2025 NBA Playoffs: Highlights from the First Round
The first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs has entered its second week, and we have already seen some exciting match-ups. The Oklahoma City Thunder, the top seed, became the first team to reach the second round after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies.
In the Eastern Conference, the top four teams are close to qualifying for the next round. The Cleveland Cavaliers, the number one seed, could finish a sweep on Monday. Meanwhile, the second-seeded Boston Celtics, third-seeded New York Knicks, and fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers will have their chances to move forward on Tuesday.
In the West, battles have been fierce. The fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets and fifth-seeded LA Clippers are level after four games. Their series included an overtime thriller and a last-second dunk from Denver’s Aaron Gordon. The Golden State Warriors, the seventh seed, are 2-1 ahead against the second-seeded Houston Rockets, despite missing star player Jimmy Butler III, who is recovering from a pelvis injury.
The Los Angeles Lakers, seeded third, now trail 3-1 after losing to the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. They will try to keep their hopes alive in Game 5 back in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Eastern Conference Update
The Cavaliers lead their series 3-0, and the Celtics are up 3-1. Many believe these two could meet in the Eastern Conference finals. However, the Indiana Pacers, who also lead their series 3-1 against the injury-hit Milwaukee Bucks, should not be overlooked. The Pacers finished their regular season strongly and are looking impressive in the playoffs, with Tyrese Haliburton in fine form.
The Celtics have already beaten the Knicks four times in the regular season, suggesting Boston would be favourites if they meet again.
Teams Needing Changes
The Detroit Pistons, despite playing well against the Knicks, are behind 3-1. Poor decision-making and turnovers have cost them, including 19 turnovers in Game 4. To improve, Detroit might need to trust Dennis Schroder more to steady the team alongside Cade Cunningham.
Warriors’ Key to Success
Golden State’s best chance to take a 3-1 series lead would be to get Jimmy Butler III back from injury. Even without him, they showed the way to win in Game 3, with Stephen Curry scoring 36 points. Support from players like Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II was also vital. They must keep Houston’s Jalen Green quiet to continue winning.
Bucks Facing an Uphill Battle
The Milwaukee Bucks are down 3-1 and may have to continue without Damian Lillard, who is injured. Coach Doc Rivers must find a way to tighten the defence, as Indiana have scored heavily in their wins. Adjustments to the starting line-up could help, with players like Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. stepping up.
What’s Next for the Grizzlies?
After getting swept by Oklahoma City, the Memphis Grizzlies face a big summer. They need to secure contract extensions for Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama and find a clear direction for their team after several seasons of inconsistency.
Lakers vs Timberwolves: The Key Factor
Depth has made a big difference. Minnesota’s bench players have outperformed the Lakers’ reserves throughout the series. Lakers coach JJ Redick even stuck with just five players for the entire second half of Game 4. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s strong bench, including Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, has supported stars Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.
Biggest Surprise So Far
One major surprise has been how quickly coaches like Redick and Denver’s David Adelman have leaned heavily on their starting five players when facing tough away games, using very few substitutes.
Who Can Challenge the Thunder?
The Clippers, currently facing the Nuggets, look well equipped to challenge the top-seeded Thunder. With strong defence and a superstar in Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers could make life difficult for Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
