NBA Playoffs Game 1: Standout Players and Teams

The opening weekend of the NBA playoffs delivered a thrilling reminder of high-stakes basketball, launching all eight first-round series with excitement.

Game 1 highlights included a nail-biting overtime victory for the Denver Nuggets over the L.A. Clippers, a remarkable comeback win for the New York Knicks, and a dominant, statement-making performance by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The playoffs magnify every aspect of the game. Defensive weaknesses are relentlessly targeted, and shooting inconsistencies are ruthlessly exploited. This intense scrutiny creates opportunities for exceptional performances but also exposes those not quite ready for the heightened pressure.

Here’s a look at some of the winners and losers from the weekend`s initial playoff matchups.

Winner: Stephen Curry`s Enduring Impact

The Golden State Warriors versus Houston Rockets series is often framed as youth against experience. While both teams have a mix, the series hinges on whether Houston`s emerging young talents—Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson—can overcome Golden State`s seasoned core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.

After Game 1, experience took the early lead.

The Warriors secured home-court advantage with a 95-85 victory, largely due to Curry`s masterful 31-point performance. He delivered crucial baskets in a venue where he has repeatedly dashed Houston`s postseason hopes.

Curry, at 37, is reminded of his longevity in this series, having coached both Jalen Green and Thompson at his basketball camp years ago. He achieved this dominant performance despite playing with a significant wrap on his thumb.

Curry and the Warriors impressed on Sunday, benefiting from several days of rest after their play-in game. The question now is whether their veteran legs can maintain this level of play as the series progresses.

Winner: Knicks` Tenacity

The New York Knicks struggled for three quarters in their first game against the Detroit Pistons. An upset seemed likely as Detroit entered the fourth quarter with an eight-point lead and control of the game.

New York`s response was emphatic: a stunning 21-0 run. This surge completely flipped the game, leaving the Pistons reeling.

While the Knicks ideally won`t need such dramatic comebacks consistently, this victory proves their resilience and ability to dominate even when facing adversity.

This comeback exemplifies why many believe the Knicks are built for playoff basketball, showcasing their mental toughness and ability to execute under pressure.

Loser: Lakers` Reality Check

Despite some Lakers fans` optimism, the team`s formula of adding a ball-dominant player to a roster lacking rim protection proved insufficient to guarantee playoff dominance.

These weaknesses were glaringly apparent in Saturday`s 117-95 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The loss silenced a home crowd that had anticipated an easy path to victory.

Even Magic Johnson, a devoted Lakers supporter, expressed disappointment and subtly criticized coach JJ Redick after the lackluster performance.

Although it`s just one game, this decisive home loss signals to the Lakers that they face significant challenges moving forward in the playoffs.

Winner: Russell Westbrook`s Confidence

Throughout much of his career, defenses have dared Russell Westbrook to beat them with his jump shot, and statistically, there`s reason for this strategy. His record of six seasons shooting below 30% on a high volume of 3-point attempts is unmatched in NBA history.

However, Westbrook`s defining trait is unwavering confidence. In Game 1 against the Clippers, with the Nuggets trailing by one and under 30 seconds remaining, Westbrook confidently took a corner three.

The shot went in, sparking jubilation among his teammates and the home crowd.

This is the Westbrook experience: unpredictable and bold. He shot 2-for-6 from three-point range in Game 1, with one attempt nearly being a game-winner, were it not for James Harden`s subsequent play.

Loser: Russell Westbrook`s Inconsistency

Game 1 showcased the full spectrum of Russell Westbrook`s game, including both highs and lows.

After Harden tied the game, the ball ended up back with Westbrook for Denver`s final regulation possession, which did not end favorably.

His struggles continued into overtime, where he went 0-for-4 shooting and nearly jeopardized the game by taking a shot with a minimal difference between the shot clock and game clock while the Nuggets were only up by one.

Fortunately for Westbrook, Aaron Gordon secured a crucial offensive rebound, preventing a potentially disastrous outcome. It’s rare for a player to be both a winner and loser in the same playoff game, but Westbrook uniquely embodies this duality.

Winner: Thunder`s Dominant Defense

Oklahoma City Thunder`s defense in their historic 51-point Game 1 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies was suffocating. It was a display of elite defensive basketball.

OKC forced 22 turnovers, converting them into 24 points, and restricted Memphis to just 80 points on poor shooting percentages. The Thunder`s collective length, strength, and speed on defense leave opponents with virtually no space to operate.

Their defensive pressure, which led the league in turnover rate during the regular season, translates into highlight plays, like Jalen Williams’ dunk after a forced turnover.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA`s leading scorer, had a relatively quiet 15 points in Game 1, yet the Thunder won by 51 points. This victory sends a clear message to the rest of the league: the Thunder are a formidable force.

The Thunder`s supporting cast deserves immense credit, not only for stepping up offensively but, more importantly, for their consistently dominant defense throughout the season and into the playoffs.

Loser: Kyle Kuzma`s Statistically Empty Game

While basketball is more than just statistics, numbers do reflect a player`s impact. When a player finishes an entire game without recording a single counting stat, it usually indicates a minimal contribution.

This was the case for Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers. He played 22 minutes without a point, rebound, assist, steal, or block—matching the most barren stat line in a playoff game since these stats became official in 1973-74.

Kuzma missed all of his field goal attempts, free throws, and three-pointers, while also committing fouls and recording a team-worst minus-24 plus/minus. It was a game to forget for Kuzma.

Traded from the Washington Wizards to the Bucks before the deadline, Kuzma likely didn`t envision making history in his first playoff game in this manner.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers suggested Kuzma`s teammates could have positioned him better for scoring opportunities. However, excuses were scarce regarding the complete absence of other statistical contributions.

Fortunately for Kuzma, another game is just around the corner, offering a quick chance to rebound from this disappointing performance.