NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: April 20, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

NBA Postseason Kicks Off with Upsets & Star Dominance

The NBA playoffs commenced with several immediate seismic shifts, most notably the Orlando Magic stunning the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons in Game 1, showcasing an intensity previously absent this season. This Eastern Conference upset was mirrored by the defending champion Thunder asserting their dominance, crushing the Suns 119-84 in their opening contest against the team that had just eliminated Golden State. Across the bracket, the New York Knicks secured a hard-fought victory fueled by Jalen Brunson’s 22 first-half points in a 113-102 win over Atlanta, while the Celtics immediately imposed their will on Philadelphia, handing the Sixers their seventh straight series loss against Boston.

Western Conference Showdowns Feature Rookie Records & Veteran Resilience

The Western Conference opened with standout individual performances, as the San Antonio Spurs leaned heavily on rookie Victor Wembanyama, who posted 35 points in Game 1—the most ever by a Spurs player in a playoff debut—to defeat Portland 111-98. The Spurs arrived in matching all-black suits for their first home playoff game since April 2019, receiving motivation after a pre-game address from recovering former coach Gregg Popovich. Meanwhile, the reigning Western Conference champion Denver Nuggets edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves, largely due to Jamal Murray’s flawless night at the charity stripe where he converted all 16 free throws attempted. Furthermore, the league recognized its top talents, naming Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Wembanyama as the three finalists for the season’s Most Valuable Player award.

Coaching Carousel and Organizational Uncertainty Define Offseasons

While the postseason is underway, several franchises are looking toward major organizational changes. The Golden State Warriors enter an offseason fraught with massive uncertainty, needing to find a co-star for Stephen Curry and potentially searching for a new head coach, a sentiment echoed by Draymond Green who suggested he would guess that Steve Kerr's tenure was over. In contrast, the Brooklyn Nets demonstrated organizational stability by signing head coach Jordi Fernandez and his entire staff to multiyear contract extensions, contrasting sharply with the Chicago Bulls, who have received permission from the league to interview multiple high-level executives to spearhead their new front office structure.

Legacy and Off-Court Activities Cap the Opening Weekend

The opening weekend also provided context for veteran careers and off-court narratives. LeBron James continued to employ strategies reminiscent of his prime, prompting commentary on the Lakers' approach and observations on new defensive schemes in Cleveland, reminding observers of his enduring playoff impact. The legacy of retired point guard Chris Paul was also evident, as dozens of mentored players are currently vying for the championship. Away from the court, celebrities like Steph Curry and Paige Bueckers were spotted taking in the sights at Coachella 2026, while Charles Barkley shared that his long-standing rift with Michael Jordan is reportedly easing, with the two planning a golf outing in the offseason. The Trail Blazers’ management drew criticism for their decision not to distribute giveaway T-shirts during their home playoff games against San Antonio, prompting further questions about recent organizational decisions.

League Mourns Passing of Brazilian Icon

The basketball world experienced a significant loss with the news that Brazilian legend and Hall of Famer Oscar Schmidt, known affectionately as the "Holy Hand," passed away Friday at age 68. Schmidt leaves behind an indelible international legacy, having been one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the sport before his induction into the Hall of Fame.