NBA Player News
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Isaiah Stewart PF | DET
Pistons' Isaiah Stewart: Barely visible in Game 1 loss
Stewart supplied three points (0-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-4 FT), four rebounds, one block and one steal in 19 minutes during Sunday's 112-101 loss to the Magic in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Stewart failed to have any sort of meaningful impact, continuing what has been an underwhelming few games. In fact, in four appearances over the past two weeks, he has averaged just 8.0 points and 1.0 blocks in 15.7 minutes per game. Along with a number of his teammates, Stewart will need to be better should Detroit intend on going deep into the playoffs.
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Jalen Duren C | DET
Pistons' Jalen Duren: Well handled in Game 1 loss
Duren notched eight points (3-4 FG, 2-4 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and one block in 33 minutes during Sunday's 112-101 loss to Orlando in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Duren was unable to make a significant impact, turning in one of his worst performances of the season. Despite playing 33 minutes, it was simply a rough night for Duren, who played a passive role on both ends of the floor and posted his worst scoring output since March 5. Based on the season he has put together, Duren will almost certainly be better when the two teams face off again in Game 2.
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Duncan Robinson SG | DET
Pistons' Duncan Robinson: Limited by foul trouble
Robinson ended with nine points (3-8 FG, 3-6 3Pt) and four assists in 26 minutes during Sunday's 112-101 loss to Orlando in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Robinson dealt with foul issues throughout the night, limiting him to just nine points in 26 minutes. As a rhythm shooter, Robinson was simply unable to build any momentum, contributing to the Game 1 loss. Assuming he can stay out of foul trouble, expect to see Robinson more involved when Detroit looks to wrestle back the ascendency Wednesday.
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Wendell Carter Jr. C | ORL
Jalen Duren C | DET
Magic's Wendell Carter: Delivers in upset victory
Carter recorded 17 points (8-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt), seven rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals over 37 minutes during Sunday's 112-101 victory over the Pistons in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Carter was at his best in the win, chipping in across all major categories as Orlando came out of the blocks with a bang. While his production has been a little up and down throughout the season, Carter has been a consistent part of the rotation. After having limited Jalen Duren to just eight points and seven rebounds, Carter should expect a tougher go of things when the two teams meet again in Game 2.
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Franz Wagner PF | ORL
Magic's Franz Wagner: Logs 32 minutes in win'
Wagner posted 19 points (7-13 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-5 FT), five rebounds, four assists and two steals in 32 minutes during Sunday's 112-101 win over the Pistons in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Wagner played at least 30 minutes for the first time since returning from an ankle injury, helping the Magic to an unlikely win. Although his production remains somewhat limited, he is certainly looking more and more comfortable with each passing game. The two teams will line up again Wednesday, with Orlando looking to take a 2-0 series lead.
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Jalen Suggs SG | ORL
Magic's Jalen Suggs: Pivotal in Game 1 win
Suggs logged 16 points (6-16 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds, four assists, one block and three steals across 36 minutes before fouling out of Sunday's 112-101 win over Detroit in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Suggs played a pivotal role for the Magic, despite eventually fouling out. The biggest impact was, as per usual, on the defensive end, where he tallied four combined steals and blocks, not to mention a number of deflections. The upset win now sees Orlando take a 1-0 series lead over its more fancied opponents, with Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday in Detroit.
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Jalen Williams SF | OKC
Thunder's Jalen Williams: Comfortable performance Sunday
Williams ended with 22 points (9-15 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal over 29 minutes during Sunday's 119-84 victory over Phoenix in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Williams put together an impressive stat line, getting it done on both ends of the floor. After a season riddled with injuries, it was a positive to see Williams back to his best. Given how dominant Oklahoma City has been this season, a healthy Williams is certainly a scary thought for any potential opponents. Look for him to continue his strong play when the two teams meet again Wednesday.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander SG | OKC
Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Propels Thunder to victory
Gilgeous-Alexander provided 25 points (5-18 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 15-17 FT), four rebounds, seven assists and two blocks over 29 minutes during Sunday's 119-84 victory over the Suns in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Gilgeous-Alexander wasn't required to do a lot as the Thunder easily accounted for the Suns in Game 1 of the playoffs. Despite shooting just 5-for-18 from the floor, Gilgeous-Alexander still crafted his way to a team-high 25 points thanks to an extremely busy and efficient night from the charity stripe. The two teams will face each other again Wednesday, where Oklahoma City will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
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Chet Holmgren PF | OKC
Thunder's Chet Holmgren: Efficient two-way performance
Holmgren notched 16 points (5-10 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals across 25 minutes during Sunday's 119-84 victory over the Suns in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Holmgren was limited to just 25 minutes, with Oklahoma City easily accounting for Phoenix in what could be a sign of things to come. The Thunder was able to rest basically its entire starting five during the fourth quarter. Based on the ease of victory, this series could be over after just four games, unless Phoenix can flip the script.
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Devin Booker SG | PHO
Suns' Devin Booker: Drops team-high 23 points
Booker closed Sunday's 119-84 loss to Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 23 points (8-17 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 5-7 FT), six rebounds and two assists across 33 minutes.
Booker led Phoenix with 23 points, although it wasn't even close to being enough in what ended up a blowout loss. It continued what has been a slightly underwhelming season for Booker by his lofty standards, averaging 25.9 points, 6.0 assists and 1.9 three-pointers through 67 appearances. If the Suns are to have any chance of causing an upset, Booker is going to have to step up his contributions.