NBA playoffs 2018 scores, highlights, bracket: Pacers stun Cavs, James Harden's 44 lifts Rockets past Wolves
Day 2 of the NBA playoffs is in the books
The NBA playoffs got off to a great start Saturday, and Sunday was no different. Game 1 in Boston was an overtime thriller, with the Celtics squeaking out a win over the Bucks. After that one was done, Victor Oladipo and the Pacers dusted the Cavaliers in the most surprising result of the first round so far, and the Thunder took care of the Jazz behind a big night from Paul George. Lastly, the Rockets escaped with a three-point win over the Timberwolves.
Below you'll find everything you need to know for Day 2 of the NBA playoffs.
NBA playoff scores for Sunday, April 15
- Game 1: Boston Celtics 113, Milwaukee Bucks 107 -- F/OT (Box Score)
- Game 1: Pacers 98, Cavaliers 80 (Box Score)
- Game 1: Thunder 116, Jazz 108 (Box Score)
- Game 1: Rockets 104, Timberwolves 101 (Box Score)
Game 1: Celtics 113, Bucks 107 (F/OT)
It was a rough, grind-it-out affair between the Celtics and Bucks for at least the first three quarters, but the ending turned into absolute insanity. Terry Rozier hit a 3-pointer that should have sealed a victory for the Celtics.
👀👀👀
— NBA (@NBA) April 15, 2018
TERRY ROZIER. #CUsRise pic.twitter.com/b06IVgKRAu
Then Khris Middleton forced overtime with an absurd 3-pointer at the buzzer that barely got off his fingertips in time.
ARE YOU KIDDING!?
— NBA (@NBA) April 15, 2018
Khris Middleton sends Game 1 in Boston to OT with the ridiculous buzzer beater! pic.twitter.com/XUfMBKipzL
Overtime was just as wild. Both teams traded leads, Antetokounmpo fouled out and eventually the Celtics sealed a tough Game 1 victory.
The @celtics & @Bucks trade clutch buckets in a thrilling fantastic finish to regulation, ending with the C's taking Game 1 in overtime! #CUsRise pic.twitter.com/SsihZqpKtK
— NBA (@NBA) April 15, 2018
This is going to be an ugly and long series by the looks of it.
Game 1: Pacers 98, Cavaliers 80
The Pacers cruised to an 18-point road victory in Game 1, taking control of this series. It's the first time a LeBron James-led team has dropped the opening game of the first round of the playoffs. Victor Oladipo led the way with 32 points. This is the team's first playoff win since 2016.
Victor Oladipo tallies 32 PTS, 4 AST, 6 3PM in the @Pacers Game 1 win on the road in Cleveland! #Pacers #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Z0FqbZgmNC
— NBA (@NBA) April 15, 2018
Lance Stephenson showed he was ready to play with this powerful slam:
LANCE STEPHENSON WITH AUTHORITY! 😱💪🔨#Pacers #NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/PkQpgDTLUL
— NBA (@NBA) April 15, 2018
LeBron James finished with a triple-double in defeat.
Cleveland had a small ball lineup in Game 1, featuring a healthy Rodney Hood, Jeff Green at the power forward spot, and Kevin Love at center. It'll be interesting to see if coach Tyronn Lue makes any changes before Game 2 on Wednesday.
Game 1: Thunder 116, Jazz 108
Donovan Mitchell came out ready to play in his first career playoff game. He got off to a great start, and it continued all game long, as he finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Unfortunately, he did suffer a foot injury, but seemed to be OK. X-rays came back negative, but it will be something to monitor going forward.
Rubio ➡️ Mitchell! 🔥💥@utahjazz are on a 14-2 run early and Donovan has 9 PTS on 4-4 shooting!#TakeNote @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/thkiuO5fRP
— NBA (@NBA) April 15, 2018
The Thunder, meanwhile, took care of business. Paul George had a huge night, hitting eight 3-pointers on the way to 36 points. Russell Westbrook added 29 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.
👀 Make that 8 TRIPLES for Paul George! 👀#ThunderUp lead by double digits in the 4th.
— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2018
📺: @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/EEhGCH3ZaF
Game 1: Rockets 104, Timberwolves 101
The Rockets took Game 1 against the Timberwolves, but it was a lot tougher than anyone expected. The final few minutes were especially strange. First, this happened:
One of the most bizarre plays you'll see. KAT forgets it was the 2nd FT, travels, everyone is confused, Timberwolves get an open dunk. pic.twitter.com/cQYshwYLc9
— Dime on UPROXX (@DimeUPROXX) April 16, 2018
Then, after a bad turnover by Chris Paul, the Wolves had a chance to tie the game on the final possession. Unfortunately for the Wolves, Jimmy Butler took a turnaround fadeaway that had no chance. And even if it had gone in, it would only have been a two.
Jimmy Butler just dribbled up the court.
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) April 16, 2018
Did an unnecessary spin move.
Stepped inside the 3-point line.
Took a bad fadeway 2.
While down 3 points
And airballed it.
Harden led the way for the Rockets, finishing with 44 points and eight assists in a truly masterful offensive performance.
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