Who’s hot and who’s not? Best players and no-shows in Game 1 of Knicks-Sixers & Spurs-Wolves
Alta Sports3 days ago · 178 views
By Joel Reyes
The opening day of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs delivered plenty of drama, with Minnesota recording a stunning upset win on the road against San Antonio.
Alta Sports looks at the standout performers and the disappointments who saw action in Game 1 of the Knicks-Sixers and Wolves-Spurs series in the Conference Semifinals.
Most Valuable Player
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Not many expected Anthony Edwards to return quickly against San Antonio after he injured his knee in the first-round series against Denver. He surprised fans when he suited up for Minnesota in Game 1, delivering much-needed production off the bench in the Wolves’ heart-stopping 104-102 win over the Spurs on Tuesday (PH time) at Frost Bank Center.
Edwards showed no signs of the injury, dropping 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting. He also had three rebounds, three assists, and one block in 25 minutes of action, helping the Wolves steal homecourt advantage in this best-of-seven series.
Other Standout Performers
Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
Jalen Brunson was simply unstoppable in New York’s Game 1 clash with Philadelphia, scoring 35 points in the Knicks’ 137-98 victory on Tuesday (PH time). He did most of his damage in the first half, scoring 27 points during that period to help New York grab a 74-51 lead at the break.
Brunson was efficient on the offensive end, shooting 12-for-18 from the field, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. He also was automatic from the free-throw line, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe.
Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
Victor Wembanyama delivered in his first-ever Conference Semifinals game, posting a triple-double in Game 1 against Minnesota. He scored 11 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and amassed an NBA-record 12 blocks.
Wemby’s defensive brilliance was enough to make him a standout performer in Game 1, even though his offensive shortcomings contributed to the Spurs’ loss in the series opener.
No-Show of the Night
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
One of the main reasons why the Sixers got blown out by the Knicks in Game 1 was the poor play of Tyrese Maxey. Much was expected from the 25-year-old after he dropped 30 points in Philly’s Game 7 win over Boston, but he only mustered 13 points in the series opener at MSG.
Maxey shot 3-of-9 from the field and missed all three of his 3-point attempts in Game 1. He also was sloppy with the basketball, committing a game-high four turnovers. He will need to play much better in Game 2 for the Sixers to tie this series.
Other Game 1 Disappointments
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Embiid was another guy who played spectacular basketball in the winner-take-all clash against Boston, scoring 34 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in Game 7. He failed to replicate those numbers in Game 1 vs New York, recording just 14 points and 4 boards in the blowout loss.
He struggled mightily on the offensive end, shooting just 3-for-11 from the field, including 0-for-2 from beyond the arc. That simply won’t do for the Sixers, who are looking to win their first NBA title since 1983.
De’Aaron Fox (San Antonio Spurs)
Fox got off to a horrible start in Game 1 against Minnesota, laying a goose egg in the first half. He went 0-for-5 from the field, including 0-for-3 from the 3-point area, in the first two quarters.
Fox’s offensive woes helped Minnesota keep the game close as the first half ended with the score tied at 45-45. Fox finished the contest with 10 points on 5-of-14 shooting, committing six turnovers in the narrow loss.
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GP Pascual
Spurs will definitely comeback strong in Game 23 days agoReply
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Renato Babaran
Wem....is the one...3 days agoReply
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VJ Edgecombe
Today's Embiid is not Embiid, but Embitc*!!!3 days agoReply
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Dodong Sports
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the rising star
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