In a tense playoff matchup, the Golden State Warriors edged out the Houston Rockets 95-85, marking a strong start for the Warriors in this series. Jalen Green struggled significantly in his playoff debut, scoring only seven points on a dismal 3-for-15 shooting performance. His inability to find good shots under pressure, compounded by the Warriors' aggressive defense, highlighted his growing pains in the playoffs.

The Warriors capitalized on Houston’s mistakes, particularly in the second quarter where they outscored the Rockets 29-13. Stephen Curry was instrumental, finishing with 31 points, while the Rockets relied heavily on Alperen Şengün, who led Houston with 22 points. Coach Ime Udoka emphasized the need for Green to adapt and improve in future games, suggesting that finding his outlets is crucial as the series progresses.

In a clash characterized by intensity, the Houston Rockets faced the Golden State Warriors, but fell short with a 95-85 loss in Game 1 of their playoff series. Center Steven Adams showcased his rebounding prowess, contributing 12 boards, including five offensive rebounds, which helped Houston secure 22 second-chance points. Despite their dominance on the boards, the Rockets struggled to convert their opportunities, shooting just 39.1% from the field.

The Rockets' halfcourt offense, ranked 22nd in the regular season, continued to falter, managing only 65.5 points per 100 halfcourt plays in Game 1. This inefficiency contrasted sharply with their fast-breaking capabilities, where they averaged 17 points per game during the season but managed just four in this game. Even with an impressive performance from Alperen Şengün, who scored 26 points, the Rockets' backcourt struggled, combining for only 17 points on inefficient shooting.

In Game 1 against the Orlando Magic, Payton Pritchard showcased his offensive prowess, scoring 11 points in just seven minutes, contributing significantly to the Celtics' momentum. His strong performance continued, finishing the game with a postseason career-high of 19 points on 75% shooting. Pritchard's efficiency and scoring were pivotal as Boston secured a 103-86 victory, and he was instrumental in the second half, helping the team overcome a halftime deficit.

His defensive efforts also shone through, as noted by both his coach and teammates. Pritchard's ability to pressure the ball and rebound effectively supported the Celtics' transition game. With key starters struggling, his readiness and tenacity highlighted his growth from a regular-season contributor to a postseason asset, indicating he may play a crucial role in Boston's quest for success this playoff season.

Ty Jerome showcased his undeniable swagger during the Cavs' dominating 121-100 playoff victory over the Miami Heat in Game 1. After recovering from nearly missing the entire 2023-24 season due to ankle surgery, Jerome proved himself in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 of his 28 points while shooting an impressive 6-for-7 from the field. This remarkable performance marked his playoff debut, where his confidence shone brightly, leading to multiple standing ovations from the crowd.

In the lead-up to the game, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson admitted that Jerome was not expected to be a key player, but his trash talk and high energy quickly earned him respect among his teammates. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland commended Jerome for backing up his talk with tangible results on the court, highlighting how his self-assurance infused the team with a competitive edge. Jerome's journey from being on the fringes of the roster to becoming a standout player demonstrates his evolution and resilience.