Victor Wembanyama lit up his NBA play‑off debut, scoring 35 points to steer the San Antonio Spurs past Portland 111‑98.
The French star, in contention for MVP, admitted there was pressure but said his side “just stayed to the plan.”
Defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder crushed Phoenix 119‑84, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander delivering 25 points and seven assists. Boston Celtics swept aside Philadelphia 123‑91, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combining for 51 points.
The night’s upset came in Detroit, where eighth‑seeded Orlando Magic stunned the Pistons 112‑101.
Paolo Banchero’s 23 points and nine rebounds overshadowed Cade Cunningham’s 39‑point haul, extending Detroit’s run of 11 straight home play‑off defeats since 2008. Cunningham insisted confidence remains: “It’s going to be a long, fun series.”
