The NBA Playoffs tipped off with intensity and excitement over the weekend, and several Grind Session alumni were front and center in the action. From breakout performances to tough losses and sideline decisions, former stars of the Grind Session showed the impact of elite high school preparation on the game’s biggest stage.
Banchero Shines in Loss to Celtics
Paulo Banchero, the former BFL Prep standout and 2021 Grind Session finalist, led the Orlando Magic with a monster performance in Game 1 of their first-round series against the reigning champion Boston Celtics. The second-year forward dropped 36 points and hauled in 11 rebounds Sunday afternoon at TD Garden, putting his elite scoring ability and physicality on full display. Despite his efforts, the Magic fell short, losing 103–86 after being outscored 30–18 in a pivotal third quarter.
Franz Wagner added 23 points for Orlando, but the team struggled with turnovers, which led to 24 points for Boston — the true turning point in the game. The Magic held a slim one-point lead at halftime, but Boston’s defensive pressure and offensive firepower proved too much to contain.
A brief scare came for the Celtics in the fourth quarter when Jayson Tatum landed awkwardly after a dunk attempt. He stayed in the game, and postgame x-rays revealed no significant injury.
The series continues Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. EST with Game 2 back in Boston. Another Grind Session alum, Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Prep), was inactive for the game due to a coach’s decision.
On Saturday in Indianapolis, the Milwaukee Bucks were overpowered by the Indiana Pacers, 117-98. The Pacers controlled the tempo from the start, taking a 33-25 lead after the first quarter and stretching it to 67-43 by halftime. Grind Session alum Gary Trent Jr., now with the Bucks, contributed 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal in the loss. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 36 points, but it wasn’t enough to contain the red-hot Pacers. Game 2 of the series is set for Tuesday at 4:00 PM PST in Indiana.
In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a dominant 117-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their opening-round series. Grind Session product Leonard Miller saw limited minutes and did not score, but his Timberwolves were led by a stellar outing from Jaden McDaniels, who finished with 27 points and 9 rebounds. The Lakers will look to bounce back Tuesday night at 7:00 PM PST before the series shifts to Minnesota.
Curry Too Much for Jalen Green and the Rockets
In Houston, the Golden State Warriors showed they’re not ready to relinquish their dynasty status just yet. Stephen Curry lit up the scoreboard with 31 points, including five three-pointers, as the Warriors defeated the #2-seeded Rockets 95–85 on the road.
Houston’s high-flying guard Jalen Green, who starred at Prolific Prep on the Grind Session circuit, struggled offensively in Game 1. Green finished with just 7 points, failed to connect on any of his three-point attempts, and went 1-for-1 from the free-throw line. Despite winning the rebounding battle 52–36, Houston couldn’t slow down Golden State’s backcourt dominance or find a rhythm offensively.
Grind Session alum Nate Williams, a promising young player also with the Rockets, did not play due to a coach’s decision.
Grind Session Legacy Continues
The opening weekend of the 2025 NBA Playoffs once again confirmed the impact the Grind Session has on preparing athletes for the highest levels of competition. Whether starring in the spotlight like Banchero, Green and Trent Jr or awaiting their moment like Kuminga Miller and Williams, these alumni carry the pride of the Grind Session with them each time they step on the NBA hardwood.
Stay tuned as the playoffs continue, with more opportunities for Grind Session alumni to shine.
