On Saturday, the 2024 NBA Playoffs got underway, and it’s safe to say that all four of the opening round games were decided by logic. The home club, who had a stronger qualifying campaign, prevailed in both the two games in the Eastern Conference and the two in the West. Eight more teams will begin off the first round of the elimination tournament this Sunday on the court.
There was still balance despite the top-placed teams’ triumph. All of the games, with the exception of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 120-95 victory against the Phoenix Suns, went into the closing minutes with the score tied. Here are a few highlights from the first day of the Playoffs this year.
Luke Kornet, the backup center for the Celtics, was declared out with a fresh calf injury hours before Sunday’s first-round matchup against the Heat. It’s unknown when Kornet will make a comeback after injuring his calf during a recent session. The seven-footer will be used by the squad “week to week,” according to Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla.
Who made an impression on the NBA Playoffs opening day
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
The Cavs went into their game against the Orlando Magic under pressure to win, especially after their disappointing 4-1 loss to the New York Knicks in the 2023 postseason. They got a fantastic performance from their star player because of that.With 30 points and 52% shooting from the field, Donovan Mitchell wrapped up the day in Cleveland.
At 97-83 for the Cavaliers, it was the lowest-scoring game played on this first day of the playoffs. With 16 points apiece from Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Mitchell was the only member of his squad to score more than 20 points. In light of his standing in the league and his subpar showing against the Knicks the previous season, number 45 was the one most in need of a response, and he delivered one in style.
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
The 22-year-old Anthony Edwards is now attempting to make it to the second round for the first time in his third career playoff series. One of the trickiest opponents along the route is the Phoenix Suns, who are led by Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. However, despite the abundance of stars on the court, the 2020 first selection in the draft was the more talented player.
Edwards put up 33 points, four three-pointers on eight attempts from outside the arc, and a 58% shooting percentage to lead the team. He committed a lot of turnovers—six—but he also contributed six assists, battled for nine rebounds, and pulled off two steals.
He displayed his already endearing demeanor once more, trading jeers with Durant following a stunning basket. Honorable mention for this game belongs to Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who scored eighteen points and stole four rebounds after coming off the bench. The Wolves won by a score of 28 points when he was on the floor.
4/4 from DEEP 🎯🔥 https://t.co/kZoQ6V9hNp pic.twitter.com/qXVFk0j73F
— NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2024Miles McBride (New York Knicks)
Yesterday night at Madison Square Garden was the most unforgettable night of Miles McBride’s still-brief career. Deuce was a major factor in the Knicks’ successful postseason debut, considering how little time he played on average throughout the playoffs the previous year.
The New York reserves got the victory in a difficult game against the Philadelphia 76ers, as the entire series should be. The person who is the subject of our particular attention is referred to as the “Brazilian” on social media, due to his relationship with a Brazilian-born model and influencer. The Knicks defeated the 76ers by a commanding 37 points during McBride’s 28 minutes on the field.
To put a figure on it, every starter had a negative plus/minus at the end of the game. McBride was an integral part of the team’s victories, not simply a spectator. He ended with 21 points, making five of his seven attempts from beyond the paint and dishing out four assists.
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
The MVP of the 2018–19 season and likely MVP of the regular season has done what appears to be his specialty since 2023: he has dominated the Los Angeles Lakers. It would be almost redundant to list him as a standout when Denver’s number 15 isn’t among the top players on the court on most nights.
In addition to the Joker’s 32 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, KCP, should also be mentioned. Even though the former Laker only finished with 12 points for the game, at least nine of those points came during a crucial stretch. In the third quarter, the shooting guard made three straight free throws from outside the area as the reigning champs pulled off the upset. With three robberies to his credit, he was also the leader.
All of the Nuggets’ starting players performed admirably overall, finishing with double figures in points. Aaron Gordon finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, getting closer to a triple-double.
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