2025 NBA Playoffs: Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals Overview
The 2025 NBA playoffs have entered the second round, thrilling fans with pivotal matchups in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Key games are unfolding as teams aim for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, and we present highlights and insights from notable contests.
Eastern Conference Highlights
Knicks vs. Celtics
Game 1 Result: Knicks 108, Celtics 105
The New York Knicks pulled off a remarkable comeback against the Boston Celtics in Game 1, overcoming a 20-point deficit to secure an overtime victory. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 29 points, showcasing the team’s resilience.
The Celtics faced difficulties during the latter half of the game, relying excessively on three-point shots—taking 60 attempts overall, a playoff record. Notably, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown struggled, managing only 5-of-25 from beyond the arc, which restricted the Celtics from capitalizing at the free-throw line.
Game 2 Scheduled: Knicks at Celtics (Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET, TNT)
What to Watch: Monitoring the shooting approach of Tatum and Brown will be critical. Furthermore, the return of Kristaps Porzingis—who was limited to just 13 minutes due to illness—could significantly impact Boston’s performance in Game 2.
Cavaliers vs. Pacers
Game 1 Result: Pacers 121, Cavaliers 112
In a surprising turn, the Indiana Pacers seized home-court advantage from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers leveraged a strong performance, particularly in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Cavaliers 29-22. Tyrese Haliburton shone brightly with 22 points, 13 assists, and pivotal contributions from multiple players including six who scored in double figures.
Indiana’s impressive shooting performance with 19 three-pointers also defined their successful strategy, marking one of the highest long-range outputs in the franchise’s playoff history.
Game 2 Scheduled: Pacers at Cavaliers (Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET, TNT)
What to Watch: The status of Darius Garland, absent from recent playoff games due to a toe injury, could be essential. His return would bolster Cleveland’s offensive efforts alongside Donovan Mitchell, who scored 33 points in Game 1.
Western Conference Matchups
Nuggets vs. Thunder
On Monday, the Denver Nuggets faced off against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. This marks another crucial duel as teams in the West vie for supremacy in a highly competitive conference.
Stay tuned for game results and analyses as the action unfolds.
Looking Ahead
As the playoffs progress, anticipation builds around each series. Upcoming games will undoubtedly shape the narratives of the teams involved and offer fans thrilling basketball moments.
For continuous updates, remember to check notifications on games and performances.