In an exhilarating playoff opener, the Golden State Warriors clinched a hard-fought victory against the Houston Rockets, showcasing the enduring brilliance of 37-year-old Steph Curry. Despite the Warriors jumping to an early 23-point lead, the Rockets rallied back with a formidable double big lineup featuring Steven Adams and Alperen Şengün. Key contributions from role players like Moses Moody proved pivotal, with Moody hitting crucial baskets down the stretch, emphasizing the importance of depth as the playoffs progress.

Defensively, the Warriors displayed resilience while the Rockets struggled with shooting efficiency, particularly from their backcourt. As the series continues, the ability of both teams to adjust will be crucial. The Warriors, with their veteran savvy, will need to keep their role players engaged, while the Rockets must find a way to convert their rebounding dominance into scoring opportunities.

The Boston Celtics launched their playoff campaign with a strong performance, defeating the Orlando Magic 103-86 in Game 1. The highlight was a remarkable third quarter where the Celtics outscored the Magic 30-6, showcasing their defensive prowess and offensive execution. Jason Tatum's health became a focal point as he tweaked his wrist during the game but reported no significant injury after a negative X-ray, stating he felt fine. Jaylen Brown, who had a knee issue earlier in the season, also showed no signs of discomfort, contributing effectively with a two-handed slam that energized the crowd.

Derrick White and Drew Holiday emerged as key players, with White displaying clutch shooting throughout the game and Holiday's aggressive defense limiting the Magic's scoring opportunities. The Celtics' depth proved vital, as even with Tatum's off night in terms of shooting, the team found ways to secure a substantial victory. However, concerns lingered about starting slow and maintaining focus as they move deeper into the playoffs.

The NBA playoffs kicked off with dramatic flair, highlighted by the New York Knicks' thrilling victory over the Detroit Pistons and a nail-biter between the Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers. The Knicks, led by a late-game surge from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, executed a historic 21-0 run to seal their win. Meanwhile, the Nuggets edged out the Clippers in overtime, with pivotal contributions from Russell Westbrook and Jamal Murray. Denver's resilience was tested as they overcame a 15-point deficit with help from a stingy defense that forced 20 turnovers. The day also saw the Minnesota Timberwolves stun the LA Lakers, winning by 22 points, while the Indiana Pacers took care of business with a solid win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Game one ended in disappointment for the Los Angeles Lakers, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-95. The Lakers started strong, leading the first quarter, but faltered badly in the second, allowing a staggering 38 points while scoring just 20. The emphasis on Luka Doncic’s scoring in the first quarter didn't translate into a well-rounded offensive effort. By halftime, the Lakers trailed 59-48, and adjustments seemed necessary but remained elusive.

Critics pointed fingers at head coach JJ Reick for failing to capitalize on the team's shooting potential and for not involving other shooters like LeBron James and Austin Reeves early in the game. The Lakers’ bench struggled to make an impact, leading to a frustrating loss as Minnesota’s aggressive play took control.