2008 NBA Playoffs Day 2

On Sunday, the 4 remaining series started up for the NBA Playoffs. In action were the top teams from each Conference with the Celtics and Lakers' series opening. The Pistons, Sixers, Magic and Raptors also got things started, and there was a surprise upset win by a lower seed.

Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic

The Toronto Raptors traveled into Orlando for the first game of their matchup. It featured two of the premier big men in the game in Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh. Earlier in the season, D-Howard was amongst those discussed for NBA MVP, due to his dominance in terms of scoring, rebounding and defense. In this game Orlando prevailed, winning it 114-100 . Dwight Howard had not only 5 blocks but also 25 points and over 20 rebounds. Jameer Nelson helped lead the way with 24 points in this one and Hedo Turkoglu added 21. The battle of the big men Bosh vs. Howard looks to continue its intensity in this opening series. Game 2 will go down on Tuesday night in Orlando.

Magic's scorching 3-point shooting early burns Raptors

Denver Nuggets vs. LA Lakers

Another Game 1 saw Los Angeles win over Denver 128-114 behind Kobe's 32 and Pau Gasol's impressive near triple double including 36 points. This season Los Angeles had a 22-5 record with Pau Gasol. The playoff game was close through the 2nd quarter, but the Lakers blew it open in the third and fourth, up by about as much as 20 points. Pau Gasol had an impressive Lakers debut with a near triple double. Kleiza also played well for Denver in the loss. Allen Iverson picked up 2 quick technicals towards the end of the game and was tossed. In the playoffs, after a player's 7th Tech, they are suspended for 1 game. It may not matter if the Lakers dominate this series.

Lakers beat Nuggets behind Gasol

Philadelphia 76er's vs. Detroit Pistons

Detroit is the most recent amongst Eastern playoff teams to capture the NBA title. They played host to the Philadelphia 76ers, who not many analysts expected to be here right now. In Game 1, the Sixers shocked the Pistons winning it 90-86. Andre Miller had 20 points while Andre Iguodola added 16points, 9 boards and 8 assists. Rasheed Wallace led the way for Detroit with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Chauncey Billups added a mere 14 points. After the game, Rasheed Wallace accepted the blame for the loss.

Fourth quarter surge helps Philly take Game 1

Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics made headlines this season with the greatest turnaround in NBA history. After spending last year at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, they made serious moves to bring in KG, Ray Allen and several key bench players. The talented squad hosted the Hawks in Boston on Sunday night, the first playoff appearance for Boston since 1999. Boston handled business by defeating Atlanta 104-81. Ray Allen had 18, KG had 16 and Pierce added 16. It may be a very quick but painful exit for the Atlanta Hawks this postseason.

Allen, KG spark Celtics to 104-81 rout