Players Under Pressure, Nuggets’ Needs: What to Know After the First Week of the Second Round
May 12, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs has been nothing short of exhilarating, with overtime thrillers and fourth-quarter comebacks keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The drama has been intense, and the stakes are higher than ever as teams battle for a spot in the conference finals.
Interestingly, none of the higher-seeded teams in the conference semifinals managed to secure a win in Game 1. However, the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves have since bounced back, showing resilience and determination. But with injuries to key players like Stephen Curry and Karl-Anthony Towns, the direction these series will take remains uncertain.
As we dive deeper into the second round, our NBA insiders have broken down the biggest takeaways, players under pressure, and what to watch as teams strive to break through to the conference finals.
(3) New York Knicks vs. (2) Boston Celtics
Who is under the most pressure for Monday’s vital Game 4?
When it comes to pressure, the spotlight often falls on the stars. For the Celtics, it’s easy to point fingers at Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum’s game, characterized by long jumpers and occasional avoidance of contact, and Brown’s shooting woes (a dismal 5-of-23 on 3-pointers) have been under scrutiny. Yet, the Celtics have five players averaging in double figures, showcasing their depth and established track record.
On the other hand, the Knicks are in dire need of a standout performance from All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. Despite his high approval rating in New York, Brunson is struggling against the Celtics’ defense, particularly against Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. Shooting just 38% in the series and with limited trips to the line, Brunson’s performance is crucial for the Knicks, who are averaging a mere 95 points in regulation and shooting 42% in the series. The Celtics’ strategy of intentionally fouling Mitchell Robinson, who is struggling at the foul line, adds to the Knicks’ challenges. — Brian Windhorst
(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (1) Oklahoma City Thunder
This series will go to Game 7 if ____
The key to extending this series lies with Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP is in an unusual slump, shooting under 40% from the floor in three consecutive games with at least 15 attempts for the first time in his career. Jokic’s efficiency has taken a hit, with a shooting percentage of 33.3% during this stretch and more turnovers than assists. Credit must be given to Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defense for making Jokic’s job difficult, and they will continue to apply pressure as the series progresses. — Tim MacMahon
(7) Golden State Warriors vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
What is the Wolves’ biggest weakness, and how do the Warriors exploit that without Stephen Curry?
The Timberwolves, one of the few teams to rank in the top 10 in both offense and defense during the regular season, have a solid record of 23-6 since March. However, their Achilles’ heel has been turnovers. Despite leading the series 2-1, the Wolves have committed more turnovers than the Warriors in two out of three games. In Game 3, they committed 21 turnovers to the Warriors’ 15. Golden State, even without Curry, can capitalize on this by using players like Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and others to pressure the Wolves’ ball handlers. If they can improve their transition game, the Warriors might extend the series, giving Curry a chance to return for Game 6. — Dave McMenamin
(4) Indiana Pacers vs. (1) Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs can bounce back in this series if they ____
The Cavaliers need to rediscover their offensive prowess from the regular season, where they had the No. 1 offensive rating in the NBA. Outside of Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs have struggled offensively, culminating in a blowout loss in Game 4. In the first half of that game, they scored just 39 points, with three assists and 14 turnovers. Mitchell, who is averaging the most points in a playoff series by a Cavs player since LeBron James, did not play in the second half due to an ankle injury. — Jamal Collier
Bonus!
What has been the biggest surprise of the second round so far?
For the first time in NBA history, three teams have posted a point differential of plus-9 or better per game. These teams — the Thunder, Cavaliers, and Celtics — dominated the first round, going a combined 12-1 against play-in teams. They seemed destined for the conference finals or NBA Finals. However, injuries and shooting luck have played a role in their struggles in the second round. The trio is a combined 4-7 against Denver, Indiana, and New York. While they might still advance, the unexpected parity has made for more entertaining and competitive games. — Zach Kram
My NBA Finals picks are:
Despite trailing 2-1, I’m sticking with the Celtics and the Thunder. Boston’s Game 3 performance highlighted their matchup advantages against the Knicks. The Celtics would be favored if they reach the Eastern Conference finals. In the West, Minnesota is a strong contender for the conference finals, but the Thunder, with home-court advantage, remain the favorites. — Kevin Pelton
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
