The first rounds of the NBA and NHL playoffs conclude. Here’s what went on in professional sports in the past week…
NBA: Historic comebacks define round one
East
(1) Detroit Pistons def. (8) Orlando Magic, 4-3
(7) Philadelphia 76ers def. (2) Boston Celtics, 4-3
(3) New York Knicks def. (6) Atlanta Hawks, 4-2
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers def. (5) Toronto Raptors, 4-3
West
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder def. (8) Phoenix Suns, 4-0
(2) San Antonio Spurs def. (7) Portland Trail Blazers, 4-1
(6) Minnesota Timberwolves def. (3) Denver Nuggets, 4-2
(5) Los Angeles Lakers def. (4) Houston Rockets, 4-2
Big Events:
The Knicks clinched the series in a historic 140-89 blowout over the Hawks, including a playoff record 47 point lead at half time. Hawks guard Dyson Daniels and Knicks center Mitchell Robinson were ejected in the second quarter after a dispute, with the game already out of reach for Atlanta.
The Celtics and Magic both blew 3-1 series leads over the Sixers and Pistons, respectively.
The Raptors missed the scoring threat of all-star forward Brandon Ingram for the final two games, including the game seven loss in Cleveland.
Despite suffering a concussion in game two, star center Victor Wembanyama returned after missing just game three.
Rockets superstar Kevin Durant only played in game two of the series, missing the remainder of it with a left ankle sprain.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves returned to the lineup for game five, while superstar Luka Dončić remained out for the entirety of the first round.
Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo suffered a torn achilles minutes into game five against the Timberwolves. Later in the game, superstar guard Anthony Edwards hyperextended his knee and missed the rest of the series. He is expected to return for the second round.
NHL: Playoffs get underway with round one
East
(1M) Carolina Hurricanes def. (2WC) Ottawa Senators, 4-0
(1A) Buffalo Sabres def. (1WC) Boston Bruins, 4-2
(3A) Montreal Canadiens def. (2A) Tampa Bay Lightning, 4-3
(3M) Philadelphia Flyers def. (2M) Pittsburgh Penguins, 4-2
West
(1C) Colorado Avalanche def. (2WC) Los Angeles Kings, 4-0
(3C) Minnesota Wild def. (2C) Dallas Stars, 4-2
(1P) Vegas Golden Knights def. (1WC) Utah Mammoth, 4-2
(3P) Anaheim Ducks def. (2P) Edmonton Oilers, 4-2
Big Events:
Senators captain Brady Tkachuk was held completely scoreless in a sweep against Carolina.
The Lightning have lost four consecutive first round series after losing the only seven game series of the first round.
Wild rookie goalkeeper Jesper Wallstedt delivered an excellent series to help Minnesota win its first series in 11 years.
