NYK • Center-Forward • #32
Towns was impactful on both ends of the floor in his first playoff game in a Knicks uniform. In addition to shooting well over 50 percent from the field, he recorded a complete stat line and did not commit a turnover. To say he looked far more comfortable on Saturday than he did in New York’s April 10 loss to the Pistons would be an understatement. The Knicks will need Towns to consistently reach (or exceed) the level he played at on Saturday to go deep into the playoffs. Game 2 is on Monday night.
about 23 hours ago
April 20, 2025 1:00 AM
NYK • Guard • #1
about 23 hours ago
With the Knicks trailing the Pistons by eight at the end of the third quarter, the home team needed a spark in Saturday’s series opener. Enter Payne, who hit two three-pointers and shot 4-of-5 from the field in the fourth. His production was part of a 21-0 Knicks run that swung the game’s momentum, compensating for fellow reserve Miles McBride’s (one rebound, four assists, and one steal) failure to score in his 15 minutes on the court. Payne can be erratic, but days like Saturday serve as a reminder of the value he can bring to the table. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night.
NYK • Guard • #11
about 23 hours ago
For the first half of Saturday’s season opener, Detroit wing Ausar Thompson and guard Dennis Schroder did an excellent job of defending Brunson. The Knicks’ point guard shot 3-of-14 from the field in the first half, and appeared to tweak his right ankle during the third quarter. However, a footwear change may have done the trick, as Brunson shot 9-of-13 from the field to finish the Game 1 victory. Additionally, he committed only one turnover, a sign that the early shooting struggles did not affect Brunson’s work as a playmaker. The Knicks will look to take a 2-0 series lead on Monday.
NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
about 23 hours ago
Anunoby came out hot to start Saturday’s series opener, scoring 19 first-half points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field. While his offensive production tailed off after the break, that was not the case for the Knicks’ wing’s defense. Given the task of defending Cade Cunningham, Anunoby made the point guard’s life difficult for most of the evening. And he was outstanding during New York’s 21-0 fourth quarter run, forcing multiple turnovers to get the Knicks out in transition. New York hosts Game 2 on Monday night.
ORL • Center-Forward • #34
about 1 hour ago
Give Carter credit for his work on the boards and for being Kristaps Porzingis’ primary defender for most of Game 1. However, the offensive production was lackluster, a trend that also persisted during the regular season. Carter’s average of 9.1 per game was the lowest of his NBA career; this was the first season in which he failed to average double figures. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner will do most of the heavy lifting offensively, but they’re going to need help in this series. Fellow starters Carter, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (6/4/2/3 with two three-pointers) and Cory Joseph (zero points, two assists) combining to score 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting isn’t good enough. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
OKC • Center-Forward • #7
about 4 hours ago
Holmgren excelled as a rim protector and stretched the floor by only missing one of his attempts from deep. The Thunder big man’s return to health after an early injury has helped OKC ascend to another level. Holmgren’s pairing with Isaiah Hartenstein in the frontcourt and OKC’s assortment of capable wing defenders seem likely to give Memphis a tough time for the remainder of the series.
MIN • Center-Forward • #11
about 21 hours ago
Reid took a Jarred Vanderbilt elbow to the mouth during the second half of Saturday’s series opener, and that was all that slowed him down. The Timberwolves’ backup big scored 17 in the first half and finished the game one steal shy of a complete stat line. Since scoring 20 points in a March 24 loss to the Pacers, Reid surpassed 15 points once in his final eight appearances of the regular season. The Lakers employed a “boxes and elbows” defensive strategy to prevent Anthony Edwards from entering the lane, which allowed players like Reid to receive cleaner looks. His play (and that of Jaden McDaniels) could force the Lakers to alter their approach for Tuesday’s Game 2.
