Wembanyama stars for Spurs as Thunder & Celtics win

Victor Wembanyama (centre), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic have been nominated for the NBA's MVP award [Getty Images]

Victor Wembanyama starred on his NBA play-off debut as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Portland Trail Blazers 111-98.

Wembanyama, one of three contenders for the Most Valuable Player award, scored a game-high 35 points, including 21 in the first half, as the Spurs won game one of the best-of-seven series.

"It's good to get this one out of the way," the Frenchman said. "We just tried to do the things we've been doing all year and stay solid.

"There was pressure on us to win the first game, but it wasn't that much pressure if we just stayed to the plan."

Elsewhere, defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder and the Boston Celtics both made dominant starts to the post-season.

The Thunder - the number one seeds in the Western Conference - thrashed the Phoenix Suns 119-84, led by last year's Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who had 25 points, seven assists and four rebounds.

Jayson Tatum scored 25 points with 11 rebounds and seven assists - and added 26 points - as the second-seeded Celtics beat the 123-91.