Chicago took down the Philadelphia 76ers but will now be without its star point guard.
In another Eastern Conference showdown, the Orlando Magic surprised the Indiana Pacers, beating the Pacers in Indiana despite playing without Dwight Howard.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat left no questions on the court, slamming the Knicks early and often to take the first game of their opening-round series.
The final bit of drama was left for Oklahoma City and Dallas. The Thunder hosted the Mavericks and took the game down to the final shot.
Here are the recaps from the games that took place Saturday, April 28. Be sure to check out more of our in-depth Associated Press recaps and previews.
Chicago Bulls 103, Philadelphia 76ers 91
CHICAGO — Derrick Rose crumbled to the floor, clutching his left knee. His season is over, and the Bulls' title hopes just might be finished, too.
Rose will miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee late in Chicago's 103-91 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Saturday's playoff opener, casting big cloud over a team eyeing a championship run. Read the complete story here.
Miami Heat 100, New York Knicks 67
MIAMI — LeBron James dropped to the floor, holding the back of his head, grimacing and then staggering a bit when he reached his feet.
A few moments later, he was fine. And a few moments after that, the Miami Heat had complete control of Game 1 against the New York Knicks.
James scored 32 points after shooting 10 for 14 from the field, and the Heat rode the strength of what became a 32-2 run to easily beat the Knicks 100-67 on Saturday, striking first in the series between clubs that waged classic annual battles from 1997 through 2000 and are meeting for the first time since. Read the complete story here.
Orlando Magic 81, Indiana Pacers 77
INDIANAPOLIS — Don't count the Orlando Magic out just yet.
Jason Richardson and Jameer Nelson scored 17 points apiece to help sixth-seeded Orlando, playing without Dwight Howard, surprise the third-seeded Indiana Pacers 81-77 in Game 1 of the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series on Saturday night. Read the complete story here.
Oklahoma City Thunder 99, Dallas Mavericks 98
OKLAHOMA CITY — Kevin Durant scored 25 points and hit the game-winning jumper from the foul line with 1.5 seconds left to lift the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 99-98 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. Read the complete story here.