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Top seeds the Milwaukee Bucks opened their play-off campaign in style with a 121-86 thrashing of the Detroit Pistons.
Giannis Antetokounmpo posted an impressive 24 points and 17 rebounds in just 23 minutes to help them take a 1-0 series lead.
The Bucks were 20 points ahead by the end of the first quarter and led by as many as 41 points late in the third.
MVP numbers in just 23 minutes. #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/q1O3b9aqC6 — Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 15, 2019
The Houston Rockets also took control in their play-off opener against the Utah Jazz, securing a 122-90 victory.
James Harden finished with 29 points and 10 assists and was just two rebounds away from a triple-double.
Houston held the Jazz to just 39 per cent shooting from the field, with Donovan Mitchell restricted to 19 points.
GAME 1: W #RunAsOne pic.twitter.com/p7iTbfdqN7 — Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 15, 2019
The Boston Celtics showcased a similarly impressive defensive effort as they took a 1-0 lead in their play-off series against the Indiana Pacers.
Indiana were outscored 26-8 during the third quarter and managed just two field goals in the first five minutes of the fourth, eventually falling 84-74.
Kyrie Irving led the way with 20 points.
Game 1 is in the books 📚✅ pic.twitter.com/5D1SRkvdPK — Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 15, 2019
The Portland Trail Blazers snapped a 10-game play-off losing streak as they beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 104-99.
Portland dominated from the off, scoring 39 points in the first quarter, and held off a triple-double from the Thunder's Russell Westbrook.
Damian Lillard scored 30 points to give Portland an early advantage after game one of the series.
