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| Boilerpipe Text | 2025 NBA playoffs
Tournament details
Dates
April 19 – June 22, 2025
Season
2024–25
Teams
16
Final positions
Champions
Oklahoma City Thunder
(2nd title)
Runners-up
Indiana Pacers
Semifinalists
Minnesota Timberwolves
New York Knicks
←
2024
2026
→
The
2025 NBA playoffs
was the
postseason tournament
of the
National Basketball Association
's (NBA)
2024–25 season
. The
Oklahoma City Thunder
, led by the reigning
MVP
and scoring leader
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
, finished the season with a league-best
68–14
record, giving them the first
seed
in the
Western Conference
. The
Eastern Conference
's best record was held by the
Cleveland Cavaliers
, who finished with a
64–18
record under their star
Donovan Mitchell
. The defending champion
Boston Celtics
, with their
scoring duo
of
Jayson Tatum
and
Jaylen Brown
, clinched the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of
61–21
. The Thunder, Cavaliers, and Celtics were widely seen as the championship contenders heading into the playoffs. The tournament began on April 19 after the conclusion of the
play-ins
.
In the first round, the Cavaliers
swept
the eighth-seeded
Miami Heat
, who had just made it through the play-in. The Celtics defeated the seventh-seeded
Orlando Magic
in five games, while the third-seeded
New York Knicks
, led by
Jalen Brunson
and
Karl-Anthony Towns
, took six games to dispatch the sixth-seeded
Detroit Pistons
. The fourth-seeded
Indiana Pacers
, with
Tyrese Haliburton
, defeated the
Giannis Antetokounmpo
-led
Milwaukee Bucks
, the fifth seed, in five games after Haliburton's game-winning shot in game 5. The Western Conference saw the Thunder sweep the
Memphis Grizzlies
, while the seventh-seeded
Golden State Warriors
defeated the second-seeded
Houston Rockets
in
seven games
. The sixth-seeded
Minnesota Timberwolves
, led by
Anthony Edwards
, overcame the
Luka Dončić
-led
Los Angeles Lakers
in five games, and the
Nikola Jokić
-led fourth-seeded
Denver Nuggets
defeated the fifth seed, the
Los Angeles Clippers
, in seven games.
The second round, the conference semifinals, saw Haliburton's Pacers
upset
Mitchell's Cavaliers in five games, while the Knicks unexpectedly defeated the Celtics in six games after Tatum suffered an
Achilles tendon rupture
. The Thunder–Nuggets series went to seven games, with the Thunder prevailing, and the Timberwolves defeated the Warriors in five games after Golden State's star
Stephen Curry
had an injury. In the
Eastern Conference Finals
, the Pacers unexpectedly triumphed over their
rival
Knicks in six games, while the
Western Conference Finals
saw the Thunder defeat the Timberwolves in five games.
The
2025 NBA Finals
was expected to be an easy victory for the Thunder, who had won 18 more games than the Pacers, but at the end of the first six games, the series was tied 3–3, requiring a decisive
game seven
, the first in the Finals since
2016
. The Thunder won the game 103–91 after Haliburton tore his
Achilles tendon
in the first quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander was named
Finals MVP
after averaging 30
points per game
(ppg) during the playoffs. The Thunder's championship was their first since
1979
, when they were known as the
Seattle SuperSonics
. The Pacers' postseason run, which included five 15-point
comebacks
and four game-tying or game-winning shots by Haliburton, is considered one of the most surprising in NBA history.
[
1
]
Updates to postseason appearances
[
edit
]
The
Oklahoma City Thunder
entered the playoffs with the best record in the Western Conference for the second consecutive season and also finished with their
best regular-season record in franchise history
. They also won the
Maurice Podoloff Trophy
for clinching the best record in the NBA for the first time in franchise history.
The
Cleveland Cavaliers
entered the playoffs for the third consecutive season and also clinched the number one seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since
2016
, and the first time without
LeBron James
on their roster.
The
Boston Celtics
entered the playoffs for the eleventh consecutive season, the longest such streak in the NBA.
The
Milwaukee Bucks
entered the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season.
The
Denver Nuggets
entered the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season.
The
Miami Heat
entered the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. They also became the first 10-seed to advance from the
play-in tournament
into the playoffs.
[
2
]
The
Minnesota Timberwolves
entered the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
The
New York Knicks
,
Los Angeles Lakers
, and
Los Angeles Clippers
entered the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
The
Indiana Pacers
and
Orlando Magic
entered the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
The
Golden State Warriors
returned to the playoffs after losing in the
play-in tournament
the previous year.
The
Memphis Grizzlies
returned to the playoffs after missing the postseason the previous year.
The
Houston Rockets
entered the playoffs for the first time since
2020
.
The
Detroit Pistons
entered the playoffs for the first time since
2019
.
The
New Orleans Pelicans
and
Dallas Mavericks
missed the playoffs after making the postseason the previous year.
The
Phoenix Suns
missed the playoffs for the first time since
2020
.
