The 2026 NBA playoffs opened Saturday, and by Sunday a few clear narratives had emerged. Oklahoma City rolled past Phoenix 119-84 despite a subpar night from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. San Antonio impressed in a 111-98 win over Portland behind Victor Wembanyama’s historic postseason debut. And in Denver, Minnesota erased a 19-point first-half deficit to win 119-114 and even that series at 1-1. Here are the biggest takeaways and things to watch series by series.
Denver (3) vs. Minnesota (6) — Game 2: Timberwolves 119, Nuggets 114 (Series tied 1-1)
Biggest takeaway: Rudy Gobert’s defense changed the game. Gobert made Nikola Jokić’s night difficult, especially on early and late possessions; Jokić struggled when Gobert was the primary defender and only began to push back after Gobert sat with four fouls in the third. Gobert returned in the fourth and made the stops that let Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo close out a comeback. Those three combined for 70 points as Minnesota erased a 19-point hole.
What to watch: Anthony Edwards’ knee. He played heavy minutes (30 points, team-high 40 minutes) after missing much of the end of the regular season with a right-knee problem and grimaced in Game 2. He has two days to recover before Game 3.
Next game: Nuggets at Timberwolves, Thursday, 9:30 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime).
San Antonio (2) vs. Portland (7) — Game 1: Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98 (Spurs lead 1-0)
Biggest takeaway: Spurs businesslike opening. San Antonio looked efficient and composed in Victor Wembanyama’s first playoff game, and Wembanyama made history early — pouring in 21 first-half points and scoring or assisting on 24 before halftime, then finishing with at least 30 points and five 3-pointers in his postseason debut. San Antonio’s defense also held Portland’s shooters in check for long stretches.
What to watch: Portland’s supporting cast. Beyond Deni Avdija, the Blazers got little scoring and poor shooting from role players in Game 1; if Portland can get contributions from guys like Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan and Jrue Holiday, and knock down shots when San Antonio loads to stop Avdija, the series could open up.
Next game: Trail Blazers at Spurs, Game 2, 8 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock).
Oklahoma City (1) vs. Phoenix (8) — Game 1: Thunder 119, Suns 84 (Thunder lead 1-0)
Biggest takeaway: Thunder dominance at home. Oklahoma City built a 21-point halftime lead and scored 21 points off 10 Phoenix turnovers, putting the game out of reach early. Jalen Williams looked healthier than he has in recent weeks (22 points, 9-of-15, six assists) and created matchup problems while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sat. Phoenix was more competitive than last year’s Game 1 blowout but still overwhelmed.
What to watch: Containing Jalen Williams and lineup choices. Williams penetrated and created offense, in part because of early foul trouble for Phoenix’s Jordan Goodwin and some suboptimal matchups. Phoenix must find ways to slow Williams and limit turnovers to make this series competitive.
Next game: Suns at Thunder, Game 2, Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).
Los Angeles Lakers (4) vs. Houston Rockets (5) — Game 1: Lakers 107, Rockets 98 (Lakers lead 1-0)
Biggest takeaway: Lakers made the most of an opening. Los Angeles lost key backcourt pieces late in the season but benefited when Kevin Durant was a late scratch for Houston. LeBron James orchestrated the offense (19 points, 12 assists, including eight assists in the first quarter), Luke Kennard scored a playoff-career-high 27, and Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura provided inside scoring. The Lakers’ confidence looks renewed heading into Game 2.
What to watch: Kevin Durant’s availability. Without Durant, Houston looked disorganized and inefficient (37.6% shooting). Durant’s status over the next 48 hours will shape Houston’s approach; if he’s out, the Rockets must find a different offensive identity quickly.
Next game: Rockets at Lakers, Game 2, Tuesday, 10:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock).
Summary: Through the opening games the themes are defense and health. Minnesota’s defense on Jokić and San Antonio’s balance with a historic Wembanyama debut stand out, Oklahoma City set a high bar for the Suns, and the Lakers capitalized on favorable circumstances against an undermanned Houston. Watch injuries and availability — Edwards’ knee, Durant’s knee, and other short-term health questions — along with how role players step up, because adjustments over the next few games will quickly reshape these series.
