TDefender Golden State Warriors started the NBA playoffs with a loss. In a highly exciting game against the Sacramento Kings there was a 123:126.
The Kings had previously had to wait 16 years for an NBA playoff game. De’Aaron Fox had 38 points in the first playoff game of his career. Only Luka Doncic was better on his debut with the Dallas Mavericks (42). For the Warriors, superstar Stephen Curry’s 30 points weren’t enough. The Kings now lead 1-0 in the best-of-seven series. A team needs four wins to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
Previously, the New York Knicks around the German Isaiah Hartenstein had won the opener 101:97 in their series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks controlled the game for long stretches and led by up to twelve points before the hosts took the lead themselves with 93:92. However, the Knicks turned the tide in the last two minutes of the game and now have an advantage in the series thanks to the away win. Hartenstein hit two of his three throws from the game and scored eight points. Donovan Mitchell had the best haul with 38 points for the Cavaliers.
In the first two playoff duels of the day, there were clear victories for the favorites. The Philadelphia 76ers recorded a 121:101 against the Brooklyn Nets. At 112:99 against the Atlanta Hawks, the Boston Celtics even had a 32-point lead and demonstrated their strength.
