NBA Playoffs 2025: Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals Drama Unfolds
May 11, 2025, 11:00 PM ET
The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is in full swing, 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 of the Eastern and Western Conference semifinals. Let’s dive into the action-packed series and see how the teams are faring as they chase the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference semifinals have been nothing short of electrifying. The No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers have taken the playoffs by storm, leading the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers 3-1. The Pacers kicked off the series with a bang, securing a 2-0 lead. Although the Cavaliers managed to bounce back in Game 3, the Pacers responded with a dominant performance in Game 4, winning 129-109. This victory marked their largest lead in a playoff game since 1998, as they led by as many as 44 points.
Indiana’s success can be attributed to their ability to adapt to the Cavaliers’ zone defense, which had troubled them in Game 3. The Pacers capitalized on turnovers, scoring 35 points in transition. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are grappling with injuries, as Donovan Mitchell suffered an ankle injury in Game 4. With the series now at 3-1, the Pacers are in a prime position to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.
On the other side of the bracket, the third-seeded New York Knicks are leading the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics 2-1. The Knicks pulled off two remarkable comeback wins to start the series, but the Celtics roared back in Game 3 with a 115-93 victory. Boston’s shooting woes seemed to vanish as they hit 20 triples on 40 attempts, taking control of the game early and never looking back.
As we look ahead to Game 4, the Knicks will need to find a way to keep pace with the Celtics and avoid falling into a deep deficit. The question remains: Can the Knicks make the necessary adjustments to counter Boston’s newfound shooting prowess?
Western Conference
In the Western Conference, the No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets and the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder are locked in a 2-2 tie. Game 4 was a gritty battle, with the Thunder emerging victorious 92-87. Despite a sluggish start, the Nuggets managed to stay within striking distance, but the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered in the clutch, scoring crucial baskets to secure the win.
As the series heads back to Oklahoma City for Game 5, all eyes will be on three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Jokic has struggled with efficiency, shooting just 33.3% in the past three games. Can he find his rhythm and lead the Nuggets to victory?
Meanwhile, the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves have taken a 2-1 lead over the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors. In Game 3, the Timberwolves triumphed 102-97, thanks to standout performances from Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards. Randle recorded a triple-double, while Edwards scored 36 points, propelling Minnesota to victory.
With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Warriors face an uphill battle in Game 4. Can they rally without their star player, or will the Timberwolves extend their series lead?
- Key Matchups to Watch:
- Pacers vs. Cavaliers: Can Cleveland overcome injuries and force a Game 6?
- Knicks vs. Celtics: Will Boston’s shooting continue to shine?
- Nuggets vs. Thunder: Can Jokic regain his MVP form?
- Timberwolves vs. Warriors: How will Golden State cope without Curry?
As the playoffs continue, the drama and excitement are only set to intensify. Stay tuned for more thrilling action as teams battle for a spot in the conference finals.
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
