![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2271628798-scaled-e1776654611348-784x440.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs host Deni Avdija and the Trail Blazers for Game 1 on NBC and Peacock.\u00a0(Photos by Jesse D. Garrabrant\/NBAE via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
We\u2019re bringing you the best of the 2026 NBA Playoffs<\/a>, presented by Google, with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights from Sunday\u2019s action.<\/p>\n Top Storylines from second day of Playoffs<\/p>\n The 2025-26 NBA Awards Finalists<\/a> for the league accolades were announced before and at halftime of Game 1 of Magic-Pistons. Sunday\u2019s scores<\/p>\n Victor Wembanyama (35 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk) is your player of the night!<\/p>\n WEMBY\u2019S PLAYOFF DEBUT WAS HISTORIC \ud83d\udc7d<\/p>\n 35 PTS He sets the Spurs franchise record for MOST PTS in a playoff debut AND becomes the ONLY player in NBA history with at least 35 PTS & 5 3PM in a playoff debut! pic.twitter.com\/uHBFmQyN6k<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 11:51 ET<\/p>\n Spurs win 111-98 to take 1-0 lead<\/p>\n Victor Wembanyama (35 pts, 5 3PM, 5 reb, 2 blk) set a new Spurs franchise record in their 111-98 victory over Portland. De\u2019Aaron Fox (5 reb, 8 ast, 1 stl) and Stephon Castle (7 reb, 7 ast) add 17 points apiece in a game where San Antonio led by as many as 21 in the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n WEMBY. MOST POINTS IN A SPURS PLAYOFF DEBUT \ud83d\udc7d<\/p>\n 35 PTS and counting after his FIFTH TRIPLE of Game 1! pic.twitter.com\/ZcLIPTOqei<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Deni Avdija was stellar with 30 points (12-21 FG), 10 rebounds, 5 assists, one steal and one block in almost 40 minutes, while Scoot Henderson tallies 18 points (7-11 FG), 3 boards, 3 assists and one steal. The Blazers finish 10-for-38 (26.3%) on 3-pointers while the Spurs connect on 15 of their 33 attempts (45.5%) from distance.<\/p>\n Turbo got UP \ud83d\ude24 pic.twitter.com\/pOSfNkXZlZ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n For San Antonio, it\u2019s their first home postseason win since 2019. Wemby and Avdija also become the first opponents to each score 25+ points in their playoff debuts.<\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 11:24 ET<\/p>\n San Antonio remains in control<\/p>\n The Spurs are rolling in the second half and lead 103-88 with 5:25 to go in the contest. Victor Wembanyama is up to 33 points on 12-for-19 shooting (5-6 3PM) with 3 rebounds and 2 blocks in 28 minutes.<\/p>\n H1M. <\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa @NBAonNBC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/LZfCJluYbp<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The 33 points for Wemby are the most for a Spur in a playoff debut in franchise history, as the French phenom surpasses the legendary Tim Duncan\u2019s previous record of 32.<\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 11:05 ET<\/p>\n Spurs take 15-point lead to 4Q<\/p>\n San Antonio takes an 87-72 advantage to the final quarter behind Stephon Castle (17 pts, 6 reb, 7 ast) and Devin Vassell (14 pts, 4 3PM, 2 blk). The Spurs 3-point shooting has been a major factor in their 15-point lead, as they\u2019re 13-for-27 (48.1%) from downtown compared to just 8-for-30 (26.7%) for Portland.<\/p>\n LET’S GO LUKE \ud83d\udcaa<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa @NBAonNBC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/gWYIdZNLGh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Deni Avdija leads the Blazers with 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting, adding 7 rebounds, 3 assists, one steal and one block. Portland cut their deficit to one near the midpoint of the third, but costly turnovers and missed shots led to a quick turnaround for the Spurs.