Harden’s 44 fuel Rockets
James Harden scored 44 points and powered a big fourthquarter run that allowed the topseeded Rockets to outlast the visiting Timberwolves 104- 101 on Sunday night in Game 1 of their first- round playoff series. Harden was 15- for- 26 shooting, including 7- for- 12 on threes.
Minnesota scored four consecutive points to get within three with about 30 seconds left. Chris Paul added two free throws after that for Houston, but a tip- in by Karl- Anthony Towns got Minnesota back within three. After a bad pass by Paul gave the Timberwolves a chance to tie it with 1.5 seconds left, Jimmy Butler’s shot was short.
Andrew Wiggins scored 18 points to lead the T- wolves, while Derrick Rose added 16 ( 7- for- 14 shooting) and Butler 13 ( 4- for- 11).
Pacers rout Cavaliers
Victor Oladipo scored 32 points and the visiting Pacers outplayed the Cavaliers from the start while pulling off a stunning 98- 80 victory, handing LeBron James and the Cavs’ their first loss in the opening round in eight years.
It also was the first playoffopening loss for James, who came in 12- 0 in Game 1.
James scored 24 points with 12 assists and 10 rebounds for his 20th career triple- double. But James got little help as Cleveland’s four other starters — Kevin Love, Jeff Green, Rodney Hood and George Hill— combined for 25 points.
George paces Thunder
Paul George scored 36 points to lead the Thunder past the visiting Jazz 116- 108 in Game 1.
George set an Oklahoma City playoff record with eight threepointers, blowing past the previous record of five. He made 8 of 11 shots from long range and 13 of 20 shots overall.
Russell Westbrook had 29 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, and Carmelo Anthony added 15 points for the Thunder.
Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell had 27 points and 10 rebounds, but he left in the second half with a sore left foot. He returned in the fourth quarter but was noticeably hobbling.
Celtics need OT in Game 1
Bucks forward Khris Middleton forced overtime with a long three with 0.5 seconds remaining, but the Celtics outscored the visiting Bucks 14- 8 in overtime, including eight points from Terry Rozier, for a 113- 107 victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 35 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists before fouling out in overtime.
Embiid won’t play in Game 2
Sixers center Joel Embiid has cleared the concussion protocol but won’t play in Game 2 against visiting Miami on Monday.