The NBA Playoff officially tipped off on Saturday.
Nine players across the 16 playoff teams have ties to Illinois. Some will play more than others but the state of Illinois Basketball will still be very present on NBA playoff courts.
For the full list of names, click here to read Illinois Hoops Update- Illinois Locals in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
NBA Games
Denver Nuggets defeated Los Angeles Clippers, 112-110. Cam Christie (Rolling Meadows) did not play in the Game 1 loss to Denver.
Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Los Angeles Lakers, 117-91. T’Wolves rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. (Lincoln Park) came off the bench went 0-for-1 from the field and had a -1 plus-minus in three minutes. His Game 1 appearance was the rookie’s playoff debut. Jordan Goodwin (Althoff Catholic) came off the bench for the Lakers in his playoff debut. He had an assist, a turnover, and a -3 plus-minus in six minutes.
New York Knicks defeated Detroit Pistons, 123-112. Jalen Brunson (Stevenson) started in Game 1 for New York. He had a game-high 34 points (12-27 FG, 2-5 3PT, 8-10 FT) with two rebounds, a team-high eight assists, a turnover, and a +2 plus-minus in 40 minutes. His field goals, field goal attempts, free throws, and free throw attempts were all game-highs. This was Brunson’s 50th NBA Playoff game.
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