Western Conference Playoffs: Timberwolves Stun Lakers, Rockets Push Warriors to Game 7
The 2024-25 NBA playoffs are heating up, and if you’re a fan of thrilling basketball action, you’re in for a treat. Our NBA insiders are here to guide you through every twist and turn as teams battle it out for a spot in the Finals. Let’s dive into the latest developments in the Western Conference, where surprises and nail-biting finishes have been the order of the day.
On Wednesday, the No. 6-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a stunning upset by eliminating the No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers in a Game 5 victory. This unexpected turn of events has left fans buzzing and the Lakers reeling as they head into the offseason.
Meanwhile, on Friday, the No. 2 Houston Rockets managed to force a Game 7 against the No. 7 Golden State Warriors. The winner of this intense series will face the Timberwolves in the next round, adding another layer of excitement to the playoffs.
Saturday saw the No. 4 Denver Nuggets triumph over the No. 5 LA Clippers in a thrilling Game 7 showdown. With this victory, the Nuggets advance to the second round, where they’ll face off against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
As the Western Conference playoffs continue, here’s what you need to know 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. If you’re already looking ahead, our offseason guides have you covered.
(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) LA Clippers: Nuggets Win Series 4-3
What we learned in Game 7: The Nuggets’ supporting cast was nothing short of spectacular. In a game where superstars are expected to shine, it was Russell Westbrook, Christian Braun, and Aaron Gordon who stole the show with their energy, toughness, and incredible shot-making. Braun got the Nuggets off to a fantastic start, scoring nine of Denver’s 21 points in the first quarter. Gordon added eight points in the second quarter and delivered a jaw-dropping reverse, two-handed dunk in the third quarter that electrified the crowd at Ball Arena and seemed to crush the Clippers’ spirit. Westbrook was a dynamo in the second quarter, scoring 10 points and grabbing two steals, helping the Nuggets outscore the Clippers 37-21. These performances more than compensated for average outings from Nikola Jokic (16 points on 6-of-14 shooting) and Jamal Murray (16 points). For the Clippers, this loss doesn’t overshadow their overachievement this season, especially after losing Paul George in free agency. However, they clearly ran out of steam in Game 7 and face challenges in improving the team during the offseason.
What to watch for Game 1 of the second round against the Thunder: The Nuggets face a quick turnaround as they head to Oklahoma City for Game 1 on Monday night. Denver has fared well against the Thunder this season, splitting the series 2-2. The first two games were played in Denver early in the season, while the latter two were back-to-back matchups in Oklahoma City in March, coinciding with the MVP race between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic. The MVP results are expected to be announced during the second round, adding intrigue to the matchup. On the court, Jokic will face a formidable frontcourt in Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. Former Thunder star Westbrook returns, hoping to play another spoiler role after dispatching the Clippers in the first round.
(7) Golden State Warriors vs. (2) Houston Rockets: Series Tied 3-3
Game 6: Rockets 115, Warriors 107
What we learned: Veteran Houston guard Fred VanVleet was the hero of Game 6, knocking down a crucial 3-pointer with 6:49 remaining to give the Rockets a 12-point lead. Houston’s defense capitalized on this cushion, forcing a Game 7 on Sunday at Toyota Center with a 115-107 victory over the Warriors. Golden State focused its defensive efforts on shutting down Jalen Green, who finished with 12 points on 3-of-11 shooting, while VanVleet made them pay, going 18-of-27 from 3-point range over his past three games. VanVleet has scored at least 25 points in three consecutive playoff games for the first time in his career, while Alperen Sengun added 20 points and Amen Thompson chipped in 14 points. As the teams head into Sunday’s Game 7, Golden State holds the edge in experience, with Warriors players having participated in a combined 19 Game 7s compared to Houston’s 10.
What to watch: Golden State has shockingly blown its 3-1 cushion and now faces a must-win Game 7 in a hostile Toyota Center atmosphere. The Warriors’ offense looked sluggish against Houston’s defense, opening the fourth quarter shooting 1-for-15 and being outscored 20-5 at one point. The Warriors have been outplayed by Houston in two straight games and have struggled to free Stephen Curry from the Rockets’ defense when it matters. Now, they must win in a place where they trailed by as many as 31 points with the starters on the floor in the third quarter of Game 5. If the Warriors’ championship pedigree is going to make a difference, now is the time. Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler III have played in these do-or-die games. Curry and Green have played in five Game 7s, while Butler has been in four. But how much does the Warriors’ Big Three have left in the tank? Curry and Butler logged 42 minutes, and Green played 37 minutes in Game 6, with just one day off before Game 7. Curry and Butler need offensive help, but where will it come from?
(6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (3) Los Angeles Lakers: Timberwolves Win Series 4-1
Game 5: Timberwolves 103, Lakers 96
What we learned: Lakers coach JJ Redick’s decision to not start a center backfired as Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves dominated the interior to take the series in five games. Gobert, who had totaled 14 points and 25 rebounds through the first four games, exploded for 27 points on 12-for-15 shooting and 24 rebounds in the clincher. He became the fifth player in the past 20 seasons to post a 25-20 line in a closeout game, joining Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dirk Nowitzki, and Shaquille O’Neal. The Lakers played with grit, holding Minnesota’s shooters to a 7-for-47 (14.9%) night from 3-point range, including 0-for-11 for Anthony Edwards, marking the worst 3-point shooting percentage in a playoff game in NBA history (minimum 40 attempts). Luka Doncic (back) and LeBron James (left knee) both logged 40 minutes to give the Lakers a chance, but the Wolves’ bench production, outscoring L.A. 22-4, combined with the points-in-the-paint battle (56-40), proved too much. Minnesota, which has won 21 of its past 26 games dating back to the last quarter of the regular season, will be a formidable challenge to either Golden State or Houston. The Lakers, as if it wasn’t obvious already, head into the offseason in dire need of a big man Redick will trust in a playoff game.
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies: Thunder Win Series 4-0
Game 4: Thunder 117, Grizzlies 115
What we learned: Overall top-seeded Oklahoma City made quick work of Memphis, sweeping the Grizzlies, who haven’t won a playoff series since 2022 and didn’t beat a Western Conference team with a winning record 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.
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
