The NBA playoff game between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings looked like a lopsided playoff matchup due to recent history and precedent for both teams. However, the Kings proved they were not there in passing and won the game 126–123. De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk were the stars of the game, scoring 38 and 32 points, respectively, for the Kings. The Warriors, who had won 18 straight series in the West, could not chip away at the Kings’ lead. Despite this, MVP Stephen Curry remained optimistic, noting that they still had a chance to win in Sacramento in Game 2.
The Knicks also picked up an important win in their first series game against the Cavaliers in 24 years. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 27 points and a strong rebounding performance, allowing them to acquire home-court advantage in a very evenly matched playoff series. Despite this win, the Knicks still have a lot to overcome, having not advanced past a playoff round since 2013.
In other early morning games, the 76ers beat the Nets 121-101, thanks in large part to their record of 21 three-pointers in a playoff game. James Harden had an impressive performance with 23 points and 13 assists, but it wasn’t enough to stop the 76ers’ offense. The Celtics also won their series opener against the Hawks, 112-99, with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Evan Fournier leading the Boston offense. The Hawks could only count on Dejounte Murray as their leading scorer with 24 points and will have to work harder if they want to trouble the Celtics team in the next games of the series.