The
Philadelphia 76ers
missed the playoffs for the first time since
2017
.
The
Brooklyn Nets
,
Sacramento Kings
, and
Atlanta Hawks
missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
The
Utah Jazz
,
Toronto Raptors
, and
Chicago Bulls
missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
The
Washington Wizards
and
Portland Trail Blazers
missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
The
San Antonio Spurs
missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.
The
Charlotte Hornets
missed the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season, currently the longest active playoff drought in the NBA.
The
Atlanta Hawks
competed in the play-in tournament for the fourth consecutive season.
The
Chicago Bulls
and
Miami Heat
competed in the play-in tournament for the third consecutive season.
The
Sacramento Kings
and
Golden State Warriors
competed in the play-in tournament for the second consecutive season.
The
Memphis Grizzlies
competed in the play-in tournament for the first time since
2021
.
The
Orlando Magic
and
Dallas Mavericks
competed in the play-in tournament for the first time in franchise history.
Notable occurrences
[
edit
]
With their overtime road victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the No. 8 seed game, the Miami Heat became the first-ever 10-seed to advance from the play-in to the playoffs.
[
2
]
The Dallas Mavericks became the first team since the
2019–20 Golden State Warriors
to miss the playoffs after reaching the
NBA Finals
the previous season.
The Thunder's 51-point victory against the Grizzlies was the largest margin of victory in a Game 1 in NBA history.
[
3
]
The Pistons' Game 2 victory over the Knicks was their first playoff win since
2008
, ending a 15-game postseason losing streak, the longest in NBA history.
[
4
]
The Pistons, however, now own the record for the most consecutive home defeats in playoffs history at 10 straight with their three home losses in the first round.
The Cavaliers made 11 three-pointers in the second quarter of their Game 2 victory over the Heat, setting a postseason record.
[
5
]
The Thunder overcame a 26-point halftime deficit in their Game 3 victory over the Grizzlies, the largest such comeback in NBA postseason history.
With the Thunder sweeping the Grizzlies, this marks the 49th straight playoffs where a sweep occurred; the last time this did not happen was in
1976
.
The Cavaliers' 55-point victory over the Heat in Game 4 was the largest series-clinching win in NBA history.
[
6
]
The Cavaliers' 122-point differential in their series against the Heat was the largest in NBA history.
[
6
]
By defeating the Lakers, the Timberwolves won a playoff series in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history.
After losing to the Timberwolves, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round as a third seed or higher for the first time in franchise history.
[
7
]
The Knicks–Pistons series was the second playoff series in NBA history to feature four consecutive games decided by 3 or fewer points.
The Nuggets–Clippers series was the first of the 2025 playoffs to have a Game 7, making it the 26th consecutive NBA postseason to feature a Game 7. The last time a Game 7 did not occur in the playoffs was
1999
. This was the 154th game 7 in NBA playoffs history.
With the Rockets forcing a Game 7 against the Warriors, this is the first playoffs since
2020
to feature two Game 7's in the first round.
This is the third postseason where LeBron James was eliminated in the first round.
The seventh-seeded Warriors defeated the second-seeded Houston in seven games, marking the seventh instance in NBA history of a 7th-seeded team defeating a 2nd-seeded team in the first round, following previous instances in
1987
,
1989
,
1991
,
1998
,
2010
, and
2023
. Additionally, this was only the third time and the second time in three seasons that such an upset occurred in a best-of-seven series, as well as the first time it occurred in seven games and the second time it occurred within the maximum number of games (
1998
).
The Warriors became the first team to defeat the second-seed team three times as the seventh-seeded team, following previous instances in
1989
and
1991
.
Conference semifinals
[
edit
]
In the Eastern Conference, the same teams from the previous playoffs represent the final four teams this year. However, the match-ups are different, with the Cavaliers playing the Pacers and the Celtics facing the Knicks.
Last year
it was the
Celtics
facing the
Cavaliers
and the
Knicks
versus the
Pacers
.
The Western Conference Semifinals match-up between Oklahoma City and Denver features the top two MVP favorites in
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
and
Nikola Jokić
. The last time this occurred was in the
2017 first round
when
James Harden
's Rockets defeated
Russell Westbrook
's Thunder in five games. Westbrook won the MVP that season, while Harden finished a close second.
[
8
]
This is just the third time in NBA history a sixth seed is facing a seventh seed in the Conference Semifinals. The other times this occurred were in the
1987 WCSF
between the
Rockets
(6) vs
SuperSonics
(7) and the
2023 WCSF
between the
Warriors
(6) vs
Lakers
(7).
In Game 1 against the Knicks, the Celtics set the NBA playoff record for most missed 3-point shots in a game (45).
With his Game 1 game-winner,
Aaron Gordon
became the first player in the play-by-play era (since 1996–97) to hit a game-winning shot in the final five seconds of a game on the road multiple times in a single playoff run.
All four Game 1's of the Conference Semifinals were won by the road team, the first time this has happened in NBA history.
