The Eastern Conference top seed, the Atlanta Hawks, began their bid for the NBA title with a 99-92 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in their first game of the playoffs.
The Hawks got off to a strong start at Philips Arena, dominating the first two quarters to take a 10-point lead at the break.
In fact, they were only behind in the first 39 seconds of the game before keeping eighth-seed Brooklyn at bay for the remainder.
The hosts' lead was as large as 16 at one point, but the Nets fought back well in the second half and were within four in the closing stages.
Kyle Korver top-scored with 21 points, including five three-pointers, for the Hawks, who suffered an injury scare in the fourth quarter when center Al Horford dislocated a finger when going for a rebound.
X-rays have since come back negative, but the injury will be a concern for game two, which takes place again in Atlanta on Wednesday evening.
Pascal Lemesre
