Boston, MA – The 2024 NBA playoffs kicked off with four first-round series on Sunday, showcasing thrilling matchups and dominant performances. The day started with the Celtics asserting their dominance over the Heat at home, followed by the Clippers’ impressive win over the Mavericks in the afternoon. In the evening, the Bucks put on a show led by Damian Lillard against the Pacers. The Thunder and Pelicans will close out the action-packed opening weekend of playoff basketball.
Both the Celtics and Thunder, as the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences, are facing eighth-seeded opponents who are missing key players due to injuries. Jimmy Butler of the Heat and Zion Williamson of the Pelicans sustained injuries during the Play-In Tournament, ruling them out of the matchups on Sunday. The Clippers-Mavericks series also saw Kawhi Leonard sidelined for Game 1, raising uncertainties about his availability moving forward. Additionally, Giannis Antetokounmpo was absent for Game 1 against the Pacers.
The playoffs commenced on Saturday with the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Knicks, and Nuggets all securing victories in their first-round series. The home teams displayed impressive performances to take early leads in the matchups. Moving forward, fans can expect intense competition and captivating basketball as the playoffs progress.
In Sunday’s matchups, the scores were as follows: Celtics 114, Heat 94 (Celtics lead 1-0), Clippers 109, Mavericks 97 (Clippers lead 1-0), and Bucks 109, Pacers 94 (Bucks lead 1-0). The Thunder and Pelicans are set to compete in the final game of the day, promising an exciting showdown between the two teams.
Throughout the playoffs, CBS Sports will provide live updates, highlights, and in-depth analysis to keep fans informed and engaged with all the action. Follow along for comprehensive coverage of the NBA playoffs and stay tuned for more thrilling games and standout performances as the postseason unfolds.