[
9
]
In Game 1 and 2 in their series vs. the Celtics, the Knicks were the first team to comeback from 20 points or more in back-to-back playoff games in NBA history. In addition, the Celtics were the first team to blow back-to-back 20 point leads in the playoffs.
The Cavaliers and the Celtics became the first teams since the
1992–93 Phoenix Suns
to trail 0–2 before the conference finals as a 60-win team.
[
10
]
The Thunder scored 87 points in the first half of Game 2 against the Nuggets, setting an NBA playoff record for most points scored in a first half, and tying the NBA playoff record for points in a half set by the Milwaukee Bucks in the
1978 WCSF
.
[
11
]
The Pacers led by 41 points at halftime of Game 4 against the Cavaliers, tying the playoff record set by Cleveland in Game 2 of the
2017 Eastern Conference Finals
.
[
12
]
The Cavaliers were the first Eastern Conference team to win
62 games or more
and not make the Eastern Conference Finals.
[
13
]
With the Cavaliers and Celtics both eliminated, this marked the first time since
2007
that two 60-win teams failed to reach the conference finals.
The elimination of the
Boston Celtics
guarantees that there would be a 7th different NBA champion in the last 7 years, the first time this has happened in NBA history.
The Nuggets-Thunder series was the second-most lopsided series to go seven games in NBA history, following the
Celtics
-
Hawks
first round series in
2008
.
[
14
]
With the
Boston Celtics
losing to the
New York Knicks
in the preceding conference semifinals, this was the sixth straight conference finals without the defending NBA champions.
Neither the
first-seeded team
nor the
second-seeded team
made the
Eastern Conference finals
for the first time since
2021
.
The conference finals featured teams that had a chance to win their first championship or hadn't won a championship in over four decades:
The New York Knicks last won the NBA championship in
1973
.
The Oklahoma City Thunder last won the NBA championship in
1979
when they were still known as the
Seattle SuperSonics
.
The Indiana Pacers have never won an NBA championship since joining the league in the
ABA-NBA merger
in
1976
.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have never won an NBA championship or advanced to the NBA Finals since joining the league as an expansion team in
1989
.
This is the first Western Conference Finals since 1996 to not feature a team from
California
or
Texas
.
In Game 1 against the Knicks, the Pacers became the first team since play-by-play records began in 1998 to win after trailing by 9+ points in the final minute of a playoff game. Also in the game,
Aaron Nesmith
became the first player in NBA history to make six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter of a playoff game.
[
15
]
Oklahoma City surpassed the
2019 Toronto Raptors
' +79 turnover differential for largest in a single-playoff in NBA postseason history. It took Toronto 24 games to accomplish this feat, while Oklahoma City surpassed this mark in their 12th game.
[
16
]
In Game 4,
Tyrese Haliburton
became the first player in NBA playoff history to record 30 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds with no turnovers in a game.
[
17
]
For the first time since
2015
, both the Eastern Conference champions and the Western Conference champions clinched their NBA Finals berth on their home court.
[
a
]
The Thunder are the youngest team to make the NBA Finals since the
1977 Portland Trail Blazers
.
[
18
]
This is the first NBA Finals without a luxury tax team since the
salary cap
era began in 2002.
[
19
]
The 18 game difference in wins between the Thunder and Pacers is the largest among NBA Finals participants since the
1981 Finals
between the 62-win
Celtics
and 40-win
Rockets
.
[
20
]
The Pacers in Game 1 joined the
1999 Spurs
in Game 2 of the
Western Conference Finals
and the
2002 Lakers
in Game 4 of the
Western Conference Finals
as teams to win a playoff game despite leading for only 20 seconds or less.
[
21
]
Indiana also tied the
1992 Chicago Bulls
in
Game 6
and the
2011 Dallas Mavericks
in
Game 2
for the largest NBA Finals fourth quarter comeback.
[
22
]
Tyrese Haliburton
's go-ahead shot with 0.3 seconds left marked the latest game winner in an NBA Finals game since
Michael Jordan
's buzzer-beating shot in Game 1 of the
1997 Finals
.
[
23
]
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
(72 points) surpassed
Allen Iverson
(71 points,
2001
) for the most combined points scored in a player's first two Finals games.
[
24
]
In
Game 5
,
Jalen Williams
became the third-youngest player since the
ABA–NBA merger
to score at least 40 points in a Finals game.
[
25
]
Jalen Williams and
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
joined
LeBron James
and
Kyrie Irving
as the only teammates since 1980 to finish a Finals game with 40+ points for one and 30+ points for the other.
[
26
]
In Game 6, the Pacers became the first team in NBA history with eight players to score at least 200 points in a single playoffs.
[
27
]
This featured the first NBA Finals
Game 7
since
2016
.
Oklahoma City was the first team to score 100 points or more in an NBA Finals Game 7 since the
Los Angeles Lakers
and
Detroit Pistons
scored over the century mark in the
1988 NBA Finals
.
[
28
]
The Thunder moved to 19–2 after a defeat in both the regular season and playoffs, surpassing the
1986–87 Lakers
for the best winning percentage in NBA history after loss in a season.
