NBA Playoffs 2024-25: Western Conference First Round 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 stakes are high and the drama is palpable.
On Saturday, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed, became the first team to advance to the second round. They achieved this by defeating the No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets, holding the No. 4 seed, managed to even their series with the No. 5 seed LA Clippers. This was thanks to an exhilarating Game 4 that ended with a 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.
Sunday brought more excitement as the No. 3 seed Los Angeles Lakers found themselves down 3-1 after losing Game 4 on the road to the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers will have a chance to bounce back in Game 5 on Wednesday in Los Angeles.
As the Western Conference playoffs continue, here’s what matters most and what to watch for 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.
Sunday’s Game Highlights
Minnesota Timberwolves Lead Los Angeles Lakers 3-1
In Game 4, the Timberwolves outscored the Lakers 32-19 in the fourth quarter, including a 19-9 run in the final 5:06, to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. This was a monumental missed opportunity for the Lakers. After failing to protect a 10-point first-quarter lead and trailing by four at halftime, coach JJ Redick made a significant lineup adjustment by benching Jaxson Hayes in favor of Dorian Finney-Smith to start the third quarter. This group fueled a 36-23 quarter with a 14-0 run. However, Redick kept those five players in for the entire second half.
Anthony Edwards shone brightly, scoring 24 of his 43 points after halftime, outshining another brilliant effort from LeBron James, who had 27 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Luka Doncic bounced back with 38 points after a stomach bug affected his Game 3 performance, but he had four turnovers, and James had three, including a crucial one while trying to inbound the ball to Doncic with 10.7 seconds left. Rui Hachimura had his best game of the series with 23 points and five rebounds, while Austin Reaves scored 17 in the second half, but his potential tying 3-pointer missed at the buzzer.
Game 5: Timberwolves at Lakers (Wednesday, 10 p.m. ET, TNT)
What to Watch: The Lakers’ resilience will be tested. They had opportunities to win both games in Minnesota but couldn’t close out either. L.A. should get a boost from its home crowd, but the Timberwolves are a confident team and won’t be intimidated by the atmosphere, especially after stealing Game 1 at Crypto.com Arena.
Oklahoma City Thunder Sweep Memphis Grizzlies
The Oklahoma City Thunder, the overall top seed, made quick work of the Memphis Grizzlies, sweeping them in four games. 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.
Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers Tied 2-2
In Game 4, Nikola Jokic delivered a masterful performance with 36 points and 21 rebounds, helping the Nuggets secure a win. The first half was closely contested, but Jokic took over in the third quarter, scoring or assisting on 26 of the Nuggets’ 35 points to build a 20-point lead. However, Denver nearly squandered it, blowing the biggest lead in playoff franchise history. Aaron Gordon saved the day with a miraculous putback dunk at the buzzer for the win.
Game 5: Clippers at Nuggets (Tuesday, 10 p.m. ET, TNT)
What to Watch: The Clippers’ 3-point shooting will be crucial. While they shot well in Game 3, their overconfidence from behind the arc hurt them in Game 4. Denver’s improved defense, particularly against Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, forced other players to step up. The Clippers’ supporting cast couldn’t deliver, allowing Denver to even the series. With two days off before Game 5, both teams will have time to regroup.
Golden State Warriors Lead Houston Rockets 2-1
In Game 3, the Warriors showed they could win without “Playoff Jimmy.” Stephen Curry led the charge with 36 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, while Gary Payton II stepped up with 16 points. Buddy Hield contributed 17 points and five 3-pointers. Draymond Green anchored the defense, holding the Rockets to 22 points in the fourth quarter and containing Jalen Green. With Jimmy Butler III possibly returning for Game 4, the Warriors have a chance to put the Rockets in a 3-1 hole.
Game 4: Rockets at Warriors (Monday, 10 p.m. ET, TNT)
What to Watch: Butler’s potential return will be closely monitored. His absence was felt in Game 3, especially in the second quarter when the Warriors struggled offensively. Curry’s brilliance compensated for Butler’s absence, but his return could give the Warriors a significant advantage. If Butler plays, Golden State has a real shot at pushing Houston to the brink of elimination.
Originally Written by: NBA Insiders
