The second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs tipped off with a bang on Monday, delivering two Game 1s that felt like a complete role reversal. What was supposed to be a nail-biter turned into a blowout, while the game many wrote off became an instant classic. Here’s a look at the biggest winners and losers from the night.
Winner: Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks
The Knicks came out swinging against the Philadelphia 76ers, turning what was expected to be a tightly contested rematch of their epic 2024 series into a 137-98 laugher. Brunson was the engine of the offense, slicing through Philly’s defense with ease and setting the tone early. New York’s supporting cast followed suit, knocking down shots and playing with a level of intensity that left the Sixers scrambling. For a team that thrives on the energy of Madison Square Garden, this was a statement win that screams "we’re here to stay."
Winner: Minnesota Timberwolves – Against All Odds
If you had told anyone that a hobbled Timberwolves squad would walk into San Antonio and steal Game 1 from a fully healthy Spurs team, they’d have laughed. Yet here we are. Minnesota entered as 9.5-point underdogs, missing key contributors like Ayo Dosunmu and Donte DiVincenzo, and with Anthony Edwards on a minutes limit after a knee injury. But the Wolves didn’t just survive—they thrived.
Mike Conley, who played just 42 seconds in the previous round, knocked down four three-pointers. Edwards, despite the bone bruise, dropped 8-of-13 shooting in 25 minutes. And credit head coach Chris Finch, who deployed creative lineups—including a three-big set with Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Julius Randle—that flummoxed the Spurs. Minnesota’s defense was suffocating in the fourth quarter, and their culture of rising to the occasion in the postseason is becoming impossible to ignore. This is a team that just keeps proving the doubters wrong.
Loser: Victor Wembanyama’s Offensive Struggles
On the other side of that Timberwolves win, Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama had a night to forget offensively. While he made history with a record-setting block performance—showcasing his incredible defensive instincts—the scoring touch simply wasn’t there. Minnesota’s length and physicality forced him into tough shots, and he struggled to find a rhythm. For a player of his caliber, the pressure to carry the offensive load in the playoffs is immense, and Game 1 was a reminder that even generational talents have off nights. The Spurs will need him to bounce back if they want to avoid falling into a deep hole.
Loser: Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 1 Blues
The 76ers came into this series with high hopes after a hard-fought first round, but they were completely outclassed from the opening tip. The defense was porous, the offense stagnant, and the energy just wasn’t there. Falling behind 1-0 to a Knicks team that feeds off momentum is a dangerous spot. Philly will need to make serious adjustments—particularly on the defensive end—if they want to avoid this series slipping away quickly.
Key Takeaway
Monday night proved that the playoffs are about more than just talent—it’s about heart, adjustments, and rising to the moment. The Knicks and Timberwolves both showed why they’re dangerous, while the Spurs and Sixers have plenty of soul-searching to do. With more second-round action on the horizon, the drama is only just beginning.