[
29
]
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
became the fourth player to win the
league scoring title
along with regular season and
Finals MVPs
in one season, and the first since
Shaquille O'Neal
of the
Los Angeles Lakers
in 2000.
[
b
]
[
30
]
He was also the first player since
LeBron James
in
2013
to win a
regular season MVP
and Finals MVP in the same season.
Eight teams from each conference participate in the playoffs. The top six teams in each conference, based on
winning percentage
, directly qualify for the playoffs; the
seeding
order of those teams is also based on winning percentage. If two or more teams had the same record, standard NBA tiebreaker rules are used.
The NBA Board of Governors adopted a format starting in
2021
to have a
play-in tournament
involving the teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference. The 7th-place team and 8th-place team participate in a "double-chance" game, with the winner advancing to the playoffs as the 7-seed. The loser then plays the winner of the elimination game between the 9th-place and 10th-place teams to determine the playoff's 8-seed. The NBA's regular playoff format then proceeds as normal. Furthermore, the winner of the match between the loser of the 7/8 game and the winner of the 9/10 game always plays on day 2 of the NBA playoffs to allow that team at least a day of rest.
[
31
]
Each conference's bracket is fixed with no reseeding. All rounds are a best-of-seven series; a series ends when one team wins four games, and that team advances to the next round. All rounds, including the NBA Finals, are in a 2–2–1–1–1 format with regards to hosting.
[
32
]
In the conference playoffs, home-court advantage goes to the higher-seeded team (number one being the highest). For the NBA Finals, home-court advantage goes to the team with the better regular season record, and, if needed, ties are broken based on head-to-head record, followed by inter-conference record.
On March 5, 2025, the
Cleveland Cavaliers
became the first team to clinch a playoff spot.
[
33
]
While noted in the below tables, division titles have no bearing on seeding.
[
34
]
Seeds 7 and 8 in each conference were determined via the first-stage play-in tournament, held April 15–18.
Seed
Team
Record
Clinched
Play-in berth
Playoff berth
Division title
Best record
in conference
Best record
in NBA
1
Cleveland Cavaliers
64–18
—
March 5
[
33
]
March 11
[
35
]
April 8
[
36
]
—
2
Boston Celtics
61–21
—
March 14
[
37
]
March 29
[
38
]
—
—
3
New York Knicks
51–31
—
March 27
[
39
]
—
—
—
4
Indiana Pacers
50–32
—
April 1
[
40
]
—
—
—
5
Milwaukee Bucks
48–34
—
April 5
[
41
]
—
—
—
6
Detroit Pistons
44–38
—
April 4
[
42
]
—
—
—
7
Orlando Magic
41–41
April 4
[
43
]
April 15
[
44
]
April 9
[
45
]
—
—
8
Miami Heat
37–45
April 3
[
46
]
April 18
[
47
]
—
—
—
Atlanta
(40–42) and
Chicago
(39–43) also secured play-in berths but did not advance to the playoffs.
[
48
]
[
49
]
Seed
Team
Record
Clinched
Play-in berth
Playoff berth
Division title
Best record
in conference
Best record
in NBA
1
Oklahoma City Thunder
68–14
—
March 12
[
50
]
March 19
[
51
]
March 20
[
52
]
April 9
[
53
]
2
Houston Rockets
52–30
—
April 2
[
54
]
April 2
[
55
]
—
—
3
Los Angeles Lakers
50–32
—
April 9
[
56
]
April 11
[
57
]
—
—
4
Denver Nuggets
50–32
—
April 13
[
58
]
—
—
—
5
Los Angeles Clippers
50–32
—
April 13
[
59
]
—
—
—
6
Minnesota Timberwolves
49–33
—
April 13
[
60
]
—
—
—
7
Golden State Warriors
48–34
April 13
[
59
]
April 15
[
61
]
—
—
—
8
Memphis Grizzlies
48–34
April 11
[
62
]
April 18
[
63
]
—
—
—
Sacramento
(40–42) and
Dallas
(39–43) also secured play-in berths but did not advance to the playoffs.
[
64
]
[
65
]
Play-in tournament brackets
[
edit
]
Play-in games
No. 8 seed game
Final seeds
7
Orlando
*
120
7
Orlando*
No. 7 seed
8
Atlanta
95
10
Miami
No. 8 seed
8
Atlanta
114
10
Miami
123
(
OT
)
9
Chicago
90
10
Miami
109
Bold
Game winner
Italic
Team with home-court advantage
*
Division winner
Play-in games
No. 8 seed game
Final seeds
7
Golden State
121
7
Golden State
No. 7 seed
8
Memphis
116
8
Memphis
No. 8 seed
8
Memphis
120
10
Dallas
106
9
Sacramento
106
10
Dallas
120
Bold
Game winner
Italic
Team with home-court advantage
*
Division winner
Teams in
bold
advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its conference, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. The division champions are marked by an asterisk. Teams with home court advantage, the higher seeded team, are shown in
italics
.
