The Los Angeles Clippers drew first blood against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night, while the Cleveland Cavaliers were also on the winning side as the two respective team’s point guards stole the show.
Kyrie Irving scored the second-most points in a debut playoff game with 30 points in the Cavs’ win over the Boston Celtics, as the hosts ensured that any nerves were immediately dismissed with a comfortable win.
Irving was the pick of the bunch with his high-scoring game, while Isaiah Thomas responded for the Celtics with 22 points, 10 assists and five rebounds as he had his usual effect off the bench.
However, it wasn’t enough for the visitors who slip to a 1-0 deficit in the series, and they share that common factor with the Brooklyn Nets after they lost on the road to the Atlanta Hawks.
Kyle Korver had 21 points and seven rebounds as he caught fire from beyond the arc to lead the Hawks’ charge, while Brook Lopez had 17 points and 14 rebounds as he continued his impressive run of form but was unable to translate that into a win for his team.
Elsewhere, 32 points and 14 rebounds weren’t enough for LaMarcus Aldridge to guide the Portland Trail Blazers to victory, as they slipped to a road loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Beno Udrih surprisingly stepped up for the Griz with 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, and it would have been a welcome boost for the team as they continue to struggle with injuries.
In the final game of the night, the San Antonio Spurs slipped to a disappointing Game 1 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers with Chris Paul having himself a night with 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
The Spurs were led by Kawhi Leonard who had 18 points, but coach Gregg Popovich is going to need to make some adjustments for Game 2 or his team could face an uphill task of advancing to the semi-finals.
NBA Results
Boston Celtics 100-113 Cleveland Cavaliers
Brooklyn Nets 92-99 Atlanta Hawks
Portland Trail Blazers 86-100 Memphis Grizzlies
San Antonio Spurs 92-107 Los Angeles Clippers
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