NBA Playoffs 2024-25: Western Conference Drama Unfolds
The 2024-25 NBA playoffs are heating up, 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 as teams battle it out for a spot in the Finals. Let’s dive into the latest action from the Western Conference, where the intensity is palpable and the stakes are sky-high.
On Thursday, the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off a remarkable comeback to take a commanding 3-0 series lead against the No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies. The game took a dramatic turn when Ja Morant was ruled out of the game after a hard fall. Meanwhile, the No. 5 seed LA Clippers celebrated their first playoff game at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, by defeating the No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets to take a 2-1 series lead after splitting the first two matchups at Ball Arena.
Friday brought more excitement as the No. 3 seed Los Angeles Lakers faced a tough road loss in Game 3 against the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors are anxiously awaiting updates on the injury status of Jimmy Butler III ahead of their Saturday showdown against the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets in San Francisco.
As the Western Conference playoffs continue to unfold, here’s a closer look at what matters most and what to watch for in all four series:
For more coverage, check out the East first-round takeaways and stay updated with the schedules and results. Plus, don’t miss our offseason guides for all 30 teams.
Friday’s Game Recap
The Minnesota Timberwolves took a 2-1 series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers with a 116-104 victory in Game 3. The game was tightly contested until Minnesota closed with a 13-1 run. The Timberwolves dominated in the paint, outscoring the Lakers 56-26, and capitalized on the Lakers’ 19 turnovers. Despite Luka Doncic struggling with a stomach flu, LeBron James delivered a historic performance, scoring 38 points and setting a new NBA playoff record for the most points by a player past the age of 40. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Timberwolves’ balanced attack, led by Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards.
Looking ahead to Game 4, the Lakers will need to regroup quickly for a 2:30 p.m. local tip on Sunday. The urgency to avoid a 3-1 deficit will be a driving force, but the question remains: how much energy will James, Doncic, and Austin Reaves have left after playing 40-plus minutes in Game 3?
Thunder’s Historic Comeback
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 3 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies was nothing short of historic. After losing Ja Morant to a hip injury, the Grizzlies squandered a 29-point lead, allowing the Thunder to stage the largest second-half comeback in NBA playoff history. The Thunder didn’t take the lead until Jalen Williams hit a free throw with just 1:20 remaining in the fourth quarter.
As the series heads into Game 4, the big question is whether Morant will be available. With a quick turnaround for a 3:30 p.m. ET tip on Saturday, the Grizzlies face an uphill battle without their superstar.
Clippers Dominate Nuggets
The LA Clippers took a 2-1 series lead over the Denver Nuggets with a commanding 117-83 victory in Game 3. The Nuggets struggled to score outside of their two superstars, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Jokic recorded another triple-double, but the rest of the team faltered. In contrast, the Clippers showcased a balanced attack, with Norman Powell, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac all contributing significantly.
As Game 4 approaches, the Nuggets face additional challenges with Russell Westbrook dealing with left foot inflammation and Michael Porter Jr. playing through a shoulder sprain. The next two days will be crucial for the Nuggets as they look to extend the series.
Warriors and Rockets Battle
The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets are tied 1-1 in their series after the Rockets’ 109-94 victory in Game 2. The Rockets showcased their physicality and athleticism, with Jalen Green leading the charge with 38 points. Houston’s ability to match the Warriors’ three-point shooting prowess was a key factor in their win.
As Game 3 approaches, all eyes are on Jimmy Butler III and his status after a scary fall in Game 2. Butler’s presence has been instrumental in the Warriors’ success, and his absence could significantly impact the series. If Butler is unable to play, Jonathan Kuminga may see an increased role, having previously excelled against the Rockets.
Originally Written by: NBA Insiders