First round
Conference semifinals
Conference finals
NBA Finals
E1
Cleveland
*
4
E8
Miami
0
E1
Cleveland
*
1
E4
Indiana
4
E4
Indiana
4
E5
Milwaukee
1
E4
Indiana
4
Eastern Conference
E3
New York
2
E3
New York
4
E6
Detroit
2
E3
New York
4
E2
Boston
*
2
E2
Boston
*
4
E7
Orlando
*
1
E4
Indiana
3
W1
Oklahoma City
*
4
W1
Oklahoma City
*
4
W8
Memphis
0
W1
Oklahoma City
*
4
W4
Denver
3
W4
Denver
4
W5
LA Clippers
3
W1
Oklahoma City
*
4
Western Conference
W6
Minnesota
1
W3
LA Lakers
*
1
W6
Minnesota
4
W6
Minnesota
4
W7
Golden State
1
W2
Houston
*
3
W7
Golden State
4
Note: Times are
EDT
(
UTC−4
) as listed by the NBA. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.
Eastern Conference first round
[
edit
]
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat
[
edit
]
April 20
7:00 p.m.
Miami Heat
100,
Cleveland Cavaliers
121
Scoring by quarter:
24–
31
, 30–
31
, 25–25, 21–
34
Pts
:
Bam Adebayo
24
Rebs
:
Bam Adebayo 9
Asts
:
Davion Mitchell
9
Pts:
Donovan Mitchell
30
Rebs:
Jarrett Allen
11
Asts:
Darius Garland
5
Cleveland leads series, 1–0
Donovan Mitchell
scored 30 points as the top-seeded Cavaliers cruised to a 121–100 victory in the series opener. Mitchell also tallied four steals,
Darius Garland
finished with 27 points, and
Jarrett Allen
notched a double-double for Cleveland. Although the Heat tried to rally in the second half, Cavaliers guard
Ty Jerome
came off the bench and scored 28 points in his playoff debut, including 16 points (6-of-7 shooting) in the fourth quarter to keep Miami at bay.
Bam Adebayo
and
Tyler Herro
both finished with over 20 points for the Heat, while reserve guard
Davion Mitchell
shot 8-of-12 and dished out a game-high nine assists.
April 23
7:30 p.m.
Miami Heat
112,
Cleveland Cavaliers
121
Scoring by quarter:
24–
25
, 27–
43
,
29
–25,
32
–28
Pts
:
Tyler Herro
33
Rebs
:
Bam Adebayo
14
Asts
:
Bam Adebayo 9
Pts:
Donovan Mitchell
30
Rebs:
Jarrett Allen
8
Asts:
Darius Garland
9
Cleveland leads series, 2–0
Cleveland fought off a late Miami rally, securing victory and establishing a 2–0 series advantage.
Donovan Mitchell
had another 30-point performance, including 7 3-pointers, while also logging 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
Darius Garland
added 21 points and 9 assists, whereas
Evan Mobley
contributed 20 points and 6 rebounds.
Tyler Herro
carried the Heat on scoring, notching 33 points and dishing out 5 assists.
Bam Adebayo
tallied 11 points, 14 rebounds and 9 assists, finishing one assist shy of a triple-double.
Haywood Highsmith
came off the bench and shot 5-of-6 from beyond the arc en route to 17 points, as the Heat conceded 121 points for the second game in a row.
April 26
1:00 p.m.
Cleveland Cavaliers
124
,
Miami Heat
87
Scoring by quarter:
33
–20,
29
–22,
26
–22,
36
–23
Pts
:
Jarrett Allen
22
Rebs
:
Jarrett Allen 10
Asts
:
Ty Jerome
11
Pts:
Bam Adebayo
22
Rebs:
Bam Adebayo 9
Asts:
Davion Mitchell
5
Cleveland leads series, 3–0
Cleveland rolled to a 124–87 victory to take a commanding 3–0 series lead. It was a balanced team effort for the Cavaliers —
Jarrett Allen
scored 22 points,
De'Andre Hunter
added 21 points, defensive player of the year
Evan Mobley
added 19 points, and
Max Strus
contributed 18 points.
Ty Jerome
had 13 points and 11 assists in 22 minutes — he was +33. This was the Heat's worst playoff loss in franchise history, which only lasted one game after Game 4's blowout loss. The Cavs took control with a 33–5 run early, outrebounded Miami 46–29, and outscored the Heat 60–30 in the paint.
April 28
7:30 p.m.
Cleveland Cavaliers
138
,
Miami Heat
83
Scoring by quarter:
43
–17,
29
–16,
39
–30,
27
–20
Pts
:
Donovan Mitchell
22
Rebs
:
Jarrett Allen
12
Asts
:
Jerome
, Mitchell 5 each
Pts:
Nikola Jović
24
Rebs:
Bam Adebayo
12
Asts:
Davion Mitchell
5
Cleveland wins series, 4–0
Cleveland advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second straight season after a 55 point victory, the fourth-biggest playoff win ever. Cleveland won the series by a combined 122 points, one more than the previous record for series margin set by Denver over New Orleans in
2009
.
