We’re bringing you the best of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights from Saturday’s action.
What we know about Saturday’s games:
Teams that earn a 2-1 lead go on to win an NBA Playoffs series 80% of the time.
With a 3-1 lead, it’s 95.6% of the time, with 13 teams recovering from such a gap in NBA history.
With a 3-0 lead, it’s been 100% — no team has ever come back to overcome that deficit, with the 2023 Boston Celtics being the last team to tie things up. The 2003 Trail Blazers, 1994 Nuggets and 1951 Knicks also forced a seventh game.
What we know after Saturday’s games:
Magic Defeat Pistons in Game 3: Detroit had the best record in the East during the regular season, but they trail this series, 2-1. Only six eight-seeds have beaten the one-seed in NBA history. Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane scored 25 points apiece.
Thunder Defeat Suns to Snag 3-0 Series Lead: Oklahoma City never relinquished the lead in the second half of this Game 3 victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on an MVP performance, providing 42 points, four rebounds and eight assists on 15-for-18 shooting. The Thunder will look to finish the sweep on Monday.
Knicks Even Series with a Blowout Win Over the Hawks: New York dominated this game, maintaining a double-digit lead for the closing 20 minutes. They evened up the series with Atlanta at 2-2, thanks to a triple-double from Karl-Anthony Towns.
Wolves Defeat Nuggets to Take 3-1 Series Lead: Minnesota has been one of the biggest surprises, and they’re only one win away from upsetting the Nuggets. Ayo Dosunmu had a career-high 43 points off the bench in their Game 4 victory.
Top Performers of the Night
-Ayo Dosunmu amassed 43 points and four rebounds on 13-for-17 shooting off the bench in a win over the Denver Nuggets.
-Nikola Jokić collected 24 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists and three steals in that defeat.
-Jamal Murray had 30 points, five rebounds and five assists.
-Karl-Anthony Towns collected 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over the Atlanta Hawks.
-Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 42 points, four rebounds and eight assists on 15-for-18 shooting in a victory over the Phoenix Suns.
-Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 33 points and seven rebounds.
-Cade Cunninham compiled 27 points, five rebounds and nine assists in a loss to the Orlando Magic.
-Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 25 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and three steals.
AYO DOSUNMU FOLLOWS UP 25 POINTS IN GAME 3 WITH 43 IN GAME 4.
FIRST 40-PIECE OFF THE BENCH IN A PLAYOFF GAME SINCE 2016… WOLVES GO UP 3-1 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Pk1ZWgXX2H
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2026
KAT delivered an all-around effort when New York needed it 💯
20 points
10 rebounds
10 assists
2 steals@KarlTowns‘ triple-double ties the series… Game 5 is back at MSG Tuesday night! https://t.co/c7Vtmn8tfP pic.twitter.com/JxruDh6Rn4
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2026
SGA ERUPTED WITH EFFICIENCY 🤯
42 PTS (15-18 FGM)
8 AST
Along with setting his career-high for points in a postseason game, SGA became the first player in Thunder franchise history to score 40+ PTS on 80%+ shooting in a postseason game!
Thunder win Game 3 to take 3-0 series… pic.twitter.com/1lXBvfXPGB
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Paolo stuffed the stat sheet in Game 3!
25 PTS
12 REB
9 AST
3 STL
2 BLK
Magic take 2-1 series lead in Round 1 🍿 https://t.co/dHAd1F5eLa pic.twitter.com/WGh54e9Saq
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 11:29 ET
Timberwolves Defeat Nuggets in Game 4, 112-96
Minnesota takes a commanding 3-1 lead in this series, despite losing Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to injuries.
Ayo Dosunmu had a career-high 43 points on 13-for-17 shooting.
Nikola Jokić led Denver with 24 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists.
Jamal Murray had 30 points, five rebounds and five assists.
“WOLVES IN 5” 🗣️
The Timberwolves fans are letting the Nuggets hear it 🐺 pic.twitter.com/cC4ZpGOk0Y
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 26, 2026
AYO DOSUNMU FOLLOWS UP 25 POINTS IN GAME 3 WITH 43 IN GAME 4.
FIRST 40-PIECE OFF THE BENCH IN A PLAYOFF GAME SINCE 2016… WOLVES GO UP 3-1 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Pk1ZWgXX2H
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 10:59 ET
Minnesota Out to Game-High 13-Point Lead
The Timberwolves appeared to be in trouble when Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards were injured, but the rest of the team has responded.
They have a game-high 13-point lead with less than seven minutes remaining.
If they hold on, they’ll have a 3-1 series lead.
MAKE THAT 32 FOR AYO DOSUNMU.
