference:

Utah Jazz - Memphis Grizzlies: 126-110 ( Jazz wins series 4-1)

Los Angeles Clippers - Dallas Mavericks: 100-105 ( Mavericks lead series 3-2)

Eastern Conference:

Philadelphia 76ers - Washington Wizards: 129 -112 ( Sixers win series 4-1)

New York Knicks - Atlanta Hawks: 89-103 ( Hawks win series 4-1)

* First team home team