[
66
]
Miami was also the first team ever to lose by 30+ points in the playoffs in back-to-back games. All-star point guard
Darius Garland
missed the final two games of the series for the Cavs with a toe injury.
The series also marked the Cavaliers' first-ever playoff series sweep in franchise history without
LeBron James
on the roster.
Regular-season series
Cleveland won 2–1 in the regular-season series
December 8, 2024
Recap
Cleveland Cavaliers
113,
Miami Heat
122
Kaseya Center
,
Miami
, FL
January 29, 2025
Recap
Cleveland Cavaliers
126
, Miami Heat 106
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
March 5, 2025
Recap
Miami Heat 107,
Cleveland Cavaliers
112
Rocket Arena
,
Cleveland
, OH
This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.
[
67
]
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic
[
edit
]
April 20
3:30 p.m.
Orlando Magic
86,
Boston Celtics
103
Scoring by quarter:
18–
26
,
31
–22, 18–
30
, 19–
25
Pts
:
Paolo Banchero
36
Rebs
:
Wendell Carter Jr.
13
Asts
:
Franz Wagner
5
Pts:
Derrick White
30
Rebs:
Jayson Tatum
14
Asts:
Jrue Holiday
5
Boston leads series, 1–0
After Orlando held a slim 1-point lead at halftime, Boston dominated the second half, winning 103–86 at home.
Derrick White
was the main contributor for the Celtics on offense, knocking down 7 3-pointers en route to 30 points.
Jayson Tatum
notched a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, albeit going 1-of-8 from beyond the arc.
Payton Pritchard
added 19 points on 75% field goal percentage as a substitute. For the Magic,
Paolo Banchero
scored a game-high 36 points, while also logging 11 rebounds.
Franz Wagner
finished with 25 points and 5 assists, while
Wendell Carter Jr.
grabbed 13 boards.
April 23
7:00 p.m.
Orlando Magic
100,
Boston Celtics
109
Scoring by quarter:
21–
23
, 26–
27
, 24–
31
,
29
–28
Pts
:
Paolo Banchero
32
Rebs
:
Paolo Banchero 9
Asts
:
Paolo Banchero 7
Pts:
Jaylen Brown
36
Rebs:
three players
10 each
[
c
]
Asts:
Jrue Holiday
6
Boston leads series, 2–0
TD Garden
,
Boston
, MA
Attendance:
19,156
Referees:
James Williams, Ed Malloy, Brent Barnaky
The defending champions secured 2–0 series lead with a 109–100 victory in Game 2.
Jaylen Brown
led the way for the Celtics, logging 36 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.
Kristaps Porziņģis
(who had to shortly leave the game after an accidental elbow to the forehead by
Goga Bitadze
in the last seconds of the third quarter) notched 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Al Horford
also grabbed 10 boards, as the Celtics outrebounded their opponents 46–34. The Magic were again reliant on
Paolo Banchero
and
Franz Wagner
, with the former contributing 32 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, while the latter scored 25 points.
Wendell Carter Jr.
added 16 points and 8 rebounds, as Orlando were limited to no more than 100 points for the second consecutive game. Boston's star forward
Jayson Tatum
did not play in the game due to a wrist injury suffered in Game 1; it was the first playoff game he missed in his career.
April 25
7:00 p.m.
Boston Celtics
93,
Orlando Magic
95
Scoring by quarter:
27–
31
,
32
–18, 11–
24
,
23
–22
Pts
:
Jayson Tatum
36
Rebs
:
Jayson Tatum 9
Asts
:
Derrick White
5
Pts:
Franz Wagner
32
Rebs:
Wendell Carter Jr.
12
Asts:
Franz Wagner 8
Boston leads series, 2–1
Kia Center
,
Orlando
, FL
Attendance:
18,967
Referees:
David Guthrie, Courtney Kirkland, Tre Maddox
Franz Wagner
(32 points on 11-of-27 shooting, 7 rebounds, 8 assists) and
Paolo Banchero
(29 points on 10-of-25 shooting) efforts were enough for the Magic to outlast the Celtics in a close Game 3 victory. A returning
Jayson Tatum
scored 36 points and had 9 rebounds, but committed 7 turnovers, while co-star
Jaylen Brown
also had 6 turnovers. Altogether, the Celtics committed 20 turnovers in the game. After a stellar Game 2,
Kristaps Porziņģis
(with his head bandage after the elbow to the forehead in Game 2) scored just 7 points on 3-of-10 shooting, with a team-worst -16
plus-minus
. In the fourth quarter, the duo of Wagner and Banchero scored 18 of the Magic's 22 points.
April 27
7:00 p.m.
Boston Celtics
107
,
Orlando Magic
98
Scoring by quarter:
32
–29,
21
–19, 26–
27
,
28
–23
Pts
:
Jayson Tatum
37
Rebs
:
Jayson Tatum 14
Asts
:
Derrick White
7
Pts:
Paolo Banchero
31
Rebs:
Wendell Carter Jr.
