2008 NBA Playoffs - Day Two - April 20

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.

Philadelphia 76ers 90, Detroit Pistons 86 @ Detroit / Box Score

Talk about an upset. The Sixers rallied back from a double-digit deficit, down 51-38 at halftime, and put forth their best efforts in the second half, outscoring the Pistons 52-35. What makes this even more upsetting, other than me picking them to take the whole thing before the NBA Playoffs started, is that it seems the Pistons were chillin' and talking it up with former teammate Ronald "Flip" Murray during breaks in the game! Either way, this is absolutely stunning. Sixers lead series 1-0.

Toronto Raptors 100, Orlando Magic 114 @ Orlando / Box Score

Led by Dwight Howard, who had a 20/20 performance to go along with five blocks, the Magic were able to handily take care of the Raptors. And while Howard's ability to score, board, and block to the degree that he did is commendable, I think his 9-for-11 production from the free-throw line is most impressive. If Howard converts his shots from the charity stripe, that's as big as Yinka Dare getting an assist. Okay, okay... I'll admit, that was a crazy statement and I take it back. Magic leads series 1-0.

Denver Nuggets 114, Los Angeles Lakers 128 @ Los Angeles / Box Score

Yes, Pau Gasol, this is what a postseason victory feels like. Gasol made three postseason appearances with the Memphis Grizzlies, each time getting swept. So, after an 0-12 record on his resume, Gasol came out like gangbusters leading the Lakers in points (36), rebounds (16), assists (8), and blocks (3). Who needs Andrew Bynum? Lakers lead series 1-0.

Atlanta Hawks 81, Boston Celtics 104 @ Boston / Box Score

Was this really a surprise? I personally predicted a sweep and there are only three more games to go for that. If tonight's performance serves as any indication, it won't be long before the Celtics move on to the next round. Celtics lead series 1-0.

Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images