By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame an early seven-point deficit in the opening period to secure a comfortable 108–90 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, on Tuesday.
The defending champions saw Belgian starter Ajay Mitchell play a pivotal role alongside Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, contributing 18 points, four assists, and two rebounds in 28 minutes of action. Fellow European starter, Germany’s Isaiah Hartenstein, bolstered the interior, logging 25 minutes with eight points, nine rebounds, four assists, one block, and one steal. However, Serbian guard Nikola Topic did not see floor time.
The Lakers‘ efforts were hampered by the continued absence of Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined with a left hamstring strain and is potentially out for the remainder of the best-of-seven series. Adding to their injury concerns, Jarred Vanderbilt was forced out to an early exit after suffering a full dislocation of his right pinky finger when he hit his hand on the backboard while attempting to block a dunk. While German forward Maxi Kleber was available at Paycom Center, he did not play in the contest.
Opening their Eastern Conference series, the Detroit Pistons defended their home court at Little Caesars Arena with an 111–101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite holding an 18-point advantage at one stage, the visitors mounted a late surge led by James Harden, who scored seven consecutive points to tie the game at 93 midway through the fourth quarter. Responding through the duo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, the latter of whom blocked a Harden attempt before converting three straight dunks to restore order.
German reserve Dennis Schroder had nine points and three assists in 16 minutes for the Cavs. Dutch Tristan Enaruna and Frenchman Olivier Sarr remained inactive.
Both series will continue on Thursday as the Thunder and Pistons look to extend their leads in Game 2.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 4-3 (101-112, 98-83, 105-113, 88-94, 116-109, 93-79, 116-94)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 4-3 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126, 89-93, 125-120, 110-112, 114-102)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 4-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109, 114-98, 126-97, 140-89)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 3-4 (123-91, 97-111, 108-100, 128-96, 97-113, 93-106, 100-109)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Detroit Pistons – Cleveland Cavaliers 1-0 (111-101)
6. New York Knicks – Philadelphia 76ers 1-0 (137-98)
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 4-0 (119-84, 120-107, 121-109, 131-122)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 4-2 (107-98, 101-94, 112-108, 96-115, 93-99, 98-78)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 2-4 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113, 96-112, 125-113, 98-110)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 4-1 (111-98, 103-106, 120-108, 114-93, 114-95)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder – Los Angeles Lakers 1-0 (108-90)
6. San Antonio Spurs – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-0 (104-102)
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions
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