Knicks and Timberwolves win NBA conference semifinal openers

The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 35 points, as the team set franchise records with 63.1% field goal shooting and 51.4% from three-point range. New York became the first team in NBA history to win three consecutive playoff games by at least 25 points. O.G. Anunoby scored 18 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges added 17 each. For Philadelphia, Paul George scored 17 points, followed by Joel Embiid with 14 and Tyrese Maxey with 13. In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves narrowly defeated the San Antonio Spurs 104-102. Julius Randle contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds for Minnesota, while Anthony Edwards, returning from a knee injury, scored 18 points off the bench. Despite the loss, San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama recorded a triple-double with 11 points, 15 rebounds, and an NBA playoff-record 12 blocks.