The Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder kicked off Sunday's Game 1s, and it wasn't as interesting as people expected. It was a defensive struggle for both teams, as the Lakers came out on top 87-79. G Kobe Bryant and F Kevin Durant, who are both in the top five in scoring, struggled shooting the ball. Bryant had 21 points, on 6 of 19 shooting. Durant was worse, only connecting on 7 of 24 field goals. He finished with 24 points. Game 2 of the series is Tuesday night on TNT.
The Orlando Magic beat the Charlotte Bobcats 98-89 in the their Game 1 matchup. Even though the Magic went to the NBA Finals last year, they did lose Game 1 of their first round matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers last year. They ended up winning that series in six games. G Jameer Nelson scored 24 of his game-high 32 points in the first half, and the Magic held a 22-point lead before almost blowing it. F Gerald Wallace led the Bobcats with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Game 2 is Wednesday night on TNT.
In what probably was the most interesting game and series of the day, the Dallas Mavericks beat the San Antonio Spurs 100-94. F Dirk Nowitzki was unconscious on the floor, scoring 36 points on 12 of 14 shooting. F Caron Butler contributed 22 points and G Jason Kidd scored 13 points and dished out 11 assists. C Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 27 points, and G Manu Ginobili scored 26 points. G Tony Parker scored 18 points off the bench. Game 2 is Wednesday night on TNT.
The last game of the night saw the first road team in the playoffs get a victory. The Portland Trail Blazers beat the Phoenix Suns on the road 105-100 to steal home-court from the Suns. The Trail Blazers are playing without star G Brandon Roy, who underwent surgery earlier in the week for a torn meniscus. G Andre Miller stepped up and scored 31 points, and F LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points in the win. G Jerryd Bayless scored 18 points off the bench to help the Blazers to victory. G Steve Nash led the Suns with 25 points, and F Amare Stoudemire scored 18 points in the loss. Game 2 is Tuesday night on NBA TV.
All of the Game 1s on Sunday were close, which gives hope to the losing team. The Trail Blazers certainly benefited for being the #6 seed and playing the Suns because the Suns aren't that strong of a team. The Trail Blazers have a legit chance of winning this series. The Spurs also have a legit chance of winning, but that hinges on the bench play. However, the Spurs have arguably the toughest matchup in the Western Conference playing a deep Mavericks team. This series could go the distance.
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