Overview
- The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Memphis Grizzlies by a record 51-point margin in Game 1, the largest in NBA playoff history for an opener.
- Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 117-95 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, leveraging strong three-point shooting and defensive mismatches.
- Indiana Pacers dominated the Milwaukee Bucks 117-98, with Bucks star Damian Lillard listed as questionable for Game 2 after recovering from deep vein thrombosis.
- Coaches across all three series emphasized maintaining focus and fundamentals to avoid complacency, with Thunder coach Mark Daigneault warning of a stronger Grizzlies response in Game 2.
- Game 2 outcomes could shift momentum significantly, with teams aiming to either solidify their leads or even the series before heading to lower-seeded arenas.