We’ve made it at last. This past weekend, the first games of the NBA Playoffs took place, leaving every series at 1-0 going into the week. No more regular season, no more play in tournament, just playoff action from here on out. So, just in case you missed it, I’ll keep it quick and give you a one-sentence-summary along with one highlight from each game:
GAME ONE – 76ers BEAT NETS 121-101
After a quiet night from Embiid and an efficient 12-18 for 30 night from Mikal Bridges, Philly flexed their depth and talent in an easy win over a thin Brooklyn roster.
GAME TWO – CELTICS DEFEAT HAWKS 112-99
Jaylen Brown returned from his hand injury to put up 29 while Atlanta went 5–29 from three, allowing Boston to coast to a game one victory.
GAME THREE – KNICKS WIN ON THE ROAD AGAINST THE CAVS 101-97
Jaylen Brunson scored 21 of his 27 in the second half, and Julius Randle grabbed huge rebound in the final seconds to hold off Donavan Mitchell’s 14 point fourth quarter push.
GAME FOUR – LIGHT THE BEAM! KINGS WIN OVER WARRIORS 126-123
De’Aaron Fox’s 38 points (second most ever in a playoff debut), coupled with Malik Monk’s 32 from the bench propelled Sacramento to their first playoff victory in 17 years.
GAME FIVE – LAKERS TEAM EFFORT GET THEM A WIN OVER MEMPHIS 128-112
Ja Morant suffered a hand injury while Rui Hachimura (29 points) and Austin Reaves (23 points) showed up big in the second half to carry the Lakers to a win.
GAME SIX – GIANNIS INJURED IN BUCKS LOSS TO HEAT 117-130
Tyler Hero broke his hand, but the most impactful injury of the night happened at the end of the first, when Giannis took a scary fall and injured his lower back/tailbone, which allowed the Heat to steamroll a crippled Milwaukee squad.
GAME SEVEN – CLIPPERS STEAL GAME ONE OVER SUNS 1115-110
The Clippers handed a Durant-led Suns team their first loss with a tremendous scoring night from Kawhi Leonard that somehow outweighed a horrible one from Russell Westbrook.
GAME EIGHT – NUGGETS BLOW OUT TIMBERWOLVES 109-80
With their primary perimeter defender in Jaden McDaniels out with a broken hand, Minnesota put up an absolute stinker as Jamal Murray went 24-8-8 and led Denver to a game one win.