Results for: NBA Playoffs

The Phoenix Suns, who were slight favorites to advance, were defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first game of their Western Conference playoff series. The Suns have been in a similar situation before, losing Game 1 last season before bouncing back to win the series. However, the Timberwolves played with desperation and determination, setting a high bar for themselves. They will need to maintain this level of play if they want to win the series, as the Suns are expected to make adjustments. Phoenix is listing Grayson Allen as questionable for Game 2, while Minnesota is confident in its depth with Kyle Anderson expected to return.

Damian Lillard led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 109-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series, despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard scored 35 points in the first half, a franchise record for points in a playoff half, before cooling off and attempting only five shots in the second half. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 36 points and 13 rebounds, but the team struggled from three-point range and couldn’t overcome Lillard’s early dominance. Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis also contributed to the Bucks’ win with 23 points and 15 points, respectively.

The Milwaukee Bucks are hoping Giannis Antetokounmpo will be available for Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo missed Game 1 with a left soleus strain, but he is now officially listed as doubtful. If Antetokounmpo is unable to play, Damian Lillard will need to step up once again.

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs suffered a left knee strain and had to be helped off the court during the first quarter of Game 2 of their playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night. Suggs, who averaged 12.6 points per game in the regular season, was scoreless in eight minutes prior to the injury. The Magic listed Suggs as questionable to return, with Markelle Fultz taking over the ball-handling duties in his absence.

ESPN host Malika Andrews is captivating viewers with her exceptional on-screen presence during the NBA playoffs. Andrews has quickly risen through the ranks since joining ESPN in 2018, earning a Sports Emmy and becoming the first woman to host the NBA Draft. Her vibrant personality and insightful analysis have garnered praise from fans, who eagerly anticipate her contributions to the playoff coverage.

Despite an impressive All-Star season, Jalen Brunson has struggled to find success against the Philadelphia 76ers’ stingy defense. In the first game of their playoff series, Brunson shot just 8-of-26 from the field, contributing to the Knicks’ victory despite his subpar performance. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse attributes their success against Brunson to their ability to field a variety of defenders, including the likes of Kelly Oubre Jr., Nicolas Batum, Kyle Lowry, and Tyrese Maxey, who use their length to pose a challenge for the 6-foot-2 Brunson. Brunson’s regular season matchups against the Sixers also revealed similar difficulties, as he shot just 40% from the field and 30% from three-point range in their four encounters.

Damian Lillard exploded for 35 points in the first half, while Khris Middleton added a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds as the shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks cruised to a 109-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their playoff series.

Adjustments will be plentiful in the ongoing playoff series between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, both of whom have dealt with injuries to key players. The Knicks have been without Julius Randle (dislocated right shoulder), while the 76ers have had All-Stars Joel Embiid (meniscus) and Tyrese Maxey (illness) questionable for games.

With both teams having strengths and weaknesses, adjustments will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series. The Knicks will need to find a way to slow down Maxey, while the 76ers need to limit the contributions of Josh Hart, who has been a key factor off the bench.

Game 1 provided both teams with plenty of information to assess and make adjustments. The Knicks will likely try to make defensive adjustments to contain Maxey, while the 76ers may need to tweak their strategy to better defend Hart.

With the series tied 1-1, adjustments will be at the forefront of Game 3 as both teams look to take control.

In Game 1 of the playoffs, the Clippers emerged victorious with a strong defense against the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Despite their combined 64 points, Doncic and Irving were held in check by Terance Mann and Amir Coffey, who executed the defensive game plan. The Clippers now lead the best-of-seven series 1-0 and will look to replicate their defensive success in Game 2.

The Denver Nuggets face off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second game of their NBA playoff series on Monday night. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets to victory in Game 1 with 32 points and 12 rebounds, while LeBron James scored 27 points for the Lakers but struggled in the second half. Fans can watch the game on TNT or stream it on DirecTV Stream or Sling.