Knicks crush and Minnesota strikes first: how the NBA semifinals begin
The NBA conference semifinals are underway and Monday's results are starting to set the pace for the 2026 playoffs. With dominant performances and close finishes, the first games showed that every detail will be decisive in the fight for a place in the conference finals.
TL;DR
- The New York Knicks dominated the Philadelphia 76ers with a 137-98 victory in Game 1 of their conference semifinal series.
- Jalen Brunson was the standout player for the Knicks, scoring 35 points.
- The Minnesota Timberwolves took a 1-0 lead against the San Antonio Spurs with a close 104-102 win.
- Julius Randle contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves.
- Victor Wembanyama set a new playoff record for the Spurs with 12 blocked shots.
- Upcoming Game 1s include Pistons vs. Cavaliers and Thunder vs. Lakers.