Bulls One Game Away From Elimination, NBA Playoffs

Wizards Beat Bulls

(Washington, DC) -- Trevor Ariza posted 30 points and eight rebounds to guide the Wizards to a 98-89 win over the Bulls in Game Four of their Eastern Conference quarterfinals from the Verizon Center. Washington is up 3-1 in the best-of-seven series with a chance to advance following Game Five on Tuesday.  John Wall added 15 points and 10 assists for the Wizards while Bradley Beal had 18 points and five rebounds. Taj Gibson exploded for 32 points and seven rebounds off the bench for Chicago. Joakim Noah had 10 points and 15 boards in the setback.

Warriors Sink Distracted Clippers

(Oakland, CA) -- In an unusual scene for a crucial playoff game the Warriors' 118-97 win over the Clippers in Game Four of the Western Conference quarterfinals from ORACLE Arena was secondary. The alleged racial comments from Los Angeles owner Donald Sterling were the story. During warm ups the Clippers players took off their gear with the team's logo on it and wore long sleeve shirts inside out that showed nothing but the color red.  LA's players also wore black armbands, wristbands and socks, which isn't typical of the team.  In regards to what transpired on the court, Steph Curry stole the show right out the gates knocking down his first five three-pointers on his way to 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. The two teams are all tied at two heading back to STAPLES Center for Game Five on Tuesday, which is when the NBA hopes to have its investigation into the Sterling allegations wrapped up.  Blake Griffin tallied 21 points and six rebounds in the loss.

Raptors Even Up Series With Nets

(Brooklyn, NY) -- DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points with five rebounds as the Raptors took down the Nets 87-79 at Barclays Center in Game Four of their first-round playoff series. Kyle Lowry added 22 points while Amir Johnson had 17 points in the win. Toronto evened up the series at two games each as it heads back to Air Canada Centre for Game Five on Wednesday. Paul Pierce powered Brooklyn with 22 points while Kevin Garnett and Deron Williams each added 10 points in defeat.

Blazers Hold Off Rockets In OT

(Portland, OR) -- Wesley Matthews came away with a steal to close out the overtime and clinch a 123-120 win for the Blazers over the Rockets in Game Four at the Moda Center. Portland moved ahead in the opening round series 3-1 behind 29 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks from LaMarcus Aldridge. Damian Lillard added 23 points and eight assists, while Matthews finished with 21. Nicolas Batum posted 25 points, six rebounds and six assists for Portland, which will try to close out the series in Game Five from Houston on Wednesday. Dwight Howard tallied 25 points and 14 rebounds in the loss. James Harden paced the Rockets with 28 points with six helpers and four boards.

Monday, April 28 Scoreboard

NBA Playoffs

Washington Wizards 98, Chicago Bulls 89
(Wizards lead best-of-seven Eastern quarterfinal, 3-1)

Golden State Warriors 118, Los Angeles Clippers 97
(Best-of-seven Western quarterfinal tied, 2-2)

Toronto Raptors 87, Brooklyn Nets 79
(Best-of-seven Eastern quarterfinal tied, 2-2)

Portland Trail Blazers 123, Houston Rockets 120 (OT)
(Trail Blazers lead best-of-seven Western quarterfinal, 3-1)  

Tuesday, April 29 Schedule (All Times Central)

NBA Playoffs

6:00 p.m. - Miami Heat at Charlotte Bobcats
(Heat lead best-of-seven Eastern quarterfinal, 3-0)

7:00 p.m. - Atlanta Hawks at Indiana Pacers
(Best-of-seven Eastern quarterfinal tied, 2-2)

8:30 p.m. - San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks
(Mavericks lead best-of-seven Western quarterfinal, 2-1)