NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: April 20, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

NBA Postseason Kicks Off with Upsets & Star Turns

The first weekend of the NBA playoffs delivered immediate drama, highlighted by the Orlando Magic stunning the East's No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons in Game 1, showcasing an intensity absent for much of the regular season. In the West, the San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama announced his arrival by posting 35 points in a Game 1 victory over the Trail Blazers, a record for a Spurs player in a postseason debut, despite Portland choosing not to distribute promotional T-shirts to fans for Games 3 and 4 drawing internal questions. Meanwhile, the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder dispatched the Suns convincingly, 119-84, with OKC expecting the No. 8 seed Suns to make adjustments heading into the next contest.

The Eastern Conference slate saw the Boston Celtics asserting dominance over Philadelphia, continuing the rivalry's familiar pattern of Celtics success, while the New York Knicks secured a hard-fought victory over the Hawks, powered by Jalen Brunson's 28 points, 22 of which came in the first half to seal the 113-102 win. On the injury front, the Toronto Raptors suffered a setback as guard Immanuel Quickley missed Game 1 against Cleveland while recovering from a hamstring issue, contributing to their loss. These early results frame the narrative for the weekend, as observers like Brian Windhorst dissected the enduring 25-year-old LeBron strategy and new defensive schemes seen across the league.

MVP Finalists & Offseason Uncertainty

As the postseason commences, league recognition arrived for three top performers, with Victor Wembanyama joining Shai Gilge-Alexander and Nikola Jokic as finalists for the MVP award this season. This recognition contrasts sharply with the turbulent offseason facing the Golden State Warriors, who enter their break facing the dual challenge of finding a co-star for Stephen Curry and potentially searching for a new head coach following their elimination. In personnel news, the Chicago Bulls have received permission to interview multiple executives as they commence the search for their new head of basketball operations following their disappointing finish.

Coaching Stability & League Legacies

Despite the general league instability, the Brooklyn Nets moved quickly to secure their leadership, with sources confirming that head coach Jordi Fernandez and his entire staff received multiyear contract extensions. This move suggests organizational confidence in the current direction, contrasting with the pressure facing other franchises. The influence of veterans remains palpable, evidenced by the playoff runs of players mentored by future Hall of Famer Chris Paul, whose legacy continues to resonate through the current competitors vying for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Furthermore, Clippers President Lawrence Frank reaffirmed the team's commitment to building around Kawhi Leonard long-term, stating that the organization's primary goal remains winning with him.

Off-Court Matters & Tributes

Beyond the hardwood, celebrity engagement remained high, with athletes like Steph Curry and Paige Bueckers spotted attending the Coachella music festival over the weekend, while other notable figures populated courtside seats across the playoff venues drawing attention to sightings. In a moment of reflection, former Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, currently undergoing rehabilitation, reportedly addressed the San Antonio team prior to their series opener, providing motivation alongside their matching all-black suits worn for Game 1 marking their first home playoff game since 2019. On a somber note, the basketball world mourned the loss of Brazilian legend Oscar Schmidt, the Hall of Famer known as "The Holy Hand," who passed away Friday at the age of 68. Additionally, Charles Barkley offered a conciliatory update, stating that his long-standing rift with Michael Jordan is easing, with the two planning to play golf together during the offseason.