The New Jersey Nets became the first team this year to lose a playoff match at home, after going down to the Indiana Pacers 90-88 courtesy of two last-minute free throws.

A Nenad Krstic bump allowed Anthony Johnson to shoot from the line inside the last second of play, to enable the Pacers to take an important 1-0 series lead.

Jermaine O'Neal scored 15 points for the match including 11 in the final term while for the Nets, Vince Carter scored 31 points and had 13 assists.

The Phoenix Suns drew first blood against the LA Lakers, holding on to their lead in the final minutes to take out the game 107-102.

Steve Nash scored 20 points and had 10 assists for the Suns, who blew a 14-point lead before recovering to come home the stronger of the two teams.

The Detroit Pistons will be counting the costs of their 92-74 smashing of the Milwaukee Bucks, after guard Richard Hamilton sustained a left ankle injury.

Despite his injury, Rasheed and Ben Wallace did their parts for the Pistons scooping up 22 points and 17 rebounds respectively to guide the top-seeded team to victory.

NBA playoff scores, April 22 (US)
Pacers 90 Nets 88
Suns 107 Lakers 102
Pistons 92 Bucks 74