NBA Playoffs 2025: A Thrilling Second Round Unfolds
May 8, 2025, 11:21 PM ET
The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is in full swing, and it’s been nothing short of exhilarating. Our NBA insiders are here to guide you through every twist and turn of the Eastern and Western conference semifinals. Let’s dive into the action-packed games that have kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Eastern Conference semifinals kicked off with a bang as the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers stunned the No. 1-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers with a 121-112 victory on Sunday night. The Pacers didn’t stop there, as they delivered another blow to the Cavs on Tuesday, winning 120-119 thanks to a clutch 3-pointer by Tyrese Haliburton with just one second left on the clock.
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors took down the No. 6-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 on Tuesday. However, the Timberwolves bounced back on Thursday night, defeating the Warriors in Game 2 to even the series.
In another thrilling Eastern Conference matchup, the third-seeded New York Knicks edged out the 2-seed Boston Celtics in an overtime thriller in Game 1, with Jalen Brunson leading the charge with 29 points. The Knicks shocked Boston again on Wednesday with a 91-90 comeback victory, taking a 2-0 series lead.
Over in the West, the 4-seed Denver Nuggets toppled the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 after a fourth-quarter surge. However, the Thunder roared back in Game 2, evening the series with a commanding 43-point win.
As the race for the Larry O’Brien Trophy heats up, here’s what you need to know about each series and what to watch for in the upcoming games.
Western Conference
(7) Golden State Warriors tied with the (6) Minnesota Timberwolves 1-1
Game 2: Timberwolves 117, Warriors 93
What we learned: The Timberwolves came out swinging in Game 2, starting with a 13-0 run led by Julius Randle, who set the tone with two assists and five points. With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a strained hamstring, the Warriors struggled to find their rhythm, falling behind 25-7. The offense relied heavily on Jimmy Butler, but it wasn’t enough as he only took 13 shots. Buddy Hield was held in check, finishing with 15 points, while Brandin Podziemski contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and six assists. The Warriors will need more from Podziemski and others to compensate for Curry’s absence.
Despite a valiant effort from Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis, who combined for 33 points, the Timberwolves proved too much to handle. Anthony Edwards returned in the second half, adding 20 points and nine rebounds, while Randle finished with 24 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds. Jaden McDaniels also shone with 16 points on 7-for-10 shooting. The Warriors will need to regroup as they head back to San Francisco.
Game 3: Wolves at Warriors (Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
What to watch: The Warriors’ offensive struggles without Curry were evident in Game 2, as they scored just 39 points in the first half and finished with 93. They’ll need more contributions from players like Kuminga and Jackson-Davis to stay competitive. The Warriors’ shooting woes continued, going 9-for-32 from beyond the arc. Can they find a way to generate more points and keep the series alive? — Dave McMenamin
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder tied with (4) Denver Nuggets 1-1
Game 2: Thunder 149, Nuggets 106
What we learned: The Thunder rebounded in spectacular fashion in Game 2, showcasing their potential as the NBA’s youngest team. They stormed to a 24-point lead in the first quarter and set an NBA record for points in a first half with 87. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 34 points on 11-of-13 shooting and eight assists.
Game 3: Thunder at Nuggets (Friday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN)
What to watch: The Nuggets will need to adjust after Nikola Jokic fouled out in Game 2. The Thunder’s defensive switch to Jaylin Williams proved effective. How will Denver counter in Game 3? — Ramona Shelburne
Eastern Conference
(3) New York Knicks lead (2) Boston Celtics 2-0
Game 2: Knicks 91, Celtics 90
What we learned: The Knicks proved their Game 1 victory was no fluke, as they mounted another comeback to stun the Celtics. Despite trailing by 20 points in the third quarter, the Knicks rallied while Boston’s offense went cold. Jalen Brunson and the Knicks held on for a dramatic win, leaving the defending champions down 2-0 as the series heads to Madison Square Garden.
Game 3: Celtics at Knicks (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
What to watch: Can the Celtics find their shooting touch on the road? They’ve struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 25% in Game 2. Will Jalen Brunson continue to lead the Knicks to victory? — Chris Herring
(4) Indiana Pacers lead (1) Cleveland Cavaliers 2-0
Game 2: Pacers 120, Cavaliers 119
What we learned: Tyrese Haliburton delivered another clutch performance, hitting a game-winning 3-pointer to cap off a furious comeback. Despite a stellar performance from Donovan Mitchell, who scored 48 points, the Cavs fell short. With key players injured, Cleveland faces an uphill battle as the series shifts to Indianapolis.
Game 3: Cleveland at Pacers (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
What to watch: The Cavs’ injury concerns loom large as they head to Indy down 0-2. Will Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter be able to return to the court? — Jamal Collier
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
