Here's what has stood out from the latest playoff games of the Western Conference's first round.
The 2026 NBA playoffs began Saturday, and our NBA insiders have you covered for every game in the march to the Finals.
who was a first-time All-Star this season, led all players with 30 points to help the Nuggets take a 1-0 lead.for the day's final game, tipping off at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Lakers have had to finish the season behindlaunched early this year.
In years past Murray came up with big games or big shots when the Nuggets had fallen into a hole or needed some heroics. This year, Murray came out of the gates in peak form, propelling Denver with 30 points, seven assists and five rebounds on a remarkable 16-for-16 from the free throw line.
Denver needed every one of those points asstarted slow with just six points in the first half. Jokic got on track in the second half, finishing with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for his 22nd postseason triple-double, third most in NBA history behind Magic Johnson and Denver broke open the game with a 14-0 run in the third quarter, during which Minnesota missed nine straight field goal attempts.
was on the bench for the end of that run as Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch tried to get him some rest before the fourth quarter. Edwards is still managing pain in his right knee and will be doing so for as long as the season continues. He finished with a pedestrian-for-him 22 points in 37 minutes.
These two teams have played more times than any two teams in the league the past three seasons. With the win in Game 1, the Nuggets now have a 15-14 advantage. That past is prologue to everything that happens in this series, and yet it is still a fascinating chess match to behold.
Minnesota has to use its length and athleticism to do a better job of containing Murray on the perimeter -- without fouling. His 16 free throws are a Denver postseason record , which is both a reflection of his aggressiveness and the way the game was officiated. That dynamic has been a major point of contention throughout this rivalry and it noticeably affects the results each game. It'll be interesting to see whether that changes in Game 2, because the Timberwolves did well in virtually all the other facets of the game in which they usually thrive -- finishing with 54 points in the paint.
Coach Beam shooting suspect deemed unfit to stand trial: judge
Oklahoma-City-Thunder Golden-State-Warriors Minnesota-Timberwolves Round-One Houston-Rockets Denver-Nuggets Nba Portland-Trail-Blazers Los-Angeles-Lakers 2026-Nba-Playoffs Phoenix-Suns San-Antonio-Spurs Western-Conference 18915568
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
All 2026 Draft Pick Scenarios For Hornets (and Suns) Picks in NBA Play-InTonight, the Hornets and Suns play for their postseason lives, and Charlotte owns both the first-round picks.
Read more »
Celtics vs. 76ers series prediction: 2026 NBA Playoff picks, oddsThe Celtics and 76ers are renewing one of the NBA’s oldest playoff rivalries, but the betting market is making it clear this is not being treated like a vintage coin-flip series.
Read more »
How to watch Hornets vs. Magic in 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament for freeOne of these teams will become the East’s No. 8 seed.
Read more »
NBA Playoffs 2026: Where to Watch Postseason Basketball Games Live OnlineBasketball fans, there are a number of ways to watch 2026 NBA Playoffs online without cable — here's where to find and stream games online for free.
Read more »
NBA Playoffs 2026: Where to Watch Postseason Basketball Games Live OnlineBasketball fans, there are a number of ways to watch 2026 NBA Playoffs online without cable — here's where to find and stream games online for free.
Read more »
Where to Stream the 2026 NBA Playoffs Online➤ $69.99/month➤ Five-day free trial➤ Up to 185+ channels
Read more »