NBA Playoffs 2024-25: Western Conference Showdowns and Key Takeaways
The 2024-25 NBA playoffs are heating up, and if you’re a basketball fan, you’re in for a treat. Our NBA insiders are here to guide you through every thrilling moment as teams battle it out for a spot in the Finals. Let’s dive into the action-packed Western Conference matchups and see what the latest games have revealed.
Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers: A Series Tied at 1-1
Monday night brought us another nail-biter between the No. 4 Denver Nuggets and the No. 5 LA Clippers. The Clippers managed to even the series with a hard-fought Game 2 victory, thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s outstanding performance. Leonard, who had a shaky start in Game 1 with seven turnovers, bounced back in style. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the need for Leonard to return to “attack mode,” and Leonard delivered with a stellar 39 points on 15-for-19 shooting. This was his highest scoring output since a 41-point game against Utah on December 8, 2023.
Leonard’s hot hand was evident from the start, as he made his first six shots, missed a 3-pointer, and then hit six more in a row. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that he missed consecutive shots. Leonard’s defensive prowess also shone through when he intercepted a crosscourt pass by Nikola Jokic in the final minute, sealing the Clippers’ win. Jokic, despite his impressive stats of 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, struggled with turnovers, committing seven in the game.
Tempers flared during the game, with Jamal Murray and Norman Powell getting into a shoving match in the third quarter, resulting in three technical fouls being handed out. The series now shifts to the Clippers’ home court at the Intuit Dome for Game 3 on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET, airing on TNT.
What to Watch: The Nuggets will need more offensive contributions beyond their star players. While Jokic, Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon all had solid performances, the rest of the team needs to step up. Denver did dominate the offensive glass, which helped them stay competitive, but they’ll need more balanced scoring to secure a win at the Intuit Dome.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Thunder Lead 1-0
The No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder made a statement in Game 1 against the No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies with a commanding 131-80 victory. The Thunder’s smothering defense overwhelmed the Grizzlies, who were coming off a 36-hour turnaround from the play-in finale. Oklahoma City’s defense fueled a 17-0 advantage in fast-break points in the first half, effectively putting the game out of reach by the second quarter.
Despite MVP front-runner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander having a slow start, the Thunder’s depth and defensive prowess were too much for the Grizzlies to handle. Game 2 is set for Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT.
What to Watch: The Grizzlies need to find a way to generate transition offense if they hope to compete with the Thunder. Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defense is formidable, and Memphis will struggle if they have to grind out every possession in the half court. The Thunder’s perimeter stoppers and rim protectors make it challenging for the Grizzlies to find scoring opportunities.
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets: Warriors Lead 1-0
The No. 7 Golden State Warriors showcased their defensive prowess in Game 1 against the No. 2 Houston Rockets, securing a 95-85 victory. The Rockets struggled to find their rhythm, scoring only 85 points, their lowest of the season. Despite a strong start, highlighted by Alperen Sengun’s monster dunk on Draymond Green, the Warriors’ defense held firm.
Stephen Curry led the charge for the Warriors, scoring inside and hitting clutch 3-pointers. Jimmy Butler III also played a crucial role, finishing with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Rockets will need to regroup for Game 2 on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT.
What to Watch: Houston needs to assert their physicality and rely on Sengun in the half court. The Rockets’ transition game was stifled in Game 1, and they’ll need to find ways to generate offense against the veteran Warriors.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Timberwolves Lead 1-0
The No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves surprised the No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers with a 117-95 victory in Game 1. The Lakers, who had high hopes for a deep playoff run, were outplayed by the Timberwolves’ balanced attack. Despite Luka Doncic’s strong start, the Wolves took control in the second and third quarters, building a commanding lead.
Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid combined for 48 points, outshining the Lakers’ role players. The Lakers will need to regroup for Game 2 on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on TNT.
What to Watch: Lakers coach JJ Redick faces a decision regarding his starting lineup. Jaxson Hayes played limited minutes in Game 1, and Redick may opt for a smaller lineup to counter the Timberwolves’ size advantage.
- Key Matchups: Watch for how the Lakers adjust their lineup to counter the Timberwolves’ size and shooting.
- Player to Watch: Luka Doncic will need to lead the Lakers’ charge in Game 2.
- Stat to Watch: The Timberwolves’ 3-point shooting was a game-changer in Game 1.
As the Western Conference playoffs continue, these matchups promise more excitement and drama. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the road to the NBA Finals unfolds.
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