<\/p>\n Rob is cookin’ at the rim tonight \ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/rrZUk7nWQF<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 10:52 ET<\/p>\n Vassell cooking in 3Q<\/p>\n Devin Vassell is taking over at both ends for the Spurs in the third, tallying two big blocks and two made 3s to extend San Antonio\u2019s lead back to 11, 72-61, midway through the quarter.<\/p>\n Devin Vassell just had an INSANE 80 seconds\u2026 \ud83e\udd2f<\/p>\n BLOCKS THE BIG MAN Spurs are leading in Game 1! pic.twitter.com\/FNvHHd1Wn3<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 10:41 ET<\/p>\n Blazers start 3Q hot<\/p>\n Portland scores the first 8 points of the third to trim their deficit to just two, 59-57, to force a timeout from Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson.<\/p>\n Scoot sparks a HOT start to the 2H for Portland \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n Step-back triple. Two-point game in Game 1 on NBC & Peacock.. pic.twitter.com\/OaHSwFOeeR<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 10:39 ET<\/p>\n Wemby makes history in 1H<\/p>\n Victor Wembanyama continues to raise the bar in just his third NBA season.<\/p>\n WEMBY IN HIS FIRST HALF OF NBA PLAYOFF BASKETBALL\u2026<\/p>\n 21 PTS It’s the BEST scoring first half of a postseason debut in the play-by-play era! pic.twitter.com\/TIiTbAW6DP<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 10:26 ET<\/p>\n Spurs take 10-point lead at halftime<\/p>\n San Antonio secures a 59-49 edge over the Blazers after two quarters. Victor Wembanyama leads all scorers with 21 points on 8-for-13 shooting with three made 3s, while De\u2019Aaron Fox tallies 10 points, 2 boards, 4 dimes and a steal in 17 minutes.<\/p>\n WEMBY FADEAWAY CORNER 3? \ud83d\udc7d<\/p>\n Why not!<\/p>\n He’s up to 21 PTS and 3 triples as the Spurs lead Game 1 at the break! pic.twitter.com\/HC2s2NVeHV<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Stephon Castle goes baseline and elevates for the high-flying jam! \ud83d\udca5<\/p>\n Spurs lead in Q2 of Game 1! pic.twitter.com\/LXN46hEJPL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Deni Avdija powers Portland with 19 points on 7-for-13 from the field (4-5 FT), adding 4 rebounds, 2 assists and one block. Robert Williams III (9 pts, 5 reb) and Shaedon Sharpe (8 pts, 1 stl) help the Blazers earn a 20-13 advantage in bench scoring.<\/p>\n Finished through contact \ud83d\udcaa pic.twitter.com\/epvzYRaXe8<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Jrue saw it, Rob finished it \ud83d\udcaf pic.twitter.com\/2kDTa70Jnh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Tune in for the second half on NBC & Peacock<\/a> to see if the Blazers can rally back in this 2 vs. 7 matchup.<\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 10:00 ET<\/p>\n Come for the alley, stay for the oop<\/p>\n Victor Wembanyama is up to a game-high 16 points on 6-for-8 shooting and 2-for-2 on 3-pointers, helping the Spurs jump out to a 41-31 lead with 7:21 to go before halftime.<\/p>\n Watch Wemby soar\u2026 TWICE!<\/p>\n He’s to 16 points in 13 minutes in Game 1! pic.twitter.com\/YC1XNiSsws<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Over half of the Blazers\u2019 34 shot attempts have come from behind the arc, but they\u2019re shooting just 5-for-18 (27.8%) thus far. Portland will need to find some success closer to the basket if they want to stay close in Game 1.<\/p>\n No hesitiation\ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8 pic.twitter.com\/eWsd9L8zEi<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 9:47 ET<\/p>\n Wemby is a cheat code<\/p>\n Victor Wembanyama debuts in dazzling fashion, dropping 12 points on 4-for-6 shooting with two made 3s in 9 minutes. San Antonio shoots 6-for-11 from downtown to fuel a 30-21 lead over Portland after one quarter.<\/p>\n WEMBY IN TRANSITION IS UNFAIR \ud83d\udc7d<\/p>\n Behind the back. He’s up to 9 PTS midway through the 1Q in his postseason debut! pic.twitter.com\/3XHnoIrxBR<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Deni Avdija has 11 of Portland\u2019s 21 points through 12 minutes of play, adding 4 rebounds and 2 dimes.