NBA Playoff Recap: Thunder Handle Lakers In Game 1 As Timberwolves-Spurs & Knicks-76ers Gear Up For Crucial Game 2 Showdowns Tonight
Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss last night's Lakers loss and preview tonight's NBA playoff matchups with the Timberwolves, Spurs, Knicks and 76ers.
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 108-90 in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series, taking a 1-0 lead behind a strong two-way performance. The Lakers struggled offensively throughout, with LeBron James scoring 27 points but getting limited help. Austin Reaves also had a rough game, struggling to find rhythm and contributing inefficient shooting. Will the Lakers win a game in this series or is the sweep inevitable? How good is OKC?
The Minnesota Timberwolves opened their playoff series with a narrow 104-102 win over the San Antonio Spurs in a tightly contested, defensive Game 1 that came down to the final possessions on Monday night. Still, it’s only one game in a long series, and Game 2 now becomes a major test of response. Game 2 is set for tonight and both teams will be looking to make key adjustments after a hard-fought opener. For the Spurs, Game 2 is an early but important opportunity to respond after a narrow loss. If San Antonio can clean up execution and turn some of those close misses into made plays, they have a chance to even the series before it shifts momentum further in Minnesota’s direction.
The New York Knicks opened their Eastern Conference semifinal series in dominant fashion, crushing the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 in a Game 1 blowout that was never truly competitive after the first quarter. Still, it’s only one game in a long series and Game 2 between the Knicks and Sixers is set for tonight at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with tip-off scheduled for the evening in Eastern Time. The Knicks will look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead before the matchup shifts to Philadelphia. For the 76ers, tonight represents an early but important response opportunity after a difficult opener. If the 76ers can’t make adjustments, New York’s pace, shot-making and home-court energy could put them firmly in control of the series.
