Sixers, Raptors upset in play-offs

THE Brooklyn Nets downed the Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors were left spellbound by the Orlando Magic as the NBA’s playoffs got under way yesterday.

D’Angelo Russell scored 26 points as sixth-seeded Brooklyn jolted third-seeded Philadelphia 111-102 at the Wells Fargo Centre to give the Nets a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Nets were also reliant on a big performance from their bench, with three players delivering double-digit displays to boost their offense.

The Sixers meanwhile saw Jimmy Butler lead the scoring with a playoff career-high 36 points while ailing Joel Embiid had 22 points. But it was a disappointing outing for Australian star Ben Simmons, who was restricted to just nine points for Philadelphia.

Embiid had been doubtful with left knee soreness and was cleared to play less than 10 minutes before the game. Embiid, who missed 14 of the team’s final 24 games, looked hampered by his injury.