<\/p>\n Electric final seconds of Q1 in Game 1 \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n Avdija step back jumper. Back-and-forth early\u2026 SAS leads by 9 after 1! pic.twitter.com\/0ej7dSEuSt<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 9:30 ET<\/p>\n Blazers-Spurs underway<\/p>\n Stephon Castle (5 pts, 1 ast) and Victor Wembanyama (4 pts, 1 ast) lead the way for San Antonio, who lead 14-12 midway through the opening quarter.<\/p>\n WEMBY’S FIRST PLAYOFF BUCKET \ud83d\udc4f<\/p>\n 1 dribble. Blazers\/Spurs Game 1 is underway! pic.twitter.com\/JSfTlkpgWv<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Deni Avdija leads all scorers with 7 points on 3-for-5 shooting, adding 2 rebounds and 2 dimes already.<\/p>\n GET US STARTED, DENI!!! pic.twitter.com\/3XQ4b8CjRZ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 9:15 ET<\/p>\n Magic go wire-to-wire in Game 1<\/p>\n Paolo Banchero leads all Magic starters in double figures with 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting (2 3PM), adding 9 rebounds, 4 assists and one steal in 37 minutes. Franz Wagner (19 pts, 5 reb, 2 stl), Wendell Carter, Jr. (17 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast) and Desmond Bane (17 pts, 6 reb, 3 stl) all chipped in across the board as Orlando never trailed.<\/p>\n The victory marks the first road playoff win for Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley.<\/p>\n A gritty, all-out defensive effort from the Magic in a scrappy Game 1 win! \ud83d\udcaa<\/p>\n Orlando takes a 1-0 series lead.<\/p>\n Game 2: Wednesday, 7pm\/et on ESPN \ud83c\udf7f pic.twitter.com\/pL1gMCKkj3<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cade Cunningham finishes with a game-high 39 points on 13-for-27 shooting (3-8 3PM, 10-11 FT) to go along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 40 minutes. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston to reach double figures in scoring, posting 17 points with 6 boards, 3 assists, 2 blocks and one steal.<\/p>\n Detroit has now lost an NBA record 11 straight home playoff games, with their last home win coming against Boston in 2008.<\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 9:04 ET<\/p>\n For Portland, Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan will start in their playoff debuts.<\/p>\n Starting with these five \ud83e\udee1 pic.twitter.com\/HJ2f5fY7xZ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle are among the first five for San Antonio making their postseason debuts.<\/p>\n Game 1. Here we go \ud83d\udd25@Ticketmaster<\/a> | #sponsored<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/FrxUGykryn<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 8:56 ET<\/p>\n Down to the wire in Detroit<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a thrilling second half in the Motor City, with big time plays at both ends from each squad. Orlando has a 103-96 lead over the Pistons with 3:45 left in the game.<\/p>\n FEROCIOUS FRANZ SLAM \ud83d\udca5<\/p>\n Wagner is bringing the juice in a back-and-forth Game 1! pic.twitter.com\/XyfSVS7rxS<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cade Cunningham is up to a game-high 34 points.<\/p>\n Deuce knocks down the triple<\/p>\n 34 points and counting pic.twitter.com\/oAYGcsJ21a<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 8:49 ET<\/p>\n This game is GOOD<\/p>\n All five Magic starters have scored in double figures, led by Paolo Banchero (23 pts), Franz Wagner (16 pts) and Desmond Bane (15 pts).<\/p>\n Franz Wagner pokes it loose\u2026 then glides the floater in for the and-1! \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n Orlando is PERFECT so far in the 4Q\u2026 6\/6<\/p>\n 8 point game with 8 mins to go in Game 1! pic.twitter.com\/zDBHSx39Di<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Orlando continues their wire-to-wire lead in the series opener, as they\u2019re in control 101-92 with 5:47 remaining in the game.