2026 NBA Playoffs: First Round Game 1 Recap
By Reylan Loberternos
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 20 Apr 2026
Tagbilaran City, Bohol – The NBA Playoffs first round opening games delivered both dominance and disruption, highlighted by Orlando’s upset of East top seed Detroit, Boston’s blowout of the Sixers, LeBron’s ageless wonder, and Wembanyama’s historic debut, setting an early tone where higher seeds held firm in most cases, but not without warning signs of potential series swings.
Eastern Conference
(8) Orlando Magic def. (1) Detroit Pistons, 112–101
In the biggest upset of the East, the Orlando Magic stunned the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. Paolo Banchero led with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. Franz Wagner scored 11 of his 19 in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory for the Magic. Cade Cunningham exploded for a playoff career-high 39 points in a losing effort for the Pistons, who extended their home playoff losing streak in NBA history to 11. This is an NBA record that dates back to 2008.
(2) Boston Celtics def. (7) Philadelphia 76ers, 123–91
The Boston Celtics delivered the second most lopsided Game 1 result, dismantling the Philadelphia 76ers. In his first playoff game since rupturing his right Achilles tendon last season, Jayson Tatum was back to his highly productive ways, finishing with 25 markers, 11 boards, and 7 dimes. This year’s MVP candidate Jaylen Brown led Boston’s balanced attack with 26 points. Without former MVP big man Joel Embiid, who is still recovering from a recent appendectomy, Tyrese Maxey paced Philly with 21 points, but the Sixers struggled with efficiency against Boston’s defense, especially from long range where they only made 4 of 23 shot attempts.
(3) New York Knicks def. (6) Atlanta Hawks, 113–102
The New York Knicks held off the Atlanta Hawks in a controlled Game 1 win, using strong half-court execution and rebounding to maintain separation. Jalen Brunson scored 28 points, while Karl Anthony Towns made 19 of his 25 in the second half, as New York’s balanced scoring and defensive pressure proved too much for Atlanta’s offense to sustain runs. OG Anunoby added 19 points and Josh Hart had a double-double of 11 markers and 14 boards for New York in its first postseason game under head coach Mike Brown. CJ McCollum had 26 and Jalen Johnson added 23 for the Hawks, who only had 4 players in double figures.
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers def. (5) Toronto Raptors, 126–113
The Cleveland Cavaliers opened their series with a strong offensive showing, pulling away from the Toronto Raptors behind a dominant night from Donovan Mitchell, who led all scorers with 32 points. Max Struss added 24 off-the-bench, while Evan Mobley finished with 17 points and 7 boards for the Cavaliers. Without injured (mild right hamstring strain) starting point guard Immanuel Quickly, Toronto leaned heavily on RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes who scored 24 and 21, respectively. Jamal Shead, who started in place of Quickley, made five 3-pointers and finished with 17 points.
Western Conference
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Phoenix Suns — 119-84
Reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made just 5 of 18 field goal attempts, but went 15-for-17 from the charity stripe to finish with 25 for Oklahoma City, who began their title defense with a 35-point rout of the Phoenix Suns. Jalen Williams added 22 points, while Chet Holmgren finished with 16 for the top-seeded Thunder. Devin Booker scored 23 points and Dillon Brooks added 18 on just 6-for-22 field goal shooting for the Suns, who collectively shot a dismal 34.9% from the field.
(2) San Antonio Spurs def. (7) Portland Trail Blazers, 111–98
The San Antonio Spurs rode a historic playoff debut from Victor Wembanyama, who dropped a franchise playoff debut record 35 points, to beat the Portland Trail Blazers. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox each added 17, while Deni Avdija led Portland with 30 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort.
(3) Denver Nuggets def. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves, 116–105
The Denver Nuggets took control after a strong second quarter to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves. Led by three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic’s triple double of 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, Denver utilized a balanced offense and free-throw efficiency that created separation, overcoming Minnesota’s hot early start. Jamal Murray led all scorers with 30 markers even as he went 0-for-8 from deep, but was a perfect 16-for-16 from the charity stripe for the Nuggets. Anthony Edwards, who had 22 points, led six Timberwolves with at least 12 points, but could not sustain their 33-23 first quarter opening salvo.
(4) Los Angeles Lakers def. (5) Houston Rockets, 107–98
The Los Angeles Lakers handled the Houston Rockets behind efficient shooting and veteran control. The Lakers shot a very efficient 40-for-66 (61%) from the field, including 10-for-19 (53%) from deep, while the Rockets struggled mightily with 33-for-93 (38%) field goal shooting, including 11-for-33 (33%) from the rainbow territory. Luke Kennard led the Lakers with 27 points, while LeBron James orchestrated the offense with 13 assists to go along with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block. Alperen Şengün paced Houston with 19 points, as Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard had 17 apiece for the Rockets, who were without top scorer Kevin Durant due to a right knee contusion.
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