The 2023 NBA Playoffs officially kicked off yesterday, April 15, with the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia Sixers setting the tone. Playing host for Game 01, Philadelphia was simply unstoppable. Brooklyn’s attempts at double-teaming Joel Embiid backfired, and they couldn’t recover on offense. Embiid would finish with 26 points, on 15 shots. Twitter quickly fired off their “Embiid for MVP” rants as the game clearly favored Philly.
He is the MVP. THEY TRAPPING EVERY TIME HE TOUCHES THE BALLLL! 😂😂😂let’s be real y’all
— Jabari Smith Jr (@jabarismithjr) April 15, 2023
Despite their loss in the opening playoff game, the Nets did finish with a 65.0% eFG (effective field goal) – the highest in a loss in NBA Playoffs history. Brooklyn fans, there is hope!
With the Sixers securing the first win in the series, the afternoon continued in Boston, where the reigning Eastern Conference Champions hosted the Atlanta Hawks.
At the start of the 2022-23 season, the Celtics were on a mission – to finish what they started last season, after falling short in the NBA Finals. Their goal to take home Banner 18 was made loud and clear in this opening match-up against the Hawks. Boston’s stars delivered – plain and simple. Attacking Atlanta’s faulty defense, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White put up amazing numbers.
The Celtics opted to keep their rotation small this time around. The dynamic duo, that is Brown and Tatum, combined for 54 points, while White contributed 24 of his own. Just four other Celtics players checked in and scored, but still made an impact on both sides of the court.
Boston was locked in. Atlanta made a run that cut the Celtics’ 30-point lead to 12 in the second half, but they had no answers when Boston responded.
As the game in Boston ended, another New York team took to the court in Cleveland for their Game 01 matchup against the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers hadn’t secured a playoff appearance since Lebron dominated the game in Cleveland. Looking to leave his mark, Donovan Mitchell, finished with 38 points and eight assists in his postseason debut in a Cavaliers uniform. Despite his relentless effort for a comeback in the fourth quarter, Julius Randle, and Jalen Brunson, proved to be too much. The Knicks duo delivered a one-two punch that dominated early. Randle scored 16 points in the first half, while Brunson exploded in the second half with 27 points.
A surprising factor in New York’s win, however, was Josh Hart, who played in his first playoff game – but surely didn’t act like it. The product of Villanova basketball, Hart showed all heart, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Closing out the full day of NBA Playoffs, reigning defending NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors, made their way to Sacramento.
For Sacramento Kings fans, this was the moment they had all been waiting on. For the first time, in 17 years, the Kings are in the Playoffs! And they played like they belonged, respectfully. The Kings held off the Golden State Warriors, defeating them, 126-123. The matchup was forecasted to be a dynamic one, considering the electric performance De’Aaron Fox was expected to put on. And he did not disappoint, finishing with 38 points, including 28 in the second half, alone. Let’s also remember that this is Fox’s first playoff game of his professional career. Geesh!
Malik Monk would contribute 32 points in his debut as well.
De'Aaron Fox (38 PTS) and Malik Monk (32 PTS) are the 2nd pair of teammates in NBA history to each go for 30+ in their Playoff debut.
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 16, 2023
The first pair was Hornets duo Alonzo Mourning (30 PTS) and Kendall Gill (30 PTS) on April 29, 1993. pic.twitter.com/gwKo1OhLUT
With Curry on the bench for nearly five minutes in the second half, the Kings took advantage and outscored the Warriors, 23-11. Not to be outdone, Curry did finish with 30 points, while Klay Thompson contributed 21, as both Wiggins and Poole dropped 17 points.
Wardell Stephen Curry II
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 16, 2023
TOUGH. pic.twitter.com/E6HwpLt6Uu
Given the resilience of the Golden State Warriors, who seemed to struggle all season long, it’s still too early to count them out. Game two will surely be an interesting one.
Check out the schedule for Day 02 of the NBA Playoffs, kicking off at 3 PM ET with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies.
3 PM ET – Los Angles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies (ABC)
5:30 PM ET – Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks (TNT)
8:00 PM ET – LA Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns (TNT)
10:30 PM ET – Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets (TNT)