<\/p>\n Jalen buries the triple pic.twitter.com\/QR8gDRnPd8<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cade Cunningham leads all scorers with 32 points on 11-for-22 shooting with three made 3s in 35 minutes.<\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 8:33 ET<\/p>\n Magic in control after 3Q<\/p>\n Orlando has never trailed in the contest, and they take an 81-74 edge over the Pistons to the final quarter on NBC & Peacock<\/a>.<\/p>\n Paolo Banchero (23 pts) and Cade Cunningham (23 pts) are trading buckets and pace their teams in scoring after 36 minutes of action. Tune in now for the fourth and see if Detroit can rally back!<\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 8:22 ET<\/p>\n Game of runs in Game 1<\/p>\n Orlando responds to Detroit\u2019s 10-0 run in the third with a 16-6 run of their own, and the Magic jump out to a 79-68 lead with 2:52 left in the third.<\/p>\n AB, and the B stands for BUCKETS pic.twitter.com\/0fqYwt0Cnh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Superstars Paolo Banchero (23 pts, 8 reb, 4 ast) and Cade Cunningham (21 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast) pace their respective squads in this thrilling series opener.<\/p>\n step back on \u2018em P pic.twitter.com\/Mh9MPftKfg<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 8:19 ET<\/p>\n Wemby ready for playoff debut<\/p>\n Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the Spurs dressed in all black ahead of Game 1 of their first round series against the Trail Blazers.<\/p>\n WEMBY PLAYOFF MODE ACTIVATED \ud83d\udc7d<\/p>\n BLAZERS. SPURS. GAME 1.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf7f 9pm\/et on NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com\/LoMUSRBpQt<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 8:11 ET<\/p>\n Back and forth in Detroit<\/p>\n In the blink of an eye, Orlando\u2019s 63-52 lead is down to just one after a 10-0 run by the Pistons. The Magic have a 63-62 advantage with 7:45 remaining in the third quarter.<\/p>\n THIS Paolo pass \ud83e\udd2f https:\/\/t.co\/2nYxPESZaV<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/vSO5za9stE<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 8:05 ET<\/p>\n 2025-26 NBA Awards Announcement Schedule<\/p>\n Mark your calendars for NBA Awards announcements this week \u270d\ufe0f\ud83d\udcc5 https:\/\/t.co\/dCyrno901c<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 8:00 ET<\/p>\n Finalists for NBA Coach of the Year<\/p>\n The 2025-26 Finalists for NBA Coach of the Year.<\/p>\n J.B. Bickerstaff \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 7:56 ET<\/p>\n Finalists for Kia NBA Rookie of the Year<\/p>\n Congratulations to the three finalists!<\/p>\n The 2025-26 Finalists for Kia NBA Rookie of the Year.<\/p>\n VJ Edgecombe \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 7:55 ET<\/p>\n Finalists for Kia NBA Most Valuable Player<\/p>\n Congratulations to the three finalists!<\/p>\n The 2025-26 Finalists for Kia NBA Most Valuable Player.<\/p>\n Shai Gilgeous-Alexander \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 7:50 ET<\/p>\n Orlando holds 55-51 edge at half<\/p>\n In a matchup between two tough defenses, the Magic take a 55-51 lead over the top-seeded Pistons after two quarters of play. Orlando held a 13-point lead in the opening frame but will settle with a 4-point advantage at halftime, powered by Paolo Banchero (17 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast) and Jalen Suggs (11 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl).<\/p>\n MONEY \ud83d\udcb0 pic.twitter.com\/joeo5WA9U9<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Jalen Suggs was HUSTLING in the first half \ud83d\ude24<\/p>\n 11 PTS, 3 STL and a block through the first half of Game 1.<\/p>\n Magic lead by 4 at the break! pic.twitter.com\/3tZj0fheil<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cade Cunningham (14 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast) is doing work as the only Piston in double figures scoring, as Detroit finishes the first half shooting 35.6% from the field and 29.4% from 3-point range.