11
Asts:
Franz Wagner
7
Boston leads series, 3–1
Jayson Tatum
scored 37 points and pulled down 14 rebounds and
Jaylen Brown
added 21 points and 11 rebounds, as the Boston Celtics took a 3–1 lead over the Orlando Magic in Game 4.
Kristaps Porziņģis
scored 19 points, including a dunk of his own missed layup that put Boston ahead for good with 3:58 left.
Paolo Banchero
led Orlando with 31 points.
April 29
8:30 p.m.
Orlando Magic
89,
Boston Celtics
120
Scoring by quarter:
27
–23, 22–
24
, 13–
36
, 27–
37
Pts
:
Franz Wagner
25
Rebs
:
Wendell Carter Jr.
11
Asts
:
Paolo Banchero
6
Pts:
Jayson Tatum
35
Rebs:
Jayson Tatum 8
Asts:
Jayson Tatum 10
Boston wins series, 4–1
The Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals behind
Jayson Tatum
's 35 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds effort. The game was tied at 53 when Magic star
Paolo Banchero
went to the bench with five fouls early in the third quarter. When he came back into the game at the start of the fourth quarter, the Celtics were up 83–62 and they never looked back, cruising to a 120–89 win.
Regular-season series
Orlando won 2–1 in the regular-season series
December 23, 2024
Recap
Boston Celtics
104,
Orlando Magic
108
Kia Center
,
Orlando
, FL
January 17, 2025
Recap
Orlando Magic 94,
Boston Celtics
121
TD Garden
,
Boston
, MA
April 9, 2025
Recap
Boston Celtics 76,
Orlando Magic
96
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since
2010
, with the Magic winning two of the first three meetings.
[
68
]
Previous playoff series
Orlando leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series
1995
Orlando Magic
3
,
Boston Celtics
1
1995 Eastern Conference First Round
2009
Boston Celtics 3,
Orlando Magic
4
2009 Eastern Conference Semifinals
2010
Orlando Magic 2,
Boston Celtics
4
2010 Eastern Conference Finals
(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons
[
edit
]
April 19
6:00 p.m.
Detroit Pistons
112,
New York Knicks
123
Scoring by quarter:
27–27, 28–
30
,
36
–26, 21–
40
Pts
:
Tobias Harris
25
Rebs
:
four players
6 each
[
d
]
Asts
:
Cade Cunningham
12
Pts:
Jalen Brunson
34
Rebs:
Karl-Anthony Towns
11
Asts:
Jalen Brunson 8
New York leads series, 1–0
After three tightly contested quarters, New York strung together a 21–0 run in the fourth, propelling them to a 123–112 victory over Detroit.
Jalen Brunson
led the scoring for the Knicks, finishing with 34 points, along with 8 assists.
Karl-Anthony Towns
put up an all-rounded performance, logging 23 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks, while
OG Anunoby
added another 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals. For the Pistons,
Cade Cunningham
scored 21 and dished out 12 assists in his playoff debut, whereas
Tobias Harris
shot 80% from beyond the arc en route to 25 points.
Malik Beasley
came off the bench and made 6 3-pointers, contributing 20 points, as Detroit were denied their first playoff win since
2008
.
April 21
7:30 p.m.
Detroit Pistons
100
,
New York Knicks
94
Scoring by quarter:
25
–18, 30–
31
,
20
–18, 25–
27
Pts
:
Cade Cunningham
33
Rebs
:
Duren
,
Harris
13 each
Asts
:
Cunningham,
Schröder
3 each
Pts:
Jalen Brunson
37
Rebs:
Hart
,
Robinson
7 each
Asts:
Jalen Brunson 7
Series tied, 1–1
In just his second playoff game, Pistons' star
Cade Cunningham
led his team to a victory with 33 points on 11-of-21 shooting and 12 rebounds performance. Detroit led for most of the game, but a late 4th quarter New York rally was halted by a
Dennis Schröder
(who had 20 pts off the bench) three-point shot with 55.1 seconds to break the tie and give Detroit the eventual win.
Jalen Brunson
had another 30-point effort with 37 in total, as well as 7 assists. With the victory, Detroit ended an NBA record 15-game playoff losing streak, which spanned 17 years.
[
69
]
April 24
7:00 p.m.
New York Knicks
118
,
Detroit Pistons
116
Scoring by quarter:
33
–27,
33
–26, 27–
30
, 25–
33
Pts
:
Karl-Anthony Towns
31
Rebs
:
Josh Hart
11
Asts
:
Brunson
, Hart 9 each
Pts:
Cunningham
,
Hardaway Jr.
