NBA Playoffs Turn Heated as Rivalries and Tempers Flare in First Round

It’s often said by NBA players and coaches that the playoffs feel like a different sport compared to the regular season.

The games are slower, more physical, and referees tend to let players play on rather than blow their whistles. As teams face each other repeatedly, tensions rise—and this year, nearly every first-round series has seen some form of conflict, from on-court clashes to off-court arguments.

Here are some of the most talked-about moments so far:

Bucks vs. Pacers

Indiana defeated Milwaukee 4-1, coming from behind in Game 5. However, the highlight wasn’t the win—it was a post-game altercation between Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tyrese Haliburton’s father.

Antetokounmpo also had words with an Indiana player after the match. The tension has been brewing since last season and began this year with a war of words between Haliburton and Bucks guard Damian Lillard, who didn’t even play in Game 1.

Haliburton has since apologised for his father’s actions. The Pacers also wished Lillard well after he tore his Achilles in Game 4.

Rockets vs. Warriors

No surprises here—Warriors’ Draymond Green and Rockets’ Dillon Brooks added extra fire to the series. Game 4 saw technical fouls on both players and a flagrant foul by Green.

Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III made his views clear after the game, saying, “I don’t like Dillon Brooks. We’re never having fun. We’re fierce competitors, and it’s always serious.”

Nuggets vs. Clippers

Tension started in Game 1 when Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy held onto the ball to slow down Nikola Jokic.

By Game 3, things escalated with a hard foul from Denver’s Christian Braun, leading to pushing and six technical fouls being handed out.

Knicks vs. Pistons

Two physical Eastern Conference teams, the Knicks and Pistons, did not disappoint. In Game 3, three technical fouls were given after a shoving match.

Referees have missed several clear fouls as the series continues with hard, aggressive play.

Timberwolves vs. Lakers

This has been one of the calmer series, but it still had its moment. Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert elbowed LeBron James in the back of the head after a rough box-out.

Celtics vs. Magic

Boston won the series 4-1, but not without injury concerns. In Game 1, Jayson Tatum injured his wrist from a foul by Orlando’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and missed the next game.

In Game 2, Kristaps Porzingis suffered a cut to the face from an elbow, and in Game 3, Cole Anthony dislocated Jaylen Brown’s finger with a flagrant foul.

Heat vs. Cavaliers

For fans hoping for less aggression, the Heat and Cavaliers offered a calmer matchup.

After Game 2, Darius Garland said the Cavs were targeting Tyler Herro. Herro fired back before Game 3, saying Garland wasn’t much of a defender himself.

There was no on-court showdown as Garland missed the final two games. Cleveland swept the series.

This year’s NBA playoffs are proving once again that emotions run high when the stakes are even higher.