NBA Playoffs 2025: Game 7 Showdowns Set to Thrill Fans
As the NBA playoffs’ second round is set to kick off on Sunday, the excitement is palpable with two Game 7s looming large on the schedule. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves have already secured their spots in the next round, having dispatched their first-round opponents with relative ease. However, the other two Western Conference series have been nothing short of thrilling, providing fans with some of the most competitive matchups of the opening round.
The LA Clippers managed to force a Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets with a 111-105 victory on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets, who found themselves down 3-1, kept their playoff hopes alive with a 115-107 win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. These two teams will now face off on Sunday, with the winner earning the right to challenge the Timberwolves in the second round.
With the first round’s two biggest games on the horizon, let’s dive into the key factors for both Game 7s and explore how each of the four teams can advance to the next stage. Our NBA insiders are here to answer the burning questions surrounding these pivotal matchups.
LA Clippers at Denver Nuggets
How can the Clippers advance?
The Clippers made a strategic adjustment in Game 6 by opting for a small lineup featuring Nicolas Batum in the second half. This move was designed to create space for James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Even Nikola Jokic acknowledged the effectiveness of this strategy, noting Batum’s shooting prowess and defensive versatility.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue had been hesitant to make this offense-for-defense swap due to his appreciation for Kris Dunn‘s defensive skills. However, if Batum can replicate his Game 6 performance, the Clippers may have found the winning formula they need to advance.
How can the Nuggets advance?
The Nuggets have the advantage of size and physicality, and when they assert themselves, they have been able to control the series. This starts with Jokic, who needs to challenge Clippers center Ivica Zubac and draw more fouls than he did in Game 6, where he only shot two free throws.
When Jokic is aggressive early, it opens up Denver’s offense, allowing players like Jamal Murray to shine, as seen in Game 5. The Nuggets will need Jokic to remind everyone why he’s considered one of the best players in the league.
How did we get here?
This series has delivered on its promise of excitement, with each star player having at least one standout performance. From Westbrook’s Game 1 heroics to Leonard’s Game 2 dominance, and Jokic and Gordon’s Game 4 brilliance, the series has been a rollercoaster of emotions.
Both coaches have done an excellent job of motivating their teams and adapting their strategies. The question now is which team has the stamina to push through the fatigue and injuries that have accumulated over the series. The Nuggets have experience in Game 7s, while Lue is known for his prowess in elimination games. Jokic and Leonard both have Finals MVPs to their names, adding another layer of intrigue to this matchup.
As Jokic put it, “If you like basketball like a real fan, not a fake fan of basketball, these are the games you should watch.” This Game 7 promises to be a classic.
Key factors for Game 7
Fatigue will be a critical factor in this game. Jamal Murray has logged the most minutes of any player in the first round, with Jokic not far behind. The Clippers have a deeper bench, but Lue has had to rely heavily on his stars, with Harden playing the entire second half of Game 6.
Getting off to a strong start will be crucial. In Game 5, the Nuggets’ early lead allowed them to rest Jokic, keeping him fresh for the latter stages. If the Clippers can start strong, it may force Denver to keep Jokic on the floor longer, potentially wearing him down.
The real winner of this grueling series might be the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have already advanced after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies. Whichever team has more energy left in the tank will likely come out on top.
Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets
How can the Warriors advance?
Golden State’s experience in Game 7s could be their ace in the hole. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have been in five Game 7s, while Jimmy Butler has played in four. Coach Steve Kerr has also been in four Game 7s, giving the Warriors a wealth of experience to draw upon.
The Warriors need to solve Houston’s zone defense and free up Curry on offense. Although Curry scored 29 points in Game 6, he struggled in the second half, shooting just 4-for-13. The Warriors need a third scorer to step up, whether it’s Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, or Moses Moody.
Defensively, Green will need to play at a Defensive Player of the Year level, and the Warriors must keep their turnovers in check while containing Fred VanVleet. Kerr has hinted that “everything is on the table” for Game 7, including potentially giving Jonathan Kuminga some playing time.
How can the Rockets advance?
Coach Ime Udoka has emphasized consistency and making simple plays. Houston has found success with its double-big lineups, which have given Golden State trouble. The Rockets have used zone defense effectively, even with Curry on the floor, by maintaining high activity and communication.
Houston needs to continue imposing its physicality on the Warriors, who are dealing with injuries and fatigue. The Rockets excel at turning defense into offense, as evidenced by their 22 points off 17 Golden State turnovers in Game 6. Players like Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green will be crucial in generating fast-break points.
How did they get here?
The Warriors took Game 1 in Houston, with Curry scoring 31 points and Butler contributing 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Houston bounced back in Game 2 with a 109-94 victory, as Jalen Green exploded for 38 points. Butler was limited due to an injury sustained in Game 2, causing him to miss Game 3, which the Warriors won 104-93.
Golden State appeared to have control with a 3-1 series lead, but Houston responded with a dominant Game 5 performance, leading by as much as 31 points. In Game 6, the Rockets’ zone defense stifled the Warriors, forcing a Game 7.
Key factors for Game 7
Houston’s double-big lineups with Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun have been a game-changer. The Rockets have used these lineups to great effect, particularly in the fourth quarter of Game 6, where they outscored the Warriors by nine points.
Golden State has struggled to find the right lineup combinations, with Kerr experimenting with different starters. The Warriors need to find a way to counter Houston’s defensive schemes and get more production from their supporting cast.
As both teams prepare for this do-or-die matchup, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner will move on to face the Timberwolves, while the loser will see their season come to an end. It’s all on the line in these thrilling Game 7s.
Originally Written by: Multiple contributors
