The first round of the exciting 2026 NBA playoffs showcased a thrilling trio of Game 5 matchups on Tuesday, with teams battling hard for a chance to advance. The day featured impressive performances, crucial wins, and shifting series dynamics as the playoffs heat up.
76ers Keep Hopes Alive Against Celtics
In the first game of the day, the Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Boston Celtics, who were leading the series 3-1 and looking to secure their spot in the second round. Early on, Philadelphia jumped out to a quick 10-4 lead, but Boston quickly responded, finishing the first quarter ahead by two points at 23-21.
As the game progressed, the Celtics grabbed a sizeable lead, pushing ahead by 13 points early in the third quarter. However, the resilient 76ers quickly countered with a stunning 15-3 run to pull within a point. The momentum shifted decisively in the fourth quarter as Philadelphia outscored Boston 28-11, clinching a crucial 113-97 victory and narrowing the series to 3-2.
Joel Embiid was the standout performer for Philadelphia, showcasing his skills with a game-high 33 points, alongside eight assists, while dominating the boards. Tyrese Maxey also played a pivotal role, adding 25 points and 10 rebounds to support the Sixers' comeback. The victory keeps Philadelphia's postseason aspirations alive as they look to force a Game 7.
Knicks Dominate Hawks to Level Series
The next showdown featured the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks. With Atlanta previously leading the series 2-1, the Knicks turned the tide in this critical matchup. The game began tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads. However, the Knicks concluded the first quarter on an impressive 20-8 run, establishing a solid 13-point lead as they headed into the second.
In the subsequent quarters, New York maintained control, greatly benefitting from Atlanta’s defensive struggles. By halftime, the Knicks had opened up their lead to 64-48, leaving the Hawks scrambling. New York's dominance continued, leading by as many as 32 points, ultimately finishing the game convincingly at 126-97.
Jalen Brunson shone brightly, bouncing back from earlier playoff difficulties to score 39 points, contributing eight assists and three rebounds. His performance was particularly notable as he shot 65.2% from the field and hit 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. With this win, the Knicks are poised to close out the series when they head to Atlanta for Game 6.
Spurs Advance with Victory Over Trail Blazers
The final game of the evening saw the San Antonio Spurs square off against the Portland Trail Blazers. With San Antonio entering the matchup needing just one win to claim the series, they set the tone immediately. The Spurs opened strong, taking a 10-point lead within minutes of the first quarter and holding on to a 36-24 advantage heading into the second quarter.
The Spurs continued to build on their lead, ending the first half up 65-45. Though the Trail Blazers attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to just nine points with under six minutes remaining, the Spurs maintained their composure and ultimately secured the win at 114-95.
The balanced offense for San Antonio was key, with six players scoring in double figures. Victor Wembanyama led the charge with a stellar performance, finishing the game with 17 points, 14 rebounds, six blocks, and three assists. His impressive shooting from the field (71.4%) showcased his scoring efficiency and versatility. With this victory, San Antonio clinched their first playoff series win since 2017, setting the stage for greater aspirations in this postseason.
Looking Ahead: Wednesday's Playoff Schedule
As the playoffs intensify, Wednesday's schedule promises further excitement. The Orlando Magic, leading their series 3-1, face off against the Detroit Pistons at 7 p.m. ET. Simultaneously, the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers will clash at 7:30 p.m. ET with their series tied at 2-2. The late game at 10 p.m. ET features the Houston Rockets visiting the Los Angeles Lakers, who currently lead that series 3-1. As the teams head into these crucial matchups, fans are eager to see who will advance and who will be sent packing.
