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Johnson rose to the occasion on Thursday, logging one of his best performances of the season. Despite the loss, he drained half of his 10 three-point attempts, nearly pulled down double-digit rebounds, and finished as one of Denver’s most reliable scoring options on the evening. Johnson came into the season with some expectations to serve as the missing piece for the Nuggets, who acquired him via trade during the offseason. His production fluctuated throughout the season, and he ultimately averaged just 12.2 points overall, his lowest since his sophomore season. A more effective season and better fantasy production should be expected in Year 2 with the Nuggets next season.

After scoring in double figures in three of the Spurs’ five first-round games against Portland, Harper had another solid showing in Monday’s series opener. The rookie shot over 50 percent from the field and did not commit a turnover. While Harper’s production wasn’t enough to compensate for De’Aaron Fox turning the ball over six times and shooting 5-of-14 from the field and Stephon Castle fouling out, it was enough to give San Antonio a chance to steal the win in the final seconds. The Spurs will need similar performances from Harper to play deep into the postseason.

Castle shot the ball well in Game 1, but foul trouble was an issue. The second-year guard was limited to 28 minutes, and he fouled out with 3:20 remaining in the fourth quarter. While San Antonio could get away with that in the first round against Portland, that won’t be the case against the Timberwolves, especially with Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards returning from his knee injury. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.

Champagnie shot a respectable 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, but his attempt that would have won the game missed the mark as time expired. On a night when Victor Wembanyama shot 5-of-17 from the field and De’Aaron Fox (10/3/6) shot 5-of-14 and committed six turnovers, Champagnie gave the Spurs welcome contributions on both ends of the floor. Also, his two offensive rebounds helped spark the late rally that fell two points short. The Spurs host Game 2 on Wednesday night.

Since the NBA began recording blocked shots during the 1973-74 season, no player has recorded more rejections in a playoff game than Wembanyama did on Monday. He’s also the first player to have at least 10 blocks in a playoff game since Andrew Bynum in 2012. The downside was that Wembanyama struggled offensively, missing all eight of his three-point attempts. Given how well he’s played all season, it would be stunning if Wemby did not come through with a better performance in Game 2 on Wednesday.

Due to injuries, the Timberwolves have relied on Conley far more than anticipated at the start of the postseason. The 38-year-old point guard shot 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and did not commit a turnover in his 24 minutes. Conley’s playing time should remain in the 24-26 minute range moving forward, especially with Anthony Edwards (knee) back in action.

After going off for 32 points in the Timberwolves’ series clincher against Denver, McDaniels finished with half that number in Monday’s series opener. However, with Anthony Edwards (knee) back in the fold, there wasn’t as great a need for high-level scoring from McDaniels. He still did what he needed to defensively and shot 50 percent from the field. Minnesota will look to extend its series lead in Game 2 on Wednesday.

While he didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, Randle led six Timberwolves in double figures with 21 points. And with Anthony Edwards working his way back from a knee injury, Minnesota was bound to lean on Randle for more production, even if his efficiency suffered. The Timberwolves’ forward recorded his first double-double and third 20-point game of these playoffs. Minnesota will look to take a 2-0 series lead on Wednesday.

After missing two games due to a bone bruise in his left knee, Edwards was used in a reserve role on Monday. Limited to 25 minutes, he did experience some soreness in the knee late, which factored into some key mental errors as San Antonio mounted its rally. The good news for Edwards and the Timberwolves was that they did enough to hold on and take a 1-0 series lead. The question now is whether Edwards’ minutes will be restricted in Game 2 on Wednesday, and if he’ll once again come off the bench. Terrence Shannon Jr. had another good night as the starter, finishing with 16 points, five rebounds and one assist.

After scoring 23 points in Saturday’s Game 7 victory over the Celtics, Edgecombe’s point total in Monday’s series opener was nearly half that. He wasn’t the only 76ers player held in check, as Philadelphia looked tired and shot 41.1 percent from the field. By comparison, the Knicks made 63.1 percent of their attempts in the 137-98 rout. Edgecombe and the 76ers will look to even the series at one game apiece when the teams meet again on Wednesday.

George and Kelly Oubre Jr. (12/5/1/1/1 with one three-pointer) were the only 76ers’ starters to make more than 50 percent of their shot attempts in Game 1. Given how hard the 76ers had to work to get out of the first round, erasing a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the Celtics, it was no surprise that they looked fatigued in Game 1. Since Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid will be the focus of New York’s defense, George’s ability to have a big series could be a deciding factor in the 76ers’ favor.