HE’S GOT 57 COMBINED OVER GAMES 3 AND 4 🔥 https://t.co/MbWxjCLa9M pic.twitter.com/j4Ep98KXM6
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2026
THAT’S OUR VET pic.twitter.com/fTWNtlGlJs
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 26, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 10:43 ET
Timberwolves Lead Nuggets After 3Q, 82-78
Minnesota is without two starters, but they outscored Denver in the third quarter, 32-24.
Ayo Dosunmu is carrying Minnesota, providing 28 points off the bench.
Nikola Jokić leads Denver with 20 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
To the final frame pic.twitter.com/eHrimdv35n
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 26, 2026
JADEN MCDANIELS GOT UP FOR THIS BLOCK 🤯
Wolves lead by 4 through 3Q in Game 4! pic.twitter.com/ZoCZOSxwQf
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 10:15 ET
Minnesota-Denver Second Half Underway
Minnesota will have to play without Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards, but it’s a tied game early in the second half.
The Timberwolves lead this series, 2-1.
See the rest of the second half on ABC.
The second half is HEREEEE pic.twitter.com/eZrrslTSzF
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 26, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 9:50 ET
Nuggets Lead Timberwolves at the Half, 54-50
Nikola Jokić has 14 points, five rebounds and eight assists.
Jamal Murray amassed 13 points, two rebounds and three assists.
Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo both suffered leg injuries for Minnesota.
See the second half on ABC.
Back in a few pic.twitter.com/WH0OqFKpfj
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 26, 2026
Jamal Murray scores off the Aaron Gordon block… and then denies one of his own!
Nuggets lead in Q2 looking to tie series 🍿 pic.twitter.com/4wJ6WhMO8i
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 9:24 ET
Nuggets Lead Timberwolves After Q1, 23-22
Denver forced three turnovers from Minnesota while recording none on their end.
Nikola Jokić has 10 points, five rebounds and four assists.
See the action on ABC.
First 12 done ✔️ pic.twitter.com/h4EswMTeiq
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 26, 2026
Pulled one out of the trick bag 💼 pic.twitter.com/uCsXavpq1L
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 26, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 9:09 ET
Knicks Defeat Hawks, 114-98
New York won this game in dominating fashion, maintaining a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes.
This series is now tied at 2-2.
Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
OG Anunoby had 22 points and 10 rebounds.
KNICKS WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/jchixmU1fT
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 26, 2026
KAT’S TRIPLE-DOUBLE POWERS KNICKS IN GAME 4.
SERIES HEADS BACK TO MSG TIED 2-2 🚨 pic.twitter.com/QXpK0w8cqj
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2026
THE KNICKS ARE HEADED HOME WITH THE SERIES TIED 🤯 pic.twitter.com/N1VqRTTYHk
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 26, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 8:48 ET
KAT Triple-Double
Karl-Anthony Towns recorded the first postseason triple-double of his career.
Most importantly, he has New York holding a massive lead in the fourth quarter.
See the finish on Peacock!
KAT’S GOT HIS FIRST CAREER POSTSEASON TRIPLE-DOUBLE 👏
20 PTS
10 REB
10 AST
Knicks up 18 in Q4 in Game 4! pic.twitter.com/TJyVFfq9vb
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2026
Karl-Anthony Towns has recorded his first career playoff triple-double. He’s also the fourth Knick in franchise history to record a triple-double in a playoff game, joining Walt Frazier, Dick McGuire and Josh Hart.
— NY Knicks PR (@NY_KnicksPR) April 26, 2026
KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS. TRIPLE-DOUBLE. pic.twitter.com/jA1BnT4pzC
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 26, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 8:33 ET
Timberwolves-Nuggets Starters Announced
This is the game of the night, with Minnesota holding a 2-1 series lead.
Aaron Gordon will return to the Nuggets lineup after missing Game 3.
See the action on ABC.
The five.#MileHighPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/uXXdHUZNN2
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 26, 2026
LET’S GET IT. 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/jhRFUByYWe
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 26, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 8:12 ET
Knicks Lead Hawks After 3Q, 86-65
New York ripped off an 11-0 run in this quarter.
They have outscored Atlanta by seven points in all three quarters.
The Knicks are out-performing the Hawks in rebounds, assists, steals, field goal percentage and 3-point percentage.
This is the first 20-point lead in this series.
See the fourth quarter on Peacock!
Through three pic.twitter.com/0gf6OK7ahA
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 26, 2026
love to see it 3️⃣2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/kEz681PntY
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 26, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 7:47 ET
Knicks-Hawks Second Half Underway
New York looks motivated after trailing 2-1 in this series.
They outscored Atlanta by seven points in each of the first two quarters.
See the second half on Peacock!
Good transition work pic.twitter.com/01pmMPViXu
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 7:22 ET
Knicks Lead Hawks at the Half, 58-44
New York outscored Atlanta by seven points in each of the first two quarters.
The Knicks shot 51 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range.
All five of the Knicks starters have scored at least eight points apiece.
