The 2026 NBA playoffs tipped off Saturday with several notable results. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 32 points in Cleveland’s 126-113 win over Toronto; James Harden added 22 in his Cavs playoff debut and Max Strus — who missed most of the season with a left-foot injury and only returned March 15 — scored 24 off the bench. The Knicks defeated the Hawks 113-102 behind Jalen Brunson’s 28 and Karl-Anthony Towns’ 25. The Celtics blew out the 76ers 123-91 as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 51. The biggest surprise: the No. 8 Orlando Magic stunned top-seeded Detroit, 112-101.
Here are the key takeaways and what to watch as the East first round moves forward.
(8) Orlando Magic lead (1) Detroit Pistons, 1-0 Game 1: Magic 112, Pistons 101
Takeaway: Orlando brought the same physical, connected defense and confidence from its play-in win into the opener. An early 18-5 run set the tone; the Magic’s communication and toughness clogged the paint and limited Detroit’s preferred pace. Paolo Banchero was efficient and decisive, avoiding forced outside shots and making the right reads, while Jalen Suggs raced to every loose ball. Cade Cunningham still scored 39,
