2026 NBA Playoffs: Timberwolves Upset Nuggets as Knicks Dominate and Sixers Force Game 7
Timberwolves eliminate Jokic’s Nuggets, Knicks set playoff scoring records, and 76ers force Game 7 against Celtics — key results from the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
The opening weekend of the 2026 NBA Playoffs produced dramatic shifts as the Minnesota Timberwolves completed an upset of Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets, the New York Knicks produced a historic rout of the Atlanta Hawks, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat Boston to push their series to a decisive Game 7. Minnesota closed out Denver 110-98 to reach the Western Conference semifinals, New York overwhelmed the Hawks 140-89, and Philadelphia’s road victory set up a winner-take-all clash in Boston. These outcomes reshape both conference brackets and set the stage for a pivotal second round of the postseason.
Timberwolves eliminate Jokic’s Nuggets and reach West semifinals
The Timberwolves advanced with a 110-98 victory in Minneapolis, claiming a 4-2 series win over the third-seeded Nuggets. Minnesota managed the result without their shelved star Anthony Edwards, a testament to the depth and defensive discipline that defined the series. Denver relied heavily on three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who scored 28 points in the loss, but his efforts were not enough to overturn Minnesota’s balanced attack and late-game poise.
Jaden McDaniels’ career night and on-court tensions
Jaden McDaniels finished as Minnesota’s leading scorer with a career-high 32 points, punctuating the win with clutch free throws in the closing minute. The game also featured renewed on-court friction; Jokic, who had been ejected earlier in the series for unsportsmanlike conduct, was involved in another heated exchange that briefly escalated into a skirmish. Coach Chris Finch praised the collective resilience of his roster, pointing to their championship-level focus as the team now turns to face the San Antonio Spurs.
Knicks set postseason scoring marks in dominant win over Hawks
In Atlanta, the New York Knicks delivered one of the most lopsided postseason performances in franchise history, routing the Hawks 140-89 to close their series 4-2. New York’s 47-point halftime advantage was the largest margin ever recorded in an NBA playoff half, and the Knicks led by as many as 61 points before starters were rested in the fourth quarter. The result underlined New York’s offensive efficiency and depth as they advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the fourth consecutive season.
OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns drive New York’s balanced attack
OG Anunoby exploded for 29 points, netting the bulk of his scoring in the first half before being pulled for rest, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a triple-double that highlighted the Knicks’ all-around play. No starter logged more than 29 minutes, a sign of how thoroughly New York controlled the tempo and flow of the game. Hawks coach Quin Snyder acknowledged the sharp contrast with his team’s earlier competitiveness and stressed the need for reflection after an uncharacteristic collapse.
76ers upset Celtics in Boston to force decisive Game 7
The storied rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers will be decided in a Game 7 after the 76ers posted a 106-93 road victory to even their series at 3-3. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 30 points, while Paul George and Joel Embiid provided complementary scoring and physical presence down the stretch. The series, already the most-played matchup in NBA playoff history, now returns to Massachusetts for a high-stakes finale that will determine who advances in the Eastern Conference.
Bracket implications and matchups to watch in the 2026 NBA Playoffs
Minnesota’s upset means the Western Conference semifinals will feature the Timberwolves against a high-flying San Antonio Spurs team, shifting expectations for the West where seedings have become secondary to matchup dynamics. In the East, the Knicks await the winner of Boston-Philadelphia and will prepare for either a rematch with the Celtics or a series against the Sixers, depending on the outcome of the decisive game. These second-round pairings promise a mix of veteran star power and emerging role-player contributions that could decide which clubs make a deeper postseason run.
The slate of games through the early rounds has emphasized both depth and discipline, with teams able to compensate for injuries or bans by leaning on role players and tactical adjustments. Minnesota’s win without Anthony Edwards, New York’s scoring outburst led by Anunoby and Towns, and Philadelphia’s resilience in Boston each underscore how quickly playoff narratives can pivot. As the 2026 NBA Playoffs move into the conference semifinals, matchups and momentum will be decisive, and several franchises will be tested anew in pursuit of the championship.
