Key Points Summary – NBA Playoff Round 1 Winners
- The NBA Playoffs opened with a bang as the Thunder, Celtics, Warriors, and Knicks all delivered dominant Game 1 wins.
- Oklahoma City shocked everyone with a 51-point demolition of the Grizzlies — one of the biggest blowouts in playoff history.
- The Celtics cruised past the Magic, proving they’re still the team to beat in the East.
- Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler teamed up to lead the Warriors past the Rockets, signaling a dangerous duo.
- The Cavaliers crushed the Heat by 21 points, showing just how deep and balanced their squad is.
- Meanwhile, both Los Angeles teams — the Lakers and Clippers — lost their openers in dramatic fashion.
- Experts now predict a Finals showdown between the Thunder and either the Celtics or Cavaliers.
NBA Playoff Round 1 Winners – Big Teams Show Up, LA Crumbles
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for basketball fans, and Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs did not disappoint!
This weekend saw a power-packed lineup of Game 1 clashes, and the biggest title contenders came out swinging. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and Cleveland Cavaliers each dominated their openers in style.
Unfortunately for LA fans, both the Lakers and Clippers stumbled hard, raising early questions about how far Hollywood’s teams can actually go this postseason.
Let’s break down the action-packed start to the playoffs and see why the NBA Playoff Round 1 winners are already shaping up to be serious title threats.
Thunder Strike Down Grizzlies – By 51 Points!
Let’s start with the most jaw-dropping win of the weekend: Oklahoma City Thunder 131, Memphis Grizzlies 80.
Yes, that’s a 51-point blowout. And yes, it’s nearly a record for biggest margin of victory in NBA Playoff history.
Led by MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder didn’t just beat Memphis — they annihilated them. The game was never close. Every quarter saw OKC increase the pressure, rain down threes, and shut the Grizzlies down defensively.
“They made a statement,” said one analyst. “This isn’t just a young team anymore. This is a championship contender.”
If there was any doubt that OKC could go all the way, it’s gone now.
Warriors’ New Golden Duo – Curry and Butler Deliver
Over in the Bay, the Golden State Warriors opened their playoff run with a 95-85 win over the Houston Rockets.
This wasn’t a blowout, but it was vintage Warriors basketball: tight defense, slick passing, and clutch shooting when it mattered most.
The new dynamic duo of Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler (yes, you read that right) combined for 56 points, with Curry dropping 31 and Butler contributing 25.
“Golden State just became terrifying again,” one fan tweeted. “Curry and Butler are not messing around.”
It wasn’t their prettiest win, but it was enough to show that the Warriors are locked in and ready to fight their way back to the Finals.
Cavaliers Crush Heat – Three Stars Light Up Cleveland
In a highly anticipated Eastern Conference matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers made easy work of the Miami Heat, cruising to a 121-100 victory.
Cleveland looked scary good from the jump. With Donovan Mitchell scoring 30, Darius Garland adding 27, and Ty Jerome shocking everyone with 28 points, the Cavs showcased their impressive depth and playoff composure.
“They’ve got the firepower, they’ve got the defense, and they’ve got the chemistry,” said a commentator. “The Cavs could sneak into the Finals if Boston slips.”
Miami, fresh off a strong finish to the regular season, looked flat. Unless they regroup quickly, this could be a short series.
Celtics Handle Magic – Boston’s Still Boston
The Boston Celtics kicked off their postseason with a comfortable 103-86 win over the Orlando Magic, maintaining their status as the East’s top dog.
There was a scare early in the game when Jayson Tatum appeared to tweak something, but he recovered and finished with 17 points. The real star of the game? Derrick White, who exploded for 30 points and looked unstoppable from beyond the arc.
“Tatum looked human, but White looked like a superhero,” said one Celtics fan.
Boston’s defense clamped down hard, holding Orlando to under 90 points. It’s clear this team still has its sights set on Banner No. 18.
And What About the Knicks?
While the Knicks didn’t play Sunday, their incredible 21-0 fourth-quarter run on Saturday to beat Detroit showed they’re still one of the most dangerous teams in the East.
That win, combined with the Lakers’ and Clippers’ losses, has some wondering: Is New York about to become the NBA’s playoff capital?
LA Lakers and Clippers – Trouble in Tinseltown
On the flip side, both LA squads opened their series with gut-wrenching losses.
- The Lakers, featuring LeBron James and Luka Doncic, were absolutely steamrolled by the Timberwolves.
- The Clippers blew a 15-point lead against Denver, then lost in overtime in one of the most frustrating collapses of the weekend.
If the Lakers and Clippers can’t bounce back in Game 2, we might be looking at early exits for two of the league’s biggest stars.
Playoff Picture So Far – Who’s Leading the Pack?
Based on Game 1, here’s how the contenders are stacking up:
Top Eastern Threats:
- Celtics
- Cavaliers
- Knicks
Top Western Threats:
- Thunder
- Warriors
- Timberwolves (after stunning Lakers)
Next Up: Game 2 Madness
With Game 2s kicking off Monday and Tuesday, the pressure is officially on for teams like the Lakers, Clippers, and Heat, all of whom risk going down 0-2.
Meanwhile, teams like the Thunder, Celtics, and Cavs will be looking to ride the momentum and take full control of their series.
NBA Playoff Round 1 Winners – The Road to the Finals Starts Strong
The NBA Playoff Round 1 winners made their presence known in the opening weekend — and some teams left fans stunned with how dominant they looked.
From the Thunder’s historic beatdown to the Warriors’ new duo and the Celtics’ continued brilliance, it’s clear that the real contenders are already rising to the top.
As for the Lakers and Clippers? They’ve got one more chance to turn things around.
Because in the NBA Playoffs, Game 1 can make a statement—but Game 2 can seal your fate. Stay tuned. This postseason is already a wild ride.
