LIVE UPDATES: 2023 NBA Playoffs

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NBA: Knicks hold down Cavaliers in Game 3 rout

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket as Caris LeVert #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends during game three of the Eastern Conference playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 21, 2023 in New York City.

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket as Caris LeVert #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends during game three of the Eastern Conference playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 21, 2023 in New York City. Jamie Squire/Getty Images/AFP

Jalen Brunson produced 21 points and six assists to help the host New York Knicks register a convincing 99-79 victory over the cold-shooting Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Friday night.

RJ Barrett registered 19 points and eight rebounds and Josh Hart added 13 points and six rebounds as New York took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Julius Randle contributed 11 points and eight rebounds despite 3-of-15 shooting, and Immanuel Quickley also scored 11 points. FULL STORY

NBA: Trae Young lifts Hawks over Celtics

Trae Young  of the Atlanta Hawks attempts a shot against Derrick White and Al Horford of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 21, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Getty Images via AFP)

Trae Young scored 32 points and Dejounte Murray added 25 as the hot-shooting Hawks beat the Boston Celtics 130-122 for their first win in their NBA first-round playoff series.

The Celtics’ two convincing victories had the Hawks on the ropes and returning home for two games in Atlanta knowing no NBA team has come back from 3-0 down to win a best-of-seven playoff series.

The Hawks made sure they won’t have to as Young shook off two sub-par performances with a stellar display. FULL STORY

NBA: Hawks need spark from Trae Young to slow Celtics

Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics defends a shot from Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on April 18, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.  Maddie Meyer/Getty Images/AFP

If the Atlanta Hawks are going to overcome an 0-2 deficit in their first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, they likely will need an improved performance from Trae Young at home Friday night in Game 3.

Dejounte Murray, Young’s backcourt partner, has shot 21-for-49 from the field (7-for-19 on 3-pointers) in the series, but Young’s numbers haven’t been as impressive. Young has scored 40 points in the first two games, but is 14-for-40 from the floor and 3-of-13 on 3-point attempts.

Young was showered with chants of “overrated” from Boston fans when he went to the free throw line in the fourth quarter of Game 2 on Tuesday night. FULL STORY

NBA: ‘Crazy’ New York awaits as Cavaliers, Knicks meet in Game 3

Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dive for a loose ball during the fourth quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason Miller/Getty Images/AFP

The New York Knicks hotly pursued Donovan Mitchell in the offseason, envisioning the star guard as the player who could prompt a franchise revival.

Instead, the Utah Jazz traded Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and come Friday night, Mitchell will be cast in the role of villain when Cleveland and host New York battle in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

The teams split the first two games of the series as Mitchell averaged 27.5 points and 10.5 assists. He scored 38 points in Cleveland’s 101-97 loss in Game 1 and recorded 17 points and 13 assists as the Cavaliers prevailed 107-90 in Game 2.

The series moves to New York for Games 3 and 4 and Mitchell, a native New Yorker, is well aware it will be an unwelcoming atmosphere inside famous Madison Square Garden. FULL STORY

NBA: Devin Booker, Suns drive past Kawhi Leonard-less Clippers

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns takes a shot against Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers in the second half of Game Three of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/AFP

Devin Booker recorded 45 points, seven rebounds and three steals to lead the visiting Phoenix Suns to a 129-124 victory over the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.

Kevin Durant added 28 points as fourth-seeded Phoenix took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series.

Kawhi Leonard (knee) sat out for the Clippers and Norman Powell moved into the starting lineup and established a personal playoff career high with 42 points. Russell Westbrook added 30 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds for fifth-seeded Los Angeles, which has dropped the past two games after winning the series opener. FULL STORY

NBA: Stephen Curry, Warriors bounce back against Kings

Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a shot on Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half of Game Three of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Chase Center on April 20, 2023 in San Francisco, California. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP

Stephen Curry scored a game-high 36 points and the Golden State Warriors got back into their Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Sacramento Kings with a 114-97 triumph on Thursday in San Francisco.

Playing without suspended Draymond Green and ill Gary Payton II, the Warriors continued the series’ home-court dominance with a first win in three tries. Game 4 of the best-of-seven series will be played in San Francisco on Sunday. FULL STORY

NBA: Wild win carries 76ers to 3-0 lead over Nets

Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.  Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFP

The Philadelphia 76ers beat Brooklyn 102-97 on Thursday in a rugged clash that featured two ejections and a controversial kick from Joel Embiid and moved the Sixers one win away from a sweep of their NBA first-round playoff series.

