Celtics Dominate, Pistons Stumble: NBA Playoff Highlights from Game 1
The 2026 NBA playoffs kicked off Sunday with four thrilling Game 1 matchups. The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder, the last two champions, secured commanding victories over the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns, respectively. However, the biggest surprise came when the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic stunned the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in Detroit. Winners and Losers from Sunday’s Action Loser: Detroit’s Key Role Players Despite Cade Cunningham scoring 39 points in just his fourth game back from a collapsed lung, the Pistons struggled. Jalen Duren only managed eight points, needing to assert himself more in the offense. Ausar Thompson saw limited minutes, raising concerns about his ability to impact the game defensively. Daniss Jenkins shot 1-of-7, leaving the Pistons without a reliable secondary creator. The Pistons need significant contributions from their supporting cast to compete in Game 2. Winner: Orlando’s Defense The Magic's defensive strategy paid off as they showcased their top-ranked defense, especially with Franz Wagner back in the lineup. Their defensive rating improved significantly in recent games, allowing just 81.2 points against the Pistons. Orlando's physicality matched that of Detroit, setting the stage for a competitive series. Winner: Jayson Tatum In his playoff return after a serious injury, Jayson Tatum shone against the 76ers, scoring 25 points with 11 rebounds and 7 assists. Tatum expressed gratitude for his opportunity to play, marking a significant comeback for him and instilling confidence in the Celtics. Loser: Sixers Fans The 76ers faced another disheartening playoff defeat, losing by 32 points to the Celtics. This marked their fifth playoff loss by 30+ points against Boston, highlighting ongoing struggles in the postseason. Winner: Jalen Williams Jalen Williams of the Thunder impressed with an all-around performance, scoring 22 points and contributing defensively. His resurgence bodes well for Oklahoma City as they advance in the playoffs. Loser: Phoenix’s Supporting Cast Devin Booker and Jalen Green put up respectable numbers, but the rest of the Suns’ roster struggled, combining for just 44 points on 30% shooting.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-20