NBA Playoffs: Winners And Losers From the First Weekend of Games
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- The NBA playoffs opened with notable upsets and key performances, including the No. 8 seed Orlando Magic defeating the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, signaling potential surprises in the postseason.
- Celtics star Jayson Tatum showed promising form post-injury, leading Boston to a dominant Game 1 victory over the 76ers and boosting their championship hopes.
- LeBron James led the Lakers to a crucial Game 1 win against the Rockets despite Kevin Durant’s unexpected absence due to injury, highlighting James' continued impact as both a player and father playing alongside his son Bronny.
- The Orlando Magic, under coach Jamahl Mosley, impressed with a strong Game 1 road win, suggesting a competitive series against the favored Pistons.
- Key disappointments included Kevin Durant’s injury limiting the Rockets, Julius Randle’s poor shooting and negative impact for the Timberwolves in their loss to the Nuggets, and Dillon Brooks’ Suns suffering a heavy defeat to the Thunder despite his confident prediction.
