NBA Playoffs 2024-25: Western Conference Round One 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 competition is fierce and the stakes are high.
On Saturday, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed, became the first team to secure a spot in the second round. They achieved this by sweeping the No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets, the No. 4 seed, managed to even their series with the No. 5 seed LA Clippers after a nail-biting Game 4. The game ended with a spectacular game-winning buzzer-beater from Aaron Gordon. Over in San Francisco, the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors took a 2-1 lead in their series against the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets, despite missing Jimmy Butler III.
On Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers, the No. 3 seed, faced a setback as they lost Game 3 on the road to the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves. However, they have a chance to bounce back at home on Sunday and tie the series.
As the Western Conference playoffs continue, here’s what you need to know and what to keep an eye on in all four series:
For more coverage, check out the East first-round takeaways and the schedules and results. Plus, don’t miss the offseason guides for all 30 teams.
Saturday’s Game Highlights
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Oklahoma City Thunder, the overall top seed, made quick work of the Memphis Grizzlies, sweeping them 4-0. The Grizzlies haven’t won a playoff series since 2022 and struggled against Western Conference teams with winning records after January. Likely MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had his first efficient scoring performance of the series in the finale, finishing with 38 points on 13-of-24 shooting. With Ja Morant out, the Grizzlies couldn’t handle the Thunder’s tenacious defensive pressure, committing 22 turnovers that Oklahoma City converted into 32 points. Now, the Thunder will get some rest and await the winner of the Nuggets-Clippers series.
— Tim MacMahon
Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers
The Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers are tied 2-2 after a thrilling Game 4. Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets’ star, delivered a 36-point, 21-rebound masterpiece to carry his team to victory. The Nuggets found their championship mettle in this game, but nearly threw it away in the fourth quarter, blowing the biggest lead in playoff franchise history. Denver escaped as Aaron Gordon miraculously caught an airball from Jokic and dunked it at the buzzer for the win. Wow.
— Ramona Shelburne
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
The Golden State Warriors lead the Houston Rockets 2-1 after a gutsy performance in Game 3. Despite missing “Playoff Jimmy,” the Warriors overcame a 13-point deficit. Stephen Curry responded with 36 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Gary Payton II emerged as a key player, scoring nine straight points for the Warriors at one point. Buddy Hield also had a standout game with 17 points and five 3’s. Draymond Green anchored the Warriors’ defense, holding the Rockets to 22 points in the fourth quarter and containing Jalen Green to nine points after his 38-point explosion in Game 2.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves lead the Los Angeles Lakers 2-1 after a strong finish in Game 3. The Wolves dominated points in the paint 56-26 and nearly doubled on fast-break points (21-11). LeBron James set an NBA playoff record for the most points by a player 40 or older, finishing with 38 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough. Minnesota got another brilliant effort from Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards, who made crucial plays in the fourth quarter.
— Dave McMenamin
Originally Written by: NBA Insiders
