2026 NBA playoffs: Eastern Conference first-round takeaways
The 2026 NBA playoffs started Saturday, and our NBA insiders have you ever coated for each recreation within the march to the Finals.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors kicked issues off, and Donovan Mitchell and Co. cruised to a 13-point win at dwelling. Mitchell led all gamers with 32 factors, whereas James Harden made his Cleveland playoff debut with 22. Max Struswho missed the primary 67 video games of the season with a left foot injury and didn’t debut till March 15, erupted for twenty-four factors off the bench.
The New York Knicks host the Atlanta Hawks at 6 pm ET, although the Hawks head to the Garden with out Trae Young. Dog Jalen Johnson and the new-look Hawks play spoiler?
As the East playoffs proceed, here is what issues most and what to look at.
More protection:
Schedules and results | Offseason guides
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers lead (5) Toronto Raptors 1-0
Game 1: Cavaliers 126, Raptors 113
What we realized from Game 1:
The first recreation of this collection went about in addition to the Cavs might have hoped for. After a scorching taking pictures first half from Toronto, the Cavs held the Raptors to 59 factors within the second half, taking away their transition offense and permitting Cleveland’s celebrity duo to dictate the tempo and tenor of the sport.
Donovan Mitchell completed with 32 factors on an environment friendly 11 of 20 taking pictures whereas James Harden added 22 factors and 10 assists, and the 2 mixed to attain or help on 82 of the Cavs 126 factors (65%). Cleveland’s backcourt might be its largest benefit on this matchup, particularly with Toronto lacking guard Immanuel Quickley to start the collection. The Cavs duo was an excessive amount of for the Raptors to deal with on Saturday, and Toronto might not have the offense to maintain up if it might’t discover a solution to get its transition recreation kickstarted. — Jamal Collier
Game 2: Raptors at Cavaliers (Monday, 7:00 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)
What to look at in Game 2:
What changes can the Raptors make after such a dominant efficiency from Cleveland? Quickley’s absence loomed massive for Toronto in Game 1 because the Raptors offense struggled to search out any rhythm or tempo within the second half.
Raptors coach Darko Rajaković mentioned previous to the sport that Quickley was bettering after he injured his hamstring throughout the regular-season finale, however it’s unclear if he might be recovered in time for Game 2 on Monday. If not, the Raptors are going to have to search out methods to get way more snug on offense and wish much more from Scottie Barneswho shot simply 6 of 14 for 21 factors and 5 turnovers in Game 1. — Collier
