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.
Then Khris Middleton forced overtime with an absurd 3-pointer at the buzzer that barely got off his fingertips in time.
Overtime was just as wild. Both teams traded leads, Antetokounmpo fouled out and eventually the Celtics sealed a tough Game 1 victory.
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.
Lance Stephenson showed he was ready to play with this powerful slam:
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.
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.
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:
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.
Harden led the way for the Rockets, finishing with 44 points and eight assists in a truly masterful offensive performance.
Bracket
-
No need to panic in Game 5, Raptors
Old habits do die hard for this version of the Raptors
-
NBA playoffs injury tracker
Keeping track of all the injury updates for every NBA playoff series
-
NBA playoffs scores for each series
The first round of the NBA postseason is kicking into high gear, and we've got the scores from...
-
NBA Mock Draft: Young to Magic at No. 5
Arizona's DeAndre Ayton goes No. 1 over Duke's Marvin Bagley in Reid Forgrave's latest mock...
-
Embiid: Forget future; 76ers' time now
The 76ers are up 3-1 on the Heat looking to close out the series on Tuesday
-
Warriors vs. Spurs Game 5 preview
The Spurs were able to fend off a sweep and force a Game 5