The 2025 NBA Playoffs tipped off on April 19, like always this postseason is filled with surprises and standout performances.
To start, in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their dominance with a commanding 121–100 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 1. Donovan Mitchell led the charge, scoring 30 points and adding four steals, with Ty Jerome making a significant impact off the bench with 28 points, including 16 in the decisive fourth quarter. The Cavaliers’ depth and defensive prowess were evident as they took control early and never looked back.
The Boston Celtics, despite missing star forward “The Anomaly” Jayson Tatum due to a wrist injury, managed to secure a 109–100 win against the Orlando Magic. Jaylen Brown stepped up with a double double consisting of 36 points and 10 rebounds, leading the team in Tatum’s absence. Kristaps Porziņģis contributed 20 points, and the Celtics’ defense tightened in the second half to seal the victory. This win gave Boston a 2–0 series lead heading into Game 3 in Orlando.
In the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets evened their series with the Golden State Warriors at 1–1 by defeating them 109–94. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 38 points, with eight three-pointers, while the Warriors faced challenges, including an injury to Jimmy Butler III, who exited in the first quarter with a pelvic contusion.
The Denver Nuggets’ first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers has been a thrilling back-and-forth battle, being 1-1.
In Game 1, the Nuggets edged out the Clippers 112–110 in overtime. Nikola Jokić almost got himself a triple-double with 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Aaron Gordon contributed 25 points, including 6 in the extra period. Jamal Murray also played a big role, adding 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Clippers were led by James Harden’s 32 points and 11 assists, but a crucial defensive play by Russell Westbrook in the final seconds sealed the win for Denver.
Game 2 saw the Clippers bounce back with a 105–102 victory. Kawhi Leonard delivered a standout performance, scoring 39 points on a very efficient shooting going 15-of-19 from the field, while Ivica Zubac got himself a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. For the Nuggets, Jokić got a triple double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, but the team struggled with turnovers, committing 20 in the game. Denver’s shooting woes allowed Los Angeles to even the series
These early games set the stage for a thrilling postseason, with teams battling to reach the top and get to be crowned the 2025 NBA champions.
