Inside the numbers: Some notes going into NBA playoffs

The 2026 NBA playoffs are notable for several statistical anomalies. A record-tying three teams, Charlotte, Miami, and the Los Angeles Clippers, with winning records failed to qualify, an unusual occurrence in NBA history. If playoff teams were their own league, Detroit would be the top seed based on their record against other playoff teams. Oklahoma City had the best point differential against other playoff teams. The playoff pool for the 2026 season is the largest ever, totaling $35,740,226, with Oklahoma City guaranteed a share as the team with the best record and potentially claiming over a third of the pool if they win the championship.

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors 111-96 in a play-in tournament game on Friday, eliminating the Warriors from playoff contention. Jalen Green led the Suns with 36 points, securing the Western Conference's eighth seed for Phoenix. Stephen Curry struggled for Golden State, scoring only 17 points. The Suns capitalized on 21 Warriors turnovers, scoring 30 points off of them. Late in the game, Draymond Green fouled out and was ejected after a heated exchange with Devin Booker. The Suns will now face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.