NBA: Playoffs begin with a bang

For those of you just tuning into the 2010 NBA Playoffs, the matchups are as follows:

EAST
Cleveland-Chicago
Orlando-Charlotte
Atlanta-Milwaukee
Boston-Miami

WEST
Los Angeles Lakers-Oklahoma City
Dallas-San Antonio
Phoenix-Portland
Denver-Utah

Day 1 of the Playoffs saw the home teams go 4-0. The Cavaliers topped the Bulls 96-83 behind 24 points from LeBron James. Cleveland built a 14-point first quarter lead, let Chicago close to within seven then pulled away down the home stretch. Derrick Rose poured in 28 for the Bulls.

The Atlanta Hawks took Game 1 of their series with the Bucks after using their advantage in the paint to establish a 22-point lead at the break. Milwaukee, behind an outstanding 34 points from Brandon Jennings, threatened to make a bold comeback but Joe Johnson, with 22 points, closed the door in the final minutes.

Boston and Miami certainly ensured the Playoff physicality was there from Game 1. Kevin Garnett was ejected for two technicals - the second for an elbow on Quentin Richardson - but the Celtics held on for an 85-76 win. The Heat led at half-time but managed just 19 points in the final 15 minutes, including a measly 10 in the fourth quarter.

But the most impressive individual performance came in Saturday's final game. Carmelo Anthony erupted on the Utah Jazz, scoring 42 points on 18-25 shooting as the Nuggets won 126-113. Melo, who averaged nine free throw attempts a night this season, did not even need the charity stripe (he took just four shots in Game 1). JR Smith added 20 and Nene chipped in with 19. Deron Williams paced the injury-hit Jazz with 26 points and 11 dimes.

The law of averages suggests that Day 2 will see an upset and that will be on the minds of the Lakers, Mavericks, Magic and Suns. The post season is well and truly underway and on Sunday eight more teams begin their Playoffs journey. It is sure to be mouth-watering action.