By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, continued on Sunday with a flurry of European stars, including German forward Franz Wagner, helping the Orlando Magic lead from start to finish and deliver the weekend’s biggest statement, stealing home-court advantage with a 112–101 victory over the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. The Berlin native ended up with 19 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, while adding five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. He was supported by fellow countryman Tristan da Silva, who contributed seven points off the bench, and Georgian center Goga Bitadze, who chipped in four points. However, Germany’s Moritz Wagner and France’s Noah Penda were out of the rotation.
In Paycom Center, defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder began their title defense with a dominant 119–84 win over the Phoenix Suns. German started center Isaiah Hartenstein finished a perfect 4-of-4 from the field for eight points to go along with eight rebounds and two blocks. The Thunder’s European depth was on full display as Belgian Ajay Mitchell provided a versatile spark with nine points and five rebounds, while Serbian Nikola Topic saw late action to record an assist.
Earlier, the Boston Celtics asserted their dominance at TD Garden, routing the Philadelphia 76ers 123–91. Portuguese center Neemias Queta tallied 13 points in a starting role. The bench also featured a strong continental presence, with Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Luka Garza producing seven points and Montenegro’s Nikola Vucevic adding three, with Spain’s Hugo Gonzalez making a scoreless brief appearance, but Great Britain’s Amari Williams and Ukraine’s Max Shulga did not play. Starting for the Sixers, Turkish Adem Bona had three points.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 0-1 (101-112)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 1-0 (126-113)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-0 (113-102)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-0 (123-91)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 1-0 (119-84)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 1-0 (107-98)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-0 (126-115)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions
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