Play-In Round Recap

With the NBA Playoff season upon us, the inaugural play-in rounds have begun to determine which teams make their way into the playoff seeds. The highly anticipated games between the eight teams made for a wild and chaotic ride, setting us all up for another amazing playoff round!

(Image credit to GMA Networks)

The Golden State Warriors beat the LA Clippers in their Western Conference battle, winning 126-121 after a second-half masterclass from Steph Curry, where he scored 27 points. This win advanced them to their next game against the loser of the Suns and Trail Blazers game.

The Phoenix Suns lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in a tight 114-110 game, Jalen Green was a standout player for the Suns, scoring the first point of the game with a free throw. Jrue Holiday also played incredibly well for the Trail Blazers, with his talented free throws, assists and jump shots which all helped his team in securing the win. This win secured them a place in round one of the playoffs, against the San Antonio Spurs, and the Suns loss didn’t mean the end of the tournament, they advanced to play the Golden State Warriors for a place in the first round against Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors 111-96, after a good effort from both teams. Draymond Green scored the first points of the game for the Warriors after a successful driving layup. Devin Booker was a standout player for the Suns, scoring many free throws and assisting in big moments. This win moved them into round one of the playoffs, where they will face Oklahoma City Thunder, and the loss for the Golden State Warriors ended their season.

The Charlotte Hornets beat the Miami Heat by one point in a very close 127-126 game. LaMelo Ball got the scoring started for the game with a jump shot for the Hornets, he continued his skillful control of the court with a running layup, 3-point jump shot and many more tricks to put the Hornets ahead. Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins were both very talented during the game for the Heat, Pelle Larsson also had some standout moments with his free throws and assists throughout the game, however the Hornets just clinched the win and advanced to another play-in game against the losing team of the 76ers and Magic game.

The Philadelphia 76ers won 109-97 against the Orlando Magic after strong performances from both sides. Adem Bona started the scoring off the 76ers after his free throw successes. Kelly Oubre Jr. played an incredible game for the Philadelphia side, his leadership and talent were on full display. Paolo Banchero played well for the Magic, using free throws and assists to help his team climb to catch the 76ers. A well played game saw the 76ers move into a playoff spot against the Celtics and allow the Magic another shot, playing against the Hornets to see who would advance into a playoff spot.

Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 to move into a round one playoff position. Strong performances from Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. put the Magic ahead and helped them hold their lead to the end. This progressed the Magic to round one of the playoffs where they’ll play the Detroit Pistons for a spot in the second round.

NBA Playoff Season is ready to take off! Make sure to tune into a game or two and make your predictions for the final! 

Article written by Milla Sinfield © Milla Sinfield 2026