NBA playoffs 2026 takeaways: Pistons disappear against Magic; Wemby dominates; Thunder roll to begin title defense; Jayson Tatum stars in Celtics' big win

Key Points:

• Magic defeated Pistons 112-101, with Orlando dominating the paint 54-34 and Wendell Carter Jr. outplaying Detroit's Jalen Duren, who struggled offensively and defensively. Orlando's balanced team effort and aggressive attack mode, despite poor 3-point shooting, proved decisive.
• Spurs won 111-98 over Trail Blazers, highlighted by Victor Wembanyama's franchise-record 35 points in his playoff debut and strong rim protection. Stephon Castle's playmaking and San Antonio's dominance in the paint exposed Portland's shooting struggles, as the Blazers shot just 26.3% from three.
• Thunder routed Suns 119-84, fueled by stifling defense that limited Phoenix to 12 points in the paint and only two fast-break points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled shooting but contributed through playmaking, while Oklahoma City's team defense and efficient offense controlled the game.
• Celtics cruised past 76ers 123-91, led by Jayson Tatum's 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in his first playoff game since an Achilles injury. Philadelphia suffered without Joel Embiid due to an appendectomy, struggling defensively and offensively, especially in pick-and-roll situations against Boston.