2008 NBA Playoffs - Day One - April 19

Here at About.com, we'll be following each day of the 2008 NBA Playoffs - nothing too in-depth with these posts, but a bit of a recap that gives a couple of brief sentences or so, the final results, as well as links to the boxscore.

Washington Wizards 86, Cleveland Cavaliers 93 @ Cleveland / Box Score

Hmm, LeBron James is overrated, huh, Deshwan Stevenson? Yup, that's what Stevenson said last month and last night, James did his best to prove him wrong... and he did. In fact, down the stretch, James made 12 of his last 15 shots on his way to 32 points, including two shots down the stretch that sealed the win for the Cavs. And, Stevenson? Well, he finished with three points. How does that rate? Cavaliers lead series 1-0.

Phoenix Suns 115, San Antonio Spurs 117 (2OT) @ San Antonio / Box Score

Wait, Tim Duncan hit a three-pointer in the first overtime to tie the game and bring it to the second period of overtime? The fact that he hit a trey is not too surprising as he has "drained" 24 total threes in his regular season career. BUT, the fact that he could put one through during a very clutch "lose the game or go to another OT" type of shot is surprising as heck. Who did he think he was, Robert Horry? Reggie Miller? In any case, so much for the acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal to shut Duncan down. The Big Fundamental torched the Suns for 40 points, including that unbelievable three-pointer. Spurs lead series 1-0.

Dallas Mavericks 92, New Orleans Hornets 104 @ New Orleans / Box Score

Wow, what an NBA postseason debut for Chris Paul. He absolutely abused Jason Kidd and the rest of the Mavs on the court for a very impressive 35 points and ten assists. And what an effort by the Hornets as a team, pulling away from the Mavs in the second half. Seriously, who had more collective playoff experience coming into this matchup? It sure didn't seem like it was the Mavs, that's for sure. Hornets lead series 1-0.

Utah Jazz 93, Houston Rockets 82 @ Houston / Box Score

Playing without the inside presence of Yao Ming, as well as the perimeter and penetration game of Rafer Alston, the Rockets went down to the Jazz, who stole homecourt advantage from the Rockets. Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Andrei Kirilenko combined for 61 points and the Jazz as a team shot 52.1% from the field. The Rockets 36.7% "accuracy" from the floor didn't help the Rockets' cause. Jazz lead series 1-0.

Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images