The NBA Playoffs commenced on Saturday after the four-day play-in tournament. Here are five headlines.
5) 76ers set franchise record for most three-pointers in a playoff game.
Philadelphia had a playoff franchise high 21 three-pointers on Saturday in their 121-101 win over the Brooklyn Nets. The Cleveland Cavaliers have the NBA playoff record with 25 in 2016.
4) Kings win first playoff game in 17 years.
Sacramento won their first playoff game on Saturday in 17 years when they beat Golden State 126-123. It was Sacramento’s first playoff win since they beat San Antonio 109-98 on May 2, 2006.
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3) Dominant first half by the Celtics
The Celtics dominated the first half in their 112-99 win over Atlanta. Boston outscored the Hawks 74-44. Their 30 point halftime lead was tied for the biggest lead after 24 minutes in franchise history.
2) Lakers had balanced attack in win over the Grizzlies.
In Los Angeles’s 128-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, four Lakers reached the 20-point plateau. Rui Hachimura of Toyama, Japan had 29 points, Austin Reaves of Newark, Arkansas had 23 points, Anthony Davis had Chicago, Illinois had 22 points and LeBron James of Akron, Ohio had 21 points. It was the first time since 1988 that four Lakers players had 20+ points in a playoff game.
1) Three significant injuries.
On Sunday, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo injured his hip, Miami Heat shooting guard Tyler Herro broke his hand, and Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant also injured his hand in a fall while attempting a dunk. All we know right now is that Herro is out four to six weeks. As far as the Bucks, it will be tough for them to win and even beat the Heat without Antetokounmpo. Miami won game one 130-117.
