NBA Playoffs: Thrilling Game 6s Await as Teams Battle for Survival
May 1, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
As the NBA playoffs continue to unfold, the first round has already delivered its fair share of drama and excitement. From unexpected upsets to thrilling comebacks, and whatever unpredictable antics the Lakers are up to, the stage is set for some crucial Game 6 matchups over the next two days. Fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the outcomes that could shape the rest of the postseason.
One of the most captivating series so far has been between the New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons. This matchup has been nothing short of competitive and chaotic, with both teams leaving everything on the court. On Thursday night, the upstart Detroit Pistons have a golden opportunity to even the series at three games apiece in front of their passionate home crowd.
The intensity of this series has been palpable from the opening tip, and it has only grown as the games have progressed. The last three contests have been nail-biters, each decided by three points or fewer. Moreover, the past four games have all been resolved in clutch time, with the score within five points during the final five minutes of play. It’s a testament to the fierce competition and determination of both teams.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have pushed the LA Clippers to the brink of elimination. Thanks to some magic from Aaron Gordon in Game 4 and a dominant performance in Game 5, the Nuggets are in a strong position. Gordon’s buzzer-beating dunk evened the series on Saturday, and Denver followed it up with a resounding 131-115 victory on Tuesday. Now, the series shifts back to Los Angeles, where Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers will fight to extend their season.
In another thrilling series, the Houston Rockets became the third team in the first round to force a Game 6. They achieved this feat with a 131-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. The teams will meet again on Friday night in San Francisco, with the Warriors holding a 3-2 lead.
So, what do the Pistons, Clippers, and Rockets need to do to stay alive and force Game 7s? And what can the Knicks, Nuggets, and Warriors do to close their series out in six? Our NBA insiders weigh in on the key factors for each team.
New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons
How can the Knicks close out the series Thursday?
For the Knicks, the key to victory lies in taking care of the ball, especially in what promises to be a hostile environment in Detroit. In Game 5, New York lost the turnover battle for the first time in the series, albeit narrowly. They played at a faster pace to avoid the Pistons’ half-court defense, but this seemed to play into Detroit’s hands. Additionally, the Knicks uncharacteristically forced several passes into backup center Mitchell Robinson, resulting in giveaways.
Star guard Jalen Brunson acknowledged, “Offensively, I didn’t make good decisions personally.” With Brunson’s ankle bothering him, there’s little room for error. However, New York has already won both games in Detroit earlier in the series, and by limiting unforced errors, they can secure a victory in Game 6.
What do the Pistons have to do to force a Game 7?
Detroit’s winning blueprint was on full display in Game 5. Second-year forward Ausar Thompson, the team’s best defender on Brunson, needs to excel on offense while staying out of foul trouble. Thompson delivered his best offensive performance of the series, scoring 22 points on just 10 shot attempts over 29 minutes. He also took better care of the basketball and played a crucial role in limiting Brunson to a 4-for-16 shooting performance for 16 points.
The Pistons benefited from Thompson’s passing as a short-roll man, and they will likely rely on this strategy in Game 6. If Thompson continues to be effective, it allows coach Bickerstaff to use him on Brunson instead of Dennis Schroder, who has struggled against Brunson throughout the series. — Chris Herring
Denver Nuggets at LA Clippers
How can the Nuggets close out the series Thursday?
The Nuggets need to maintain their physicality and take care of the ball. In their three wins, Denver is plus-5 in the turnover category, while they are minus-14 in their two losses. Just two games ago, Denver looked defeated after a blowout loss in Game 3 at Intuit Dome, which left Russell Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr. injured. However, the Nuggets responded in Game 4 and carried that momentum into their home game on Tuesday.
Defensively, Denver has improved its perimeter defense, forcing someone other than James Harden or Kawhi Leonard to score. Despite strong performances from Ivica Zubac, the Clippers have struggled to find consistent scoring options.
What do the Clippers have to do to force a Game 7?
James Harden, who dubbed himself “the system” when he joined the Clippers, needs to regain his form. When Harden is in control, the Clippers dictate the pace of the game. However, Christian Braun has been winning the matchup against Harden, disrupting his rhythm and the Clippers’ game plan.
Since Game 1, where Harden scored 32 points on efficient 11-for-22 shooting, he has averaged just 16 points per game on 41% shooting. Coach Tyronn Lue must find ways to get Harden more involved, or the Clippers risk a system failure in Game 6. — Ramona Shelburne
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors
How can the Warriors close out the series Friday?
For the Warriors, the key is to continue locking down Jalen Green. In Houston’s three losses, Green has averaged just 8.0 points while shooting 29% from the field and 14% from 3-point range. In contrast, he exploded for 38 points in Game 2, as the Rockets dominated paint scoring 46-28. Limiting Green’s effectiveness is crucial for Golden State to close out the series.
The Warriors also need to improve their ball security. In Game 2, Houston scored 14 points off 15 Golden State turnovers, and they added 18 points off turnovers in Game 5.
What do the Rockets have to do to force a Game 7?
If the Warriors continue to limit Green, the Rockets will rely on Fred VanVleet to maintain his hot shooting from beyond the arc. VanVleet has hit 12 of 18 from deep in the past two games.
Additionally, Alperen Sengun, Dillon Brooks, and Amen Thompson need to capitalize on the open shots created by the attention on Green. Houston can further boost its chances by dominating the offensive boards for valuable second-chance points. Rockets coach Ime Udoka emphasizes turning defense into offense, a strategy that worked in the first half of Game 5 and needs to continue for the Rockets to push the series to a Game 7. — Michael C. Wright
Originally Written by: Multiple contributors
