Star NBA players define first-round playoffs with record duels and comebacks

5 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 1

Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero each scored 45 in Game 5, only the second 45-plus playoff duel, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 36.7 points after Oklahoma City's opener.
Victor Wembanyama powered San Antonio from 17 down to eliminate Portland, LeBron James drove the Lakers despite injuries, and Jayson Tatum returned from a ruptured Achilles to lead Boston into Game 7.
Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby helped New York advance, while standout first-round displays from role players and young stars underlined how individual shot-making and adaptability are shaping the playoff bracket.

Is Victor Wembanyama’s historic rookie playoff run the dawn of a new dynasty for the San Antonio Spurs?

As young stars rise, can 41-year-old LeBron James lead the Lakers past the defending champion Thunder?

With superstars sidelined by injuries, is the NBA's grueling schedule undermining the integrity of its own playoffs?