NBA Playoffs 2024-25: Western Conference Drama Unfolds
The 2024-25 NBA playoffs are heating up, and if you’re a fan of basketball drama, you’re in for a treat. Our NBA insiders are here to guide you through every twist and turn as teams battle their way to the Finals. Let’s dive into the latest action from the Western Conference, where surprises and upsets are the order of the day.
On Wednesday, the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a stunning upset by eliminating the No. 3 seed Los Angeles Lakers in a Game 5 victory. This unexpected turn of events has left fans buzzing and the Lakers reeling.
Fast forward to Saturday, and the No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets emerged victorious in a thrilling Game 7 showdown against the No. 5 seed LA Clippers. With this win, the Nuggets advance to the second round, where they will face the formidable No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder.
Sunday brought more excitement as the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets fell to the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors in a nail-biting Game 7 in Houston. The Warriors now move on to face the Timberwolves in the second round.
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, don’t miss the offseason guides.
Golden State Warriors Triumph Over Houston Rockets
In a thrilling Game 7, the Golden State Warriors emerged victorious over the Houston Rockets with a 4-3 series win. Here’s what we learned from this intense matchup:
Buddy Hield and the Warriors dismantled Houston’s box-and-one-like zone defense, securing a 12-point halftime lead that proved insurmountable in a 103-89 win. Hield was on fire, scoring a game-high 33 points, including 8-of-9 from the field in the first half and 6-of-7 from beyond the arc. His nine made 3s tied Donte DiVincenzo for the most 3-pointers in a Game 7 in NBA history.
Despite the Rockets’ efforts, they couldn’t overcome the halftime deficit, falling to 0-29 in such scenarios in their postseason history. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler each contributed 20 points, with Curry also dishing seven assists and grabbing 10 rebounds. The Warriors finished with three scorers with 20 points or more for the first time in a Game 7 in franchise history.
Looking ahead to Round 2, Game 1, the Warriors will face the Timberwolves. With Curry nursing an injured shooting thumb, the Warriors will rely on Hield’s hot hand and the leadership of Butler and Draymond Green. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, will pose a formidable challenge.
Denver Nuggets Overcome LA Clippers
The Denver Nuggets secured a 4-3 series win over the LA Clippers with a 120-101 victory in Game 7. The Nuggets’ supporting cast shone brightly, with Russell Westbrook, Christian Braun, and Aaron Gordon leading the charge.
Westbrook’s energy and Braun’s early scoring set the tone, while Gordon’s spectacular dunk in the third quarter electrified the crowd. Despite average performances from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets’ depth carried them to victory.
As they prepare to face the Thunder in Round 2, the Nuggets will need to recover quickly from this grueling series. The matchup between Jokic and the Thunder’s formidable frontcourt, including Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, promises to be a highlight of the next round.
Minnesota Timberwolves Shock Los Angeles Lakers
The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a stunning 4-1 series win over the Los Angeles Lakers, clinching the series with a 103-96 victory in Game 5. Rudy Gobert was the star of the show, dominating the interior with 27 points and 24 rebounds.
The Lakers struggled to contain Gobert, and despite their efforts to stifle Minnesota’s shooters, they couldn’t overcome the Timberwolves’ bench production and points-in-the-paint advantage. With Luka Doncic and LeBron James both logging heavy minutes, the Lakers fell short.
As the Timberwolves prepare to face the Warriors, they will be a formidable challenge, having won 21 of their past 26 games. The Lakers, meanwhile, head into the offseason in search of a reliable big man.
Oklahoma City Thunder Sweep Memphis Grizzlies
The Oklahoma City Thunder made quick work of the Memphis Grizzlies, sweeping the series 4-0. Likely MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 38 points in the series finale, as the Thunder capitalized on Memphis’ 22 turnovers.
With Ja Morant sidelined, the Grizzlies couldn’t handle the Thunder’s defensive pressure. Now, the Thunder will enjoy some rest as they await the winner of the Nuggets-Clippers series.
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
