MORE: NBA playoff predictions | Avery Bradley Game 2 status uncertain Durant put up 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. Russell Westbrook came to play as well, scoring a game-high 24 points and 11 assists.
Based on Saturday’s performance, Durant and the Thunder are on their way.
The Golden State Warriors also got off to a good start in the playoffs with a rout of the Houston Rockets. However, Curry suffered an ankle injury late in the second quarter. He is questionable for Game 2.
However, it’s likely Curry won’t miss significant time.
Tweet of the Night
The Warriors let everyone know they still have plenty in the tank after winning 73 games during the regular-season. The Rockets are witnesses after the 104-78 beatdown they caught from the defending champs.
Stud of the Night Al Horford was big for the Atlanta Hawks in their playoff opener against the Boston Celtics. Horford scored 24 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked two shots as the Hawks blew a big lead, but held on for a 102-101 victory.
Dud of the Night
The Toronto Raptors backcourt did not show up Saturday in a 100-90 Game 1 loss to the Indiana Pacers. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowery struggled shooting, going a combined 8 for 32 from the field. The duo also turned the ball over nine times.
Looking Ahead:
Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers, Game 1: The Warriors and Thunder have set the bar high. Can the Cavaliers, the Eastern Conference’s top seed, do the same against the Pistons? James will continue his quest to bring a title to Cleveland — a city that has not had a major sports championship since the Browns won the NFL title in 1955.