The 76ers, down by five with 2:15 remaining at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, surged home to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series, the Nets well aware that no NBA team has come back from 3-0 down to win a series.

Embiid, Philadelphia’s MVP candidate, scored just 14 points but pulled down 10 rebounds and produced a crucial block with eight seconds remaining and Philadelphia up by two. FULL STORY

NBA: Devin Booker looks to keep rolling as Suns visit Clippers

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the LA Clippers during the first half of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 18, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

Kevin Durant may have been acquired to help the Phoenix Suns get over the top, but Devin Booker remains the club’s elite sharpshooter.

Booker will look to put on another show-stopping performance when the Suns visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night for Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

The teams split the first two games. FULL STORY

NBA: Warriors relish challenge of 0-2 hole vs Kings

Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors steps over Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half during Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Golden 1 Center on April 17, 2023 in Sacramento, California.  Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP

Draymond Green insists the Golden State Warriors have a new challenge, even if he won’t be around to get it started, when the defending champions attempt to take the first step toward digging themselves out of a 2-0 hole against the Sacramento Kings in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series Thursday night.

Green was ejected for stomping on the chest of Kings rival Domantas Sabonis in the fourth quarter of Monday’s 114-106 loss in Sacramento.

The defeat has left Golden State down 2-0 for the first time in the Steve Kerr era, during which four of the previous six trips to the playoffs have resulted in championships. FULL STORY

NBA: X-rays negative for Suns guard Chris Paul’s injured hand

FILE–Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks. –Chris Graythen/Getty Images/AFP

X-rays on Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul’s right hand were negative after Tuesday night’s Game 2 win against the Los Angeles Clippers, TNT reported.

The 12-time All-Star appeared to injure his hand while deflecting an inbounds pass by Russell Westbrook in the fourth quarter of Phoenix’s 123-109 victory, which evened the first-round playoff series at 1-1. FULL STORY

NBA: Jamal Murray puts up 40 as Nuggets dump Timberwolves

Jamal Murray #27 and Michael Porter Jr.1 of the Denver Nuggets celebrate their win in the final seconds against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during Round 1 Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 19, 2023 in Denver, Colorado.  Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

Jamal Murray scored 40 points, Nikola Jokic had 27 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, and the host Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-113 in Game 2 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Wednesday.

“It was a passionate, heartfelt performance,” Denver coach Michael Malone said of Murray’s display. “Just the fact that he’s missed the last two postseasons, just to have him back, and playing at that level — Jamal overall was terrific.”

The Nuggets lead the series 2-0 heading to Game 3 in Minneapolis on Friday. FULL STORY

NBA: With Giannis Antetokounmpo out, Bucks top Heat to even series

Miami Heat guard Max Strus (31) holds a rebound away from Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the third quarter during game two of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Brook Lopez and Jrue Holiday combined for 49 points, Bobby Portis stepped in for injured Giannis Antetokounmpo and contributed a double-double and the Milwaukee Bucks rebounded from an opening loss to thump the visiting Miami Heat 138-122 in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Wednesday.

Four other Bucks scored at least 16 points to allow Milwaukee to break even in its two opening home games before the best-of-seven moves to Miami for Games 3 and 4 beginning Saturday.

“All season long guys have been in and out of the line-up, different guys have been stepping up and having those moments,” said the Bucks’ Bobby Portis. FULL STORY

NBA: Grizzlies, minus Ja Morant, down Lakers to level series

Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the first half against LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee.  Justin Ford/Getty Images/AFP

The Memphis Grizzlies shook off the absence of star guard Ja Morant to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 103-93 on Wednesday and knot their NBA Western Conference playoff series at one game apiece.

Xavier Tillman scored 22 points and pulled down 18 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies, who led by as many as 20 points in a bruising battle that saw Lakers center Anthony Davis suffer a small cut on his right eyelid and LeBron James drawn into a verbal back and forth with Dillon Brooks.

With All-Star point guard Morant ruled out with a bruised right hand, the Grizzlies clamped down defensively, Tillman saying their message to Morant was “we’ve got his back, and we’re going to hold it down for him.” FULL STORY

NBA: Draymond Green’s history contributed to suspension

Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors yells to the bench during the second quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings of Round 1 Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at the Golden 1 Center on April 15, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Loren Elliott/Getty Images/AFP

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green’s history as a “repeat offender” contributed to his suspension for Game 3 against the Sacramento Kings.

