NBA Basketball 3h Briefing
×Last updated: April 19, 2026, 11:30 PM ET
NBA Playoff Shocks & Star Power
The NBA postseason immediately delivered major upsets, as the Orlando Magic stunned the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in Game, extending the Pistons' franchise-record home playoff losing streak in the process. This upset came against the Western Conference's No. 1 seed, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who nevertheless opened their defense with a comprehensive 119-84 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs made a coordinated fashion statement, arriving in matching all-black suits for their first home playoff game since April 2019 as they prepared to host the Portland Trail Blazers.
MVP Finalists & Courtside Spectacle
The league recognized its top performers as Victor Wembanyama joined Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic as the three finalists for the coveted Most Valuable Player award this season. Beyond the on-court action, the high-stakes atmosphere drew notable figures, as celebrities were out in force, filling prime courtside real estate across the opening weekend matchups.