See the second half on Peacock!
at the intermission pic.twitter.com/WWfU7E4YG9
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 25, 2026
HART SCORES.
HART STEALS IT.
HART SCORES.
Josh Hart and the Knicks lead by 14 at the break in Game 4! pic.twitter.com/G4LeicrcVD
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
NO-LOOK AND SEATED 🤯
This DIDN’T COUNT but, Mikal Bridges just hit an insane shot after the whistle! pic.twitter.com/LArAhtAGUS
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 6:49 ET
Knicks Lead Hawks After Q1, 27-20
There were three ties and four lead changes early, but NY ripped off a 14-5 run to take this lead.
New York shot 52 percent from the field while holding Atlanta below 37 percent.
Jalen Brunson leads all scorers with seven points.
See the action on Peacock!
12 minutes in pic.twitter.com/eH1JAk0FyW
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 25, 2026
BIG MITCH 😤 pic.twitter.com/ShMfmIrPzT
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 6:21 ET
Thunder Defeat Suns, 121-109
Oklahoma City now has a commanding 3-0 lead in this series.
No team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit.
Game 4 is on Monday.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander collected 42 points, four rebounds and eight assists on 15-for-18 shooting.
Dillon Brooks led Phoenix with 33 points and seven rebounds.
Thunder takes Game 3 😤 pic.twitter.com/ssr8TKa5N9
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 25, 2026
Playmaking from Shai 👌 pic.twitter.com/kOlBN1xFvI
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 5:58 ET
Hawks-Knicks Starters
This game tips in less than 20 minutes.
Atlanta leads this series, 2-1.
The Hawks pulled off a 109-108 win in Game 3, which was arguably the best game of the postseason thus far.
See all the action on Peacock!
Starting 🖐️
Presented by @Chase pic.twitter.com/U6l9ePjgiE
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 25, 2026
Round 1 Game 4 pic.twitter.com/q8QxmJMFmQ
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 5:29 ET
Thunder Lead Suns After 3Q, 87-79
While there have been four ties and six lead changes, OKC has held the lead for the last 15 minutes.
With that said, OKC’s largest lead is only 12 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has 30 points, four rebounds and four assists on 12-for-15 shooting.
Jalen Green leads the Suns with 20 points, four rebounds and six assists.
One more pic.twitter.com/DVjyCs0Cn6
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 25, 2026
THE JELLY ON THIS JAYLIN WILLIAMS FINISH 👀
Thunder lead by 8 heading into Q4 in Game 3! pic.twitter.com/tWQzoTCSgi
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 4:53 ET
Thunder Lead Suns at the Half, 62-53
OKC finished the first quarter on an 18-4 run and then outscored Phoenix in that second quarter, 29-25.
The Thunder are shooting 54 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 17 points on a perfect 7-for-7 shooting.
Halftime in The Valley.@match_mortgage | #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/N4llf6Dz6K
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 25, 2026
2️⃣ finding his man down low 🥽 pic.twitter.com/EyE6KMhecn
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 25, 2026
ACROBATIC AND-1 FROM JALEN GREEN 👏
He’s got 10 PTS and 5 AST in the first half of Game 3! pic.twitter.com/gxCSaUU3Ye
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 4:28 ET
Thunder Lead Suns After Q1, 33-28
Oklahoma City closed that quarter on an 18-4 run
The Thunder lead this series 2-0 and are looking to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.
The Thunder shot 65 percent from the field and 56 percent from 3-point range in that opening quarter.
Ended the first 12 on an 18-4 run 🏃💨 pic.twitter.com/MSYGancunY
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 25, 2026
JARED MCCAIN AND-1 😤
Drives baseline.
Finishes through contact.
Thunder push for a 3-0 series lead in Round 1! pic.twitter.com/itsKVNb3eB
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 4:02 ET
Magic Defeat Pistons in Game 3, 113-105
Orlando held Detroit scoreless for the final 2:52, scoring the final nine points in this game.
Orlando has a 2-1 lead in this series and is looking to become the seventh team in NBA history to defeat a one-seed in the first round.
Paolo Banchero provided 25 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and two blocks.
Desmond Bane had 25 points and seven rebounds.
Wendell Carter Jr collected 14 points and 17 rebounds.
Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 27 points, five rebounds and nine assists.
9-0 ORLANDO RUN SEALS GAME 3!
DOWN 1 WITH UNDER 3 TO PLAY.
8-POINT WIN.
MAGIC TAKE 2-1 SERIES LEAD 🍿 https://t.co/KBHoKkp366 pic.twitter.com/yhIF3kLiuT
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
MAGIC WIN GAME 3 TO TAKE 2-1 SERIES LEAD! pic.twitter.com/hi3CimdIKr
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
8-SEED MAGIC 🔥
Orlando holds on to take a 2-1 series lead over the No. 1 seed Pistons 👀 pic.twitter.com/NcX2U3k1Xf
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 3:37 ET
Pistons-Magic tied with 3:14 remaining
Orlando led 96-79 with less than nine minutes remaining, but Detroit has fought all the way back to tie it.