Joe Dumars, the NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations, explained the league’s disciplinary decision in a phone interview Wednesday with ESPN.

“Here’s what it came down to: excessive and over-the-top actions, conduct detrimental and a repeat offender,” Dumars said. “That’s what separates this where you end up with a suspension.” FULL STORY

NBA: Sacramento Kings’ Mike Brown unanimous coach of the year

In this file photo taken on December 13, 2022 head coach Mike Brown of the Sacramento Kings reacts during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center.  (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)

Sacramento’s Mike Brown was named the NBA Coach of the Year on Wednesday, becoming the first unanimous winner of the award after guiding the Kings back to the playoffs.

Brown also won the award in 2009 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, guiding a team that won 66 games as LeBron James was named the league’s Most Valuable Player.

He was sacked by the Cavaliers one year later, eventually landing briefly with the Los Angeles Lakers. FULL STORY

Steve Kerr backs ‘ultimate competitor’ Draymond Green after playoff suspension

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors steps over Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings in the second half during Game Two of the Western Conference First Round on April 17, 2023 in Sacramento, California.  (Getty Images via AFP)

SAN FRANCISCO – Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr defended Draymond Green as the “ultimate competitor” on Wednesday following the veteran’s one-game ban for stomping on Sacramento Kings player Domantas Sabonis.

Green was suspended after an explosive incident in the NBA champions’ game two defeat to the Kings in Sacramento on Monday.

Green was ejected from Monday’s clash with Sacramento after stomping on Sabonis after the players tangled following a rebound. FULL STORY

NBA: Bucks hope Giannis Antetokounmpo is available for Game 2 vs Heat

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum on April 16, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP

Different X-rays could lead to different availabilities when the Miami Heat try to go up 2-0 on the road in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

A painful Game 1 on Sunday saw both Heat star guard Tyler Herro and Bucks’ MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo leave Miami’s 130-117 victory with injuries. FULL STORY

NBA: Warriors’ Draymond Green suspended for Game 3 vs Kings

Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors yells to the bench during the second quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings of Round 1 Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at the Golden 1 Center on April 15, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Loren Elliott/Getty Images/AFP

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was suspended one game by the NBA for stepping on Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis’ chest on Monday in Game 2 of a Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Green’s history of unsportsmanlike acts played a role in the league’s decision to issue the suspension, NBA executive vice president/head of basketball operations Joe Dumars said Tuesday in a statement announcing the punishment.

Green will not be paid for the contest he misses, Game 3 on Thursday in San Francisco. FULL STORY

NBA: Devin Booker, Suns level series with Clippers

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the LA Clippers during the first half of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 18, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

Devin Booker recorded 38 points and nine assists and the Phoenix Suns evened their first-round Western Conference playoff series at one game apiece with a 123-109 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.

Kevin Durant added 25 points, six rebounds and five assists as Phoenix rebounded from a Game 1 home loss. Torrey Craig scored 17 points and made five 3-pointers, Chris Paul added 16 points and eight assists and Deandre Ayton had 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Suns. FULL STORY

NBA: Jayson Tatum, Celtics cruise past Hawks for 2-0 series lead

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot against Dejounte Murray #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images/AFP

Jayson Tatum led five scorers in double figures with 29 points as the Boston Celtics seized a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series with Tuesday night’s 119-106 win over the visiting Atlanta Hawks.

Tatum added 10 rebounds and six assists to lead the Boston offense. Derrick White added 26 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter. Jaylen Brown (18 points), Marcus Smart (14) and Malcolm Brogdon (13) also scored in double figures.  FULL STORY

NBA: Cavaliers throttle Knicks to even series 1-1

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers waves to the crowd during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 18, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 107-90. Jason Miller/Getty Images/AFP

Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley each posted double-doubles and Darius Garland helped key a decisive second-quarter surge Tuesday night for the host Cleveland Cavaliers, who evened their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series with the New York Knicks with a 107-90 victory in Game 2.

Game 3 is scheduled for Friday night in New York.

Mitchell, the seventh-leading scorer in the NBA this season at 28.3 points per game, had just 17 points Tuesday but collected a career-high 13 assists. Mobley had 13 points and 13 rebounds while Garland scored 32 points, including 26 in the first half. FULL STORY

NBA: Warriors’ Draymond Green faces suspension after stamp on Domantas Sabonis

Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors steps over Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half during Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Golden 1 Center on April 17, 2023 in Sacramento, California.  Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green is facing possible suspension after getting ejected late in Game 2 of their first round series against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday (Manila time).

