Game 1 Gamebreakers

04/18/2022

By: Jeff Yoder

Young Stars Shine Brightest in Game 1 Openers of NBA Playoffs

The opening weekend of the NBA Playoffs is in the books, and Game 1s had plenty of gamebreakers who balled out. Among them, three young bloods under the age of 22 shined the brightest. The Eastern Conference higher seeds all took Game 1, including the Celtics’ dramatic game-winning layup from Jayson Tatum. In the West, two upset bids by the lower-seeded Timberwolves and Jazz saw the away teams steal Game 1. It’s the beginning of a two-month NBA postseason marathon, and these three stars just made statements.

Tyrese Maxey (PHI): 38 points (14-fo-21, FG)

The Sixers know what they’re getting from Joel Embiid and James Harden, but the emergence of Tyrese Maxey could make Philly a true contender. Embiid (19 points, 15 rebounds) and Harden (22 points, 14 assists) played well, but Maxey exploded for 38 as Philly blasted Toronto in Game 1 (131-111).

Jordan Poole (GSW): 30 points (5-for-7, 3-pt)

Steph Curry (16 points) came off the bench due to an injury-plagued minutes restriction, and Klay Thompson (19 points) still cashed in five triples, but it was Jordan Poole who carried Golden State in Game 1. Poole went 5-for-7 from deep to tally his first-ever 30-point postseason game, and the Warriors outlasted the Nuggets (123-107).

Anthony Edwards (MIN): 36 points, 6 assists

Ant delivered the upset of opening weekend. Minnesota’s star duo of Karl-Anthony Towns (29 points, 13 rebounds) and Anthony Edwards (36 points, 6 assists), shocked the Grizzlies in Memphis (130-117).

Other Game 1 Stars

K. Irving (BKN): 39 points

D. Mitchell (UTA): 32 points

J. Morant (MEM): 32 points

J. Tatum (BOS): 31 points (Game-Winner)

C. Paul (PHX): 30 points, 10 assists

G. Antetokounmpo (MIL): 27 points, 16 rebounds

D. Robinson (MIA): 27 points (8-for-9, 3-pt)

All Game 1 Highlights

Jazz def. Mavericks (99-93)

Timberwolves def. Grizzlies (130-117)

76ers def. Raptors (131-111)