That’s a 25-8 run, with Cade Cunningham scoring 18 points in the second half.
There have been seven ties and 10 lead changes in total.
Check out the finish on Peacock
WE ARE TIED IN GAME 3 🔥
DUREN BLOCK.
CADE 3.
3:14 to play in Q4! pic.twitter.com/MG5xWOlhWI
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 3:12 ET
Magic up as the fourth begins
94-79 Orlando with 10:05 left in the game in the Kia Center, as the Magic start the final period with a 7-0 run.
Wendell Carter Jr. (11 pts, 10 reb, 3 ast) has outplayed All-Star Jalen Duren (6 pts, 4 reb) this afternoon, giving the Magic an unexpected advantage.
Beyond that, Cade Cunningham is battling to find his stroke (15 pts on 17 FGA). Ausar Thompson (15 pts on 6-of-9 FGA) has picked up some of the slack, but Orlando’s in control.
Desmond Bane (25 pts, 7 3PM) is going off to lead the Magic attack.
PAOLO SLAM THROUGH CONTACT 💥
Magic up 10 in Q4 in Game 3! pic.twitter.com/Fq8uT2fWHT
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 2:39 ET
Orlando keeps the momentum into the second half
71-60 Magic with 9:09 to go in the third quarter.
Desmond Bane (17 pts, 5-of-5 3PA) just knocked down another long ball, followed by a pair of free throws and a dunk from Paolo Banchero (10 pts, 8 reb, 8 ast) to send Detroit to a timeout.
APRIL 25, 2026 / 2:18 ET
Magic up 61-54 at the half
Ausar Thompson (15 pts) is going off to lead Detroit, but the Magic have earned a seven-point lead at the break in Orlando.
The Magic are 7-for-17 (41.2%) from 3-point range so far, while the Pistons are 5-of-14 (35.7%).
Beyond that, the teams have played evenly, with the Magic taking a lead through a small rebounding advantage (23-19) and seven more shot attempts.
Detroit’s tallied seven blocks so far after picking up 11 in Game 2.
APRIL 25, 2026 / 1:55 ET
Magic step into the lead
48-44 with 4:44 to go in the first half, as the Magic earn a small advantage.
Desmond Bane (14 pts) leads all scorers so far, while Jalen Suggs (5 pts) hit this one from Fort Lauderdale.
Jalen Suggs from the Kia Center logo ! https://t.co/DfbyK6OtvJ pic.twitter.com/5ouNw4mzWA
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 1:45 ET
Still tied after one
26-all after the first quarter, as these physical Eastern Conference squads feel each other out.
“There’s that quick crossover.” 👌
Cade showing off the handles in Game 3! https://t.co/rsYT7vEKEh pic.twitter.com/1wGyDkoQCt
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026 / 1:20 ET
Pistons and Magic dueling early
18-all with 4:56 to go in the first, as the Pistons use a 10-2 run to tie the game up.
Detroit’s shooting 57.1% from the field so far, while Orlando’s at 41.2%. Can the Magic offense hold up under the Pistons’ defensive pressure?
APRIL 25, 2026 / 12:30 ET
Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons are seeking to reclaim homecourt advantage in Game 3 of their 2026 NBA Playoffs first round series with the Orlando Magic.
All stats from Thursday’s Game 2, which the Pistons won 98-83.
Detroit (1-1):
PG Cade Cunningham (27 pts, 6 reb, 11 ast)
SG Duncan Robinson (10 pts, 3 3PM)
SF Ausar Thompson (11 pts, 8 reb, 2 stl, 1 blk)
PF Tobias Harris (16 pts, 11 reb)
C Jalen Duren (11 pts, 9 reb)
Orlando (1-1):
PG Jalen Suggs (19 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast)
SG Desmond Bane (12 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast)
SF Franz Wagner (12 pts, 7 reb)
PF Paolo Banchero (18 pts, 8 reb)
C Wendell Carter Jr. (3 pts, 2 blk)
Keep an eye on Anthony Black off the Magic bench. He was held to 5 pts on 1-of-6 shooting in Game 2, as the team was kept to 33% from the field — well below his season average of 15.0 ppg.
APRIL 25, 2026 / 12:15 ET
Saturday’s injury report
Jonathan Isaac remains out for the Magic.
Isaiah Joe is doubtful for the Thunder, while Thomas Sorber and Jalen Williams are out.
Grayson Allen and Jordan Goodwin are questionable for the Suns, while Mark Williams is out.
Jock Landale is out for the Hawks.
Aaron Gordon is questionable for the Nuggets, while Peyton Watson is out.