Green was thrown out after stepping on the chest of Kings center Domantas Sabonis after the two got tangled up with seven minutes left in the game.

“I’ve got to land my foot somewhere,” said Green. “I can only step so far when I’m pulling my leg away. It is what it is.” FULL STORY

NBA: De’Aaron Fox lifts Kings past Warriors for 2-0 series lead

De’Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings dunks the ball on gsin the first half during Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Golden 1 Center on April 17, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP

De’Aaron Fox scored 11 of his team-high-tying 24 points in the fourth quarter and fed Harrison Barnes for a tiebreaking dunk with 5:14 remaining, delivering the host Sacramento Kings a second straight win over the Golden State Warriors, 114-106, Monday night in a Western Conference first-round playoff game.

The contest featured the ejection of Golden State’s Draymond Green for stomping on Domantas Sabonis.

The scene shifts to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4, beginning Thursday night with the defending champions down 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. FULL STORY

Bucks ‘mostly optimistic’ about Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 2

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks waits for a free throw during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum on April 16, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Miami defeated Milwaukee 130-117. Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP

Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo should benefit from a two-day break between the first two games in the first-round series with the Miami Heat.

Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer voiced optimism about Antetokounmpo’s status for Game 2 on Wednesday. Milwaukee lost to the No. 8 seed Heat, 130-117, on Sunday.

Antetokounmpo left Game 1 in the second quarter Sunday after sustaining a lower back contusion. FULL STORY

NBA: 76ers take 2-0 lead in series vs Nets

Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in the third quarter during Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 17, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 96-84. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images/AFP

Tyrese Maxey hit six 3-pointers and scored 33 points to lift the host Philadelphia 76ers to a 96-84 victory and a 2-0 series lead over the Brooklyn Nets in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs on Monday.

Joel Embiid added 20 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists and three blocked shots, and Tobias Harris had 20 points and 12 rebounds. James Harden chipped in with eight points, seven assists, five rebounds and four steals. FULL STORY

NBA: Balanced Nuggets blast Timberwolves in Game 1

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during Round 1 Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 16, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

Jamal Murray had 24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, Nikola Jokic finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds and the host Denver Nuggets routed the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-80 in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Sunday night.

Michael Porter Jr. had 18 points and 11 rebounds, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 15 points, Bruce Brown added 14 points and Aaron Gordon had 13 points for the top-seeded Nuggets.

Anthony Edwards scored 18 points, Karl-Anthony Towns had 11 points and 10 rebounds, Jaylen Nowell scored 12 points, Kyle Anderson added 11 and Rudy Gobert finished with 13 rebounds for Minnesota. FULL STORY

NBA: Kawhi Leonard scores 38, Clippers stun Suns in Game 1

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers dive for a loose ball during the first half Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

Kawhi Leonard poured in 38 points during his first playoff game in 22 months to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 115-110 victory over the host Phoenix Suns on Sunday night in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series.

Leonard was 13 of 24 from the field and added five rebounds and five assists in his first postseason contest since tearing the ACL in his right knee against the Utah Jazz in June 2021. Eric Gordon added 19 points for the fifth-seeded Clippers.

Kevin Durant had 27 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds in his first playoff game for the fourth-seeded Suns. It marked the first time Phoenix lost in nine games with Durant on the court. FULL STORY

NBA: Heat topple Bucks in Game 1 amid injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyler Herro

Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat dunks against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 16, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP

Jimmy Butler had 35 points and 11 assists and the visiting Miami Heat defeated the Milwaukee Bucks — who played most of the game without Giannis Antetokounmpo — 130-117 in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series Sunday.

Bam Adebayo scored 22 points for the eighth-seeded Heat, who were playing less than 48 hours after qualifying by beating Chicago in a play-in elimination game. Kevin Love had 18, Caleb Martin and Gabe Vincent added 15 apiece and Tyler Herro scored 12 before being sidelined for good in the second quarter because of a broken right hand. FULL STORY

Grizzlies’ Ja Morant could miss time with hand injury; X-rays negative

Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies injures his hand during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. Justin Ford/Getty Images/AFP

Ja Morant’s status for the rest of the Memphis Grizzlies’ first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers is up in the air after he injured his right hand late in Sunday’s Game 1 loss in Memphis.