<\/p>\n #DetroitBasketball<\/a> hitting flow state \ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/GYHn2KbRo5<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 7:37 ET<\/p>\n Magic, Pistons battling in 2Q<\/p>\n Detroit has kept it close despite not leading at any point in this game so far. Daniss Jenkins (5 pts, 2 reb) and Ron Holland II (2 pts, 1 ast) are bringing the energy off the bench for the Pistons, as they trail Orlando 49-47 with 3:34 remaining before halftime.<\/p>\n Jenkins gets crafty in transition \ud83d\ude32<\/p>\n Drops a slick dime around the defender to set up the Ron Holland ll jam in Game 1! pic.twitter.com\/qnWWeWtNIv<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cade Cunningham fuels the Pistons with 11 points on 4-for-10 shooting, while Tobias Harris adds 9 points, 2 assists and one rejection.<\/p>\n CADE SLAM\u2026@BigSean<\/a> likes that \ud83d\ude24 https:\/\/t.co\/TMgPVornxc<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/PoJOqWtlGA<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Paolo Banchero has a game-high 14 points on 4-for-7 shooting, along with 5 rebounds and 2 dimes in 15 minutes. Jalen Suggs is doing a bit of everything with 11 points, 3 boards, 3 assists, 3 steals and one block.<\/p>\n AB AT THE RIM \ud83d\udca5 pic.twitter.com\/qfD0mUes6F<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 7:09 ET<\/p>\n Magic up 35-27 after 1Q<\/p>\n Orlando responds to the 12-0 Detroit run with a 6-0 spurt of their own, and they take an 8-point advantage to the second frame. The second quarter is live now on NBC & Peacock<\/a>!<\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 7:03 ET<\/p>\n Beef Stew says NOPE<\/p>\n Detroit is surging back in the first quarter, fueled by some staunch defense leading to easy buckets in transition. A 12-0 run for the Pistons has them trailing Orlando 29-27 with 1:03 remaining in the quarter.<\/p>\n Stewart MASSIVE REJECTION \ud83d\udeab Detroit firing on both ends in Q1 of Game 1! pic.twitter.com\/1tuif5JaDb<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 6:47 ET<\/p>\n Hot start for Orlando<\/p>\n Jalen Suggs (8 pts, 2 3PM) and Paolo Banchero (5 pts, 1 reb) give the Magic a 13-5 lead over the Pistons with 8:27 to go in the opening frame on NBC & Peacock<\/a>.<\/p>\n Back-to-back triples from Jalen Suggs to open it \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n MAGIC. PISTONS. GAME 1 is underway on NBC & Peacock! pic.twitter.com\/iIHEiMAEt7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 6:35 ET<\/p>\n Finalists for Kia Clutch Player of the Year<\/p>\n The 2025-26 Finalists for Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year.<\/p>\n Anthony Edwards \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 6:34 ET<\/p>\n Finalists for Kia Most Improved Player<\/p>\n The 2025-26 Finalists for Kia NBA Most Improved Player.<\/p>\n Nickeil Alexander-Walker \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 6:33 ET<\/p>\n Finalists for Kia Defensive Player of the Year<\/p>\n The 2025-26 Finalists for Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year.<\/p>\n Chet Holmgren \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 6:32 ET<\/p>\n Finalists for Kia Sixth Man of the Year<\/p>\n The 2025-26 Finalists for Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year.<\/p>\n Tim Hardaway Jr. \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 6:27 ET<\/p>\n Buckle up for what is sure to be a physical series between the Magic and Pistons.<\/p>\n first five out\ud83e\ude84 pic.twitter.com\/vlhru8gc0D<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Game 1 tips at 6:30 ET on NBC and Peacock!<\/p>\n Let the games begin.#DetroitBasketball<\/a> | @Kia<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/9Bt8SjcJpo<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 6:15 ET<\/p>\n Thunder handle business to take 1-0 lead<\/p>\n Oklahoma City starts the postseason in dominant fashion, taking down the visiting Suns 119-84. