Golden State, Phoenix, Denver and Cleveland won their National Basketball Association opening-round playoff games Sunday to take one-game-to-none leads in their best-of-seven series.
The Golden State Warriors pulled off the biggest victory with a stunning 97-85 upset of the NBA-leading Mavericks on the court in Dallas. Warriors coach Don Nelson enjoyed the win against the team he coached from 1998 to 2005. The Western Conference series stays in Dallas for Wednesday's Game Two.
Also in the West, the host Phoenix Suns surged late in the game, and shut down NBA leading scorer Kobe Bryant in the second half to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 95-87. Game Two is Tuesday in Phoenix.
In the other two playoff games Sunday, the Denver Nuggets knocked off the San Antonio Spurs 95-89 behind 31 points from Allen Iverson. And, in the only Eastern match-up, the Cleveland Cavaliers were 97-82 winners over the Washington Wizards.
The Nuggets and Spurs play Game Two of their Western series in San Antonio Wednesday - the same day the Cavs host the Wizards.
New Jersey, Chicago, Detroit and Houston won their opening-round games Saturday for one-game-to-none leads in their best-of-seven series.
NBA playoff action continues Monday with a pair of Game Two contests. The Orlando Magic will try to tie their series with the Detroit Pistons, and the Utah Jazz are seeking their first victory of the post-season when they face the Houston Rockets.
On Tuesday, the New Jersey Nets host the Toronto Raptors, and the Chicago Bulls host the defending NBA champion Miami Heat.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
