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Celtics, Thunder and Spurs Cruise in Game 1 as Magic Upset Pistons

Defense plus injuries shaped the openers, with urgent adjustments next.

Overview

  • The Celtics thumped the 76ers 123-91 on Sunday, with Jayson Tatum posting 25 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists in his first playoff game since an Achilles tear as Philadelphia again played without Joel Embiid after his April 9 appendectomy.
  • Defending champion Oklahoma City hammered Phoenix 119-84, converting 19 Suns turnovers into 34 points as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 and the Thunder set the series tone with swarming defense.
  • San Antonio topped Portland 111-98, as Victor Wembanyama scored 35 in his playoff debut and broke Tim Duncan’s franchise mark for points in a first postseason game.
  • Orlando never trailed in a 112-101 win at top-seeded Detroit, led by Paolo Banchero’s 23 points and 9 rebounds, handing the Pistons a record-extending 11th straight home playoff loss.
  • Game 2s arrive Monday for Raptors-Cavaliers, Hawks-Knicks and Timberwolves-Nuggets, with each home team up 1-0 as coaches tweak matchups and hunt answers for pressure defense and cold shooting.