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (25 pts, 7 ast, 3 blk), Jalen Williams (18 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast) and Chet Holmgren (16 pts, 7 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk) were sensational in the convincing victory.<\/p>\n OKC WAS LOCKING UP IN GAME 1 \ud83d\udd12<\/p>\n They take Game 1 behind a dominant, all-around defensive effort!<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf7f Game 2: Wednesday, 9:30pm\/et, NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com\/CnXS7OA3Tp<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The Thunder\u2019s defense was simply too much for Phoenix all afternoon, forcing 19 total turnovers en route to 34 points off for the defending champs. OKC held commanding leads in paint scoring (52-24), fast break points (18-2) and points off TOs (34-2).<\/p>\n THUNDER WIN GAME 1 AT HOME \u26c8\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/NWPBc7I6MP<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Devin Booker (23 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast), Jalen Green (17 pts, 5 reb, 1 stl) and Dillon Brooks (18 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast) finished as the only Suns in double figures. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:30 ET on ESPN<\/a>.<\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 5:45 ET<\/p>\n Thunder up 31 heading to 4Q<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a dominant showing to open the 2026 NBA Playoffs for the Thunder, as they take a 97-66 lead over the Suns as we head to the fourth quarter. OKC is shooting 46% from the field while limiting Phoenix to just 34% overall.<\/p>\n JDUB HAS THE BALL ON A STRING \ud83e\uddf5<\/p>\n Pump. 18 PTS after the pretty drive to the paint in Game 1! pic.twitter.com\/etesMV4Z21<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The star trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (25 pts, 7 ast, 3 blk), Jalen Williams (18 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast) and Chet Holmgren (16 pts, 7 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk) lead the way for OKC.<\/p>\n SGA GOES \u23eb FOR THE SWAT!<\/p>\n His second block of Game 1 to go along with 18 points! pic.twitter.com\/5glj8zfwYa<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Devin Booker (23 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast) and Dillon Brooks (16 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast) are the offensive engines for Phoenix, but they have a lot of ground to cover over the final 12 minutes if they want to be the first road squad to earn a victory this postseason.<\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 3:40 ET<\/p>\n Celtics dominate to take 1-0 lead<\/p>\n This 32-point victory marked Boston\u2019s largest margin of victory to open the playoffs in franchise history. Joe Mazzulla\u2019s squad put together a complete performance to take all the momentum in this series. Boston poured in 16 threes, four times as many as Philadelphia who finished just 17.4% from behind the arc.<\/p>\n CELTICS TAKE GAME 1 AT HOME \u2618\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/7LFFbirEba<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 3:10 ET<\/p>\n Seeing green \u2618\ufe0f<\/p>\n Philadelphia was unable to shrink the halftime deficit in the third quarter, as the gap actually widened after another 12 minutes of play.<\/p>\n Three down \u2705\u2705\u2705 pic.twitter.com\/siBWu2Zoth<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Paul George added to his decorated resume with a second-half triple. He passed Paul Pierce on the all-time postseason rankings for made three. He now sits behind former Laker Derek Fisher.<\/p>\n Congrats to @Yg_Trece<\/a> of the @sixers<\/a> for moving up to 14th on the all-time playoff 3-POINTERS MADE list! <\/p>\n NBA Playoffs presented by @Google<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/NHTecMqy47<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Jaylen Brown is continuing his high level of play from the regular season. He has 26 points through 30 minutes of action as his team is up big late.