NBA Playoffs 2018 first round results: Cavs start losing, Celtics win in OT
The 2018 NBA Playoffs kicked-off over the weekend and it has been action-packed so far. On Sunday, two of the East’s top contending teams faced each of their opponents in a tooth-and-nail showdown that ended on different ends of the spectrum.
The LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers lost their first game versus the Indiana Pacers — the first time James lost a first-round game since joining the Cavs as a number one pick in the 2006 NBA Draft.
In another game, the Boston Celtics survived the gritty clutches of the Milwaukee Bucks to win their Game 1 of their NBA Playoffs duel. The injury-smacked Celtics won in OT after a hail mary three-pointed by Khris Middleton in regulation.
Cavaliers vs Pacers game 1 recap
LeBron James’ 21-game winning streak in Round 1 ends today as the Cavaliers lose their first game in the NBA Playoffs 2018. The Cavs were no match to the Pacers, as the latter torched to an 18-point win, 98-80, in their first post-season showdown.
The Pacers set the tone early on in the game, ending the first quarter with a 33-14 lead. Victor Oladipo looked every bit the All Star he is, pouring down 32 points, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals in 36 minutes of play. He shot an impressive 6-of-9 from the three-point country while the entire Cavaliers roster were tied down to only eight threes.
King James led Cleveland with a triple-double in 43 minutes of play — 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Kevin Love chipped in nine points, 17 rebounds, and two assists but it wasn’t enough to help them get the W. The Cavs trailed all throughout the game, with the Pacers leading by 23 points at one point.
The Cavaliers vs Pacers game 2 schedule is set for Wednesday, April 18, at Quicken Loans Arena. James will have to win at home to tie the series at one game apiece.
Celtics vs Bucks game 1 recap
The Boston Celtics relied on a better overtime performance to win the first game of their showdown against the Milwaukee Bucks, 113-107. Even without Kyrie Irving (knee injury) and Gordon Hayward (fractured tibia), the Celtics proved that they belong in the NBA Playoffs, relying heavily on its starters.
Tied at 96-all with 10.3 seconds left, the Celtics drained time before going to Terry Rozier for a step back three with a second left in the game. The arena thought it was the game-winner until Bucks’ Middleton took matters into his own hands, sinking a three of his own with less than a second left in regulation to tie the game.
Middleton’s 31 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 35 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists weren’t enough to give the Bucks with a win. Boston stayed hot enough in over time, scoring 14 to Milwaukee’s eight. Veteran Al Horford led the team with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum had 19 and 10. Terry Rozier added 23 points and Jaylen Brown contributed 23.
The win gives the Celtics an advantage leading to another home game on Tuesday. The Celtics vs Bucks game 2 is scheduled for April 17 at 8:00pm ET.