Morant left the game with 5:48 left in regulation, which gave way to a 15-0 game-ending run for the Lakers to pull away 128-112.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said X-rays came back negative. “I’m in a good bit of pain,” Morant told reporters afterward. FULL STORY

  NBA: Lakers outlast Grizzlies in playoff series opener; Morant injured

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket against Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee.  (Getty Images via AFP)

LOS ANGELES – Japan’s Rui Hachimura came off the bench to score 29 points and the Los Angeles Lakers surged late Sunday to beat Memphis 128-112 in an NBA playoff series opener.

But the Grizzlies suffered their biggest blow when All-Star guard Ja Morant injured his right hand in a fall to the court midway into the fourth quarter and ran to the locker room, his future status uncertain.

The Lakers took a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference best-of-seven opening round series, which continues on Wednesday at Memphis. FULL STORY

NBA: Jalen Brunson helps Knicks survive Cavaliers in Game 1

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates after scoring during the fourth quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 101-97. Jason Miller/Getty Images/AFP

Jalen Brunson scored 21 points in the second half Saturday night for the visiting New York Knicks, who rebounded with a late surge to edge the Cleveland Cavaliers 101-97 in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

The Knicks were forced to rally back after squandering a 10-point fourth quarter lead. Brunson finished with a team-high 27 points.

Game 2 is Monday night in Cleveland. FULL STORY

NBA: De’Aaron Fox comes up big, Kings topple Warriors in Game 1

De’Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings walks off the court after defeating the Golden State Warriors in Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at the Golden 1 Center on April 15, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Loren Elliott/Getty Images/AFP

De’Aaron Fox scored a game-high 38 points in his NBA postseason debut and teamed with Malik Monk for 28 fourth-quarter points as the Sacramento Kings edged the visiting Golden State Warriors 126-123 on Saturday night in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series.

The game marked the Kings’ return to the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Monday night, also in Sacramento.

The Warriors led for most of the first three quarters, and by as many as 10 points, but when the Kings went almost exclusively to Fox and Monk in the fourth, they responded. FULL STORY

NBA: Jaylen Brown leads Celtics past Hawks in 1st round playoffs opener

Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics takes a shot against John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on April 15, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.  (Getty Images via AFP)

Jaylen Brown scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the Boston Celtics over the Atlanta Hawks, 112-99 in their Eastern Conference Playoffs first round opener.

Brown played with a wrapping on cut fingers and a protective mask he has had for two months due to a facial fracture.

“Got to come out and be ready to go,” he said. FULL STORY

NBA: Embiid, Harden spark 76ers over Nets in playoff opener

Joel Embiid  of the Philadelphia 76ers controls the ball against Spencer Dinwiddie of the Brooklyn Nets in the first quarter during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Getty Images via AFP)

Joel Embiid scored 26 points and James Harden added 23 to lead the Philadelphia 76ers over the Brooklyn Nets 121-101 in an NBA first-round playoff series opener on Saturday.

The host Sixers, who led the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage, sank a club playoff record 21 3-pointers in 43 attempts to seize a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference best-of-seven opening series, which continues Monday in Philadelphia.

“(That) was a good win for us,” Harden said. “We’ll be watching film. Game two is going to be the toughest game of the series for us. We’ll be ready to go.” FULL STORY

NBA: 76ers embracing pressure ahead of Game 1 vs Nets

FILE – James Harden #1 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers speak during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP

The Philadelphia 76ers began the regular season with aspirations of winning their first championship since 1983.

But the Sixers haven’t even advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001.

After 54 wins, the Sixers earned the No. 3 seed and will host the sixth-seeded Brooklyn Nets in Game 1 of a first-round series on Saturday afternoon.

Before the Sixers can even ponder a deep playoff run, they’ll have to get past the pesky Nets. FULL STORY

NBA: Warriors begin title defense against Kings

FILE – Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after shooting a three-point shot against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on April 07, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images/AFP

The defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors have the history, the momentum and even the season series.

But the Sacramento Kings have the home-court advantage when the Northern California rivals meet in the NBA playoffs for the first time in an opening-round series that tips off Saturday night in the state capital.

The Warriors needed an 8-2 finish to the regular season not only to avoid the league’s play-in tournament but land in what some of their players have admitted is a favorable spot. Travel between the sites will be done on a 90-minute bus ride rather than as much as a four-hour flight. FULL STORY

LOOK: 2023 NBA PLAYOFFS BRACKET

The 2023 NBA Playoffs bracket FIRST ROUND. –AFP

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