<\/p>\n JB and PG exchange tough buckets \ud83d\ude24<\/p>\n Celtics hold a healthy lead in Q3 of Game 1! pic.twitter.com\/Y34c5kc9Mj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 2:25 ET<\/p>\n Back like he never left \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n Jayson Tatum was remarkable in the first half, ending with 21 point, 8 rebounds and five assists. It\u2019s hard to imagine that he tore his achilles less than one year ago with the way he looks today.<\/p>\n TATUM ON THE BREAK \ud83d\udca5<\/p>\n GAME-HIGH 21 PTS AT HALF.<\/p>\n CELTICS UP 18 IN GAME 1! pic.twitter.com\/cCfvKN3Mbd<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The rest of Tatum\u2019s team is following suit, resulting in an 18-point advantage at halftime. Philadelphia is searching for answers on both ends of the court. The 76ers are shooting 33.3% from the field, and only Tyrese Maxey is in double figures so far with 14 points.<\/p>\n at the half. @cryptocom<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/MxupoxgpsR<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 1:49 ET<\/p>\n Boston grabs double-digit lead<\/p>\n The first bit of separation settled in late in the first quarter as Boston continued to be active on defense and score in transition. The 76ers have seven turnovers, as the second quarter gets going. Meanwhile, the Celtics are turning those extra possessions into high-quality looks.<\/p>\n LET IT RIP pic.twitter.com\/mFcpmSj6PM<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 1:38 ET<\/p>\n Sixers foul trouble early<\/p>\n Andre Drummond and Adem Bona have two fouls each, and there\u2019s still several minutes to play in the opening quarter. Philadelphia is without Joel Embiid as well, forcing Head Coach Nick Nurse to go small early on.<\/p>\n APRIL 19, 2026 \/ 1:20 ET<\/p>\n 9-1 C\u2019s run, timeout Philly<\/p>\n fast break, no fake \ud83d\ude45 pic.twitter.com\/949JFFoEMO<\/a><\/p>\n
\nBoston\u2019s 32-point win<\/a> over the 76ers marked their largest margin of victory to open the playoffs in franchise history.
\nShai Gilgeous-Alexander (25 pts, 7 ast, 2 blk) notched postseason career-highs in free throws made (15) and attempted (17) during OKC\u2019s 35-point victory in Game 1<\/a>\u00a0against the Suns.
\nOrlando shocked Detroit to take a 1-0 series lead behind Paolo Banchero (23 pts, 9 reb, 4 ast) and Franz Wagner (11 of 19 pts in 4Q) while holding the Pistons to 40% shooting overall.
\nDetroit\u2019s loss is their 11th consecutive playoff defeat at home, extending an NBA record for the most all-time. The Pistons\u2019 last postseason win at home came against the Celtics in Game 4 of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals.
\nVictor Wembanyama set an NBA record<\/a> with 21 points in the first half of his postseason debut. Wemby finished with 35 to set a Spurs franchise record<\/a> for the most points scored in a playoff debut during San Antonio\u2019s 111-98 win over Portland, and became the only player in NBA history with at least 35 points and 5 3PM in their debut.<\/p>\n
5 THREES
2 BLK
GAME 1 WIN<\/p>\n
CHASEDOWN BLOCK
CATCH-AND-SHOOT THREE
TRANSITION THREE<\/p>\n
Fast break layup.<\/p>\n
8\/13 FG
3\/4 3PM<\/p>\n
Spin.
SLAM.<\/p>\n
Johnson answers with a 3 at the horn!<\/p>\n
Drive.
Score.<\/p>\n
Mitch Johnson
Joe Mazzulla pic.twitter.com\/mskGQQhp1l<\/a><\/p>\n
Cooper Flagg
Kon Knueppel pic.twitter.com\/6TehvsNpku<\/a><\/p>\n
Nikola Joki\u0107
Victor Wembanyama pic.twitter.com\/Gy5UcInp6h<\/a><\/p>\n
Cunningham THROW DOWN \ud83d\udca5<\/p>\n
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Jamal Murray pic.twitter.com\/yLXEPZ3gan<\/a><\/p>\n
Deni Avdija
Jalen Duren pic.twitter.com\/cN0ydFsgNK<\/a><\/p>\n
Ausar Thompson
Victor Wembanyama pic.twitter.com\/C4cMnh1WFu<\/a><\/p>\n
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Keldon Johnson pic.twitter.com\/JRNRtyWBSj<\/a><\/p>\n
Drive.
Cross.
Up-and-under.
Score.<\/p>\n