Cavaliers 106, Pistons 101 (Cleveland leads series 1-0)
Detroit came out firing in the first half, shooting 62 percent, draining 10 threes and riding the hot hand of Marcus Morris (19 first-half points, 20 total). But the Cavs’ big three was just too much in the second half, and Reggie Jackson kinda fumbled things away for the Pistons down the stretch with a pretty dumb technical foul and a few possessions of over-dribbling, forcing himself into tough shots. Did Detroit do enough in Game 1 to show this might be a real series? Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
Heat 123, Hornets 91 (Miami leads series 1-0)
What the heck got into Luol Deng? 31 points on just 13 field goal attempts (!) to lead Miami to a blowout W. The Heat held a 41-22 lead after the first quarter, and from there it was never close again. Hassan Whiteside (21 points, 11 boards) had the Miami bench lit and the Heat set a franchise record for playoff points with 123. Game 2 is Wednesday night in Miami.
Spurs 106, Grizzlies 74 (San Antonio leads series 1-0)
Kawhi had 20, LMA had 17, Parker had 15 and 6 dimes, and when Memphis only could muster 13 first-quarter points, this one was already over. How do you know for sure this was a blowout? Well, besides the fact it was the Grizzlies’ worst playoff loss ever, we also got lots and lots of Boban action, that’s how. It’s silly to talk sweep after just one game for any series, but if there’s one that looks like a mortal lock… Yeah, it’s this one. Game 2 is on Tuesday.
Clippers 115, Blazers 95 (Los Angeles leads series 1-0)
Chris Paul had 28 and 11. Blake Griffin was dunking on Mason Plumlee (among others) all night as if to say “I’m back” and the Clippers broke open a double-digit lead in the second half to pull away. The Blazers shot below 40 percent from the field, while LAC shot 54 percent. Add this one to the day’s long list of blowout wins by the favorites. That said, definitely feels like a Dame game is coming in this series. Game 2 is on Wednesday.
