NBA Playoffs 2025: Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals Drama Unfolds
May 11, 2025, 12:00 AM ET
The 2025 NBA playoffs are heating up as we dive into the second round, and the excitement is palpable. Our NBA insiders are here to guide you through every thrilling moment of the Eastern and Western Conference semifinals. Let’s break down the action-packed games and what they mean for the teams vying for 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 a surprising 2-0 lead over the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Cavaliers bounced back in Game 3, thanks to Donovan Mitchell‘s incredible 43-point performance. Mitchell’s heroics have kept the Cavs in the series, and they now trail 2-1.
On the other side of the bracket, the third-seeded New York Knicks have been battling the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics. The Knicks managed to secure two impressive comeback victories, but the Celtics responded with a dominant performance in Game 3, blowing out the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Boston’s shooting woes seemed to vanish as they hit 20 triples on 40 attempts, taking a commanding 31-point lead at one point.
- Game 3: Celtics 115, Knicks 93
- What we learned: Boston’s shooting touch returned, and they effectively silenced the Madison Square Garden crowd. The Celtics’ ball movement and shooting prowess were on full display, leaving the Knicks with questions to answer in Game 4.
Game 4: Celtics at Knicks (Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
What to watch: Can the Knicks keep pace and avoid falling into a deep deficit early in the game? Boston’s resurgence from beyond the arc poses a significant challenge for New York, and they’ll need to make adjustments to stay competitive.
— Chris Herring
The Cavaliers’ Game 3 victory over the Pacers was a statement win. Donovan Mitchell’s 43-point explosion, combined with the return of key players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, gave Cleveland a much-needed boost. The Cavs’ zone defense in the second quarter stifled the Pacers, allowing them to build a 20-point lead they never relinquished.
Game 4: Cavaliers at Pacers (Sunday, 8 p.m. ET, TNT)
What to watch: The Pacers have a chance to put the Cavaliers on the brink of elimination, but they’ll need to find a way to counter Cleveland’s defensive adjustments. Tyrese Haliburton will be a key player to watch as Indiana looks to regain control of the series.
— Jamal Collier
Western Conference
In the Western Conference, the No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets have taken a 2-1 lead over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite Nikola Jokic struggling against the Thunder’s defense, the Nuggets pulled off an overtime victory in Game 3. Jokic’s teammates, including Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr, stepped up to secure the win.
Game 4: Thunder at Nuggets (Sunday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
What to watch: All eyes will be on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as he looks to bounce back from a subpar performance in Game 3. The Thunder will need their star to shine if they hope to even the series.
— Tim MacMahon
Meanwhile, the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves have taken a 2-1 lead over the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors. The Timberwolves’ Game 3 victory was fueled by standout performances from Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards. Randle’s triple-double and Edwards’ 36-point outburst were instrumental in the win.
Game 4: Timberwolves at Warriors (Monday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN)
What to watch: With Stephen Curry sidelined, the Warriors face an uphill battle. They’ll need contributions from players like Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to stay competitive.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
