Overview
- Minnesota erased a 19-point hole to beat Denver 119-114 on Monday, tying the first-round series 1-1 behind 30 from Anthony Edwards and 24 from Julius Randle.
- Victor Wembanyama, announced as the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, entered concussion protocol and was ruled out for the rest of San Antonio’s Game 2 on Tuesday.
- Kevin Durant missed Game 1 for Houston with a deep bruise to his right patellar tendon, and his Game 2 status was described as a game-time decision as team graphics without him fueled fan concern.
- The Lakers remain short-handed, with reporting indicating Luka Dončić is not expected back in the first round while Austin Reaves is progressing and could return later in the series.
- Lower seeds have already flipped home court in multiple series, with Orlando’s road win in Detroit on Sunday joined by Atlanta and Minnesota seizing away-game victories on Monday; award buzz also factored in, including Pistons center Jalen Duren named a Most Improved Player finalist.