24 each
Rebs:
Duren
,
Reed
8 each
Asts:
Cade Cunningham 11
New York leads series, 2–1
Jalen Brunson
(30 points, 11-of-13 from free throws) and
Karl-Anthony Towns
(31 points, 10-of-18 shooting, 4 three-point makes) starred in a close Game 3 victory to take a 2-1 series. Towns was aggressive early and Jalen Brunson was effective late. Towns scored 11 of his 31 points in the first quarter while Brunson had 12 of his 30 in the fourth. In addition,
OG Anunoby
scored 22 points and
Mikal Bridges
added 20 points for the Knicks. Detroit's
Cade Cunningham
scored 24 points and had 11 assists, but missed 15-of-25 shots and had six turnovers.
Tim Hardaway Jr.
had 24 points, making a career playoff-high seven 3-pointers.
Dennis Schroder
scored 18 points off the bench and
Jalen Duren
had 16 for the Pistons. The Pistons pulled within one point twice in the third, but the Knicks went on another surge to take a 10-point lead into the final quarter and the cushion was comfortable enough to hold off Detroit's attempts to rally.
[
70
]
April 27
1:00 p.m.
New York Knicks
94
,
Detroit Pistons
93
Scoring by quarter:
29
–19, 21–
24
, 14–
28
,
30
–22
Pts
:
Jalen Brunson
32
Rebs
:
Josh Hart
10
Asts
:
Jalen Brunson 11
Pts:
Cade Cunningham
25
Rebs:
Jalen Duren
17
Asts:
Cade Cunningham 10
New York leads series, 3–1
Jalen Brunson
(32 points, 11 assists, and 13-of-26 shooting) and
Karl-Anthony Towns
(27 points, 9 rebounds, and 10-of-23 shooting) would again star for the Knicks in a thrilling Game 4 victory. The game was close throughout and a Karl-Anthony Towns go-ahead 3-pointer with 46.6 seconds left would ultimately be the difference. Game 4 was a physical game with few whistles as seen on the last possession of the game. On the play,
Tim Hardaway Jr.
shot a 3-pointer just before the buzzer and drew contact from New York’s
Josh Hart
that wasn’t called a foul. David Guthrie, the crew chief for the game, said afterward that the officials made a mistake. “After postgame review, we observed that Hart makes body contact that is more than marginal to Hardaway Jr. and a foul should have been called,” Guthrie said. Had the foul been called, Hardaway would have gone to the foul line for three free throws that could have given Detroit the lead and win.
[
71
]
In addition, the Pistons have lost nine straight home playoff games since
2008
, tying an NBA record set by
Philadelphia 76ers
from 1968 to 1971.
Cade Cunningham
finished with the Pistons first playoff triple double since
Isiah Thomas
in 1989.
April 29
7:30 p.m.
Detroit Pistons
106
,
New York Knicks
103
Scoring by quarter:
22–
23
, 27–27,
28
–24, 29–29
Pts
:
Cade Cunningham
24
Rebs
:
Jalen Duren
14
Asts
:
Cade Cunningham 8
Pts:
OG Anunoby
19
Rebs:
Robinson
,
Towns
11 each
Asts:
Jalen Brunson
7
New York leads series, 3–2
The Pistons spoiled the Knicks chance to clinch their first playoff series victory at
Madison Square Garden
since the
1999 conference finals
, with a 106–103 win.
Ausar Thompson
’s athleticism was on full display on offense (22 points in 28 minutes, mostly in the paint) and defense (2 blocks and holding
Jalen Brunson
to an off shooting night).
Cade Cunningham
led the Pistons in scoring again with 24 points, plus 8 rebounds and assists.
Tobias Harris
had 17 points, 8 rebounds, and made three 3-pointers. In defeat, six Knicks were in double figures in scoring.
May 1
7:30 p.m.
New York Knicks
116
,
Detroit Pistons
113
Scoring by quarter:
37
–23, 22–
38
,
37
–24, 20–
28
Pts
:
Jalen Brunson
40
Rebs
:
Karl-Anthony Towns
15
Asts
:
Jalen Brunson 7
Pts:
Cade Cunningham
23
Rebs:
Cade Cunningham 7
Asts:
Dennis Schröder
9
New York wins series, 4–2
Jalen Brunson
's game-winning 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left finished off the Pistons in another hard-fought playoff game in this series. Detroit did not get a shot off to potentially tie the game and send it to overtime because
Malik Beasley
fumbled a pass with 0.4 second left. With 2:35 left, Brunson and the Knicks went on a 11–1 run to seal to the game, 116–113. Brunson scored 40 points,
Mikal Bridges
had 25 points, and
OG Anunoby
added 22 for the Knicks.
Cade Cunningham
had 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, but went 0-for-8 on 3-pointers. The Pistons as a team were just 9-for-24 from three. Jalen Duren scored 21 points on 6-of-9 shooting and 9-of-10 from the free thrown line. The Pistons now own the record for most consecutive playoff home losses, with 10. The final average margin for the series was 4.3, which was the lowest in a series of 5+ games in 25 years.
[
72
]
Regular-season series
Detroit won 3–1 in the regular-season series
November 1, 2024
Recap
New York Knicks
128
,
Detroit Pistons
98
Little Caesars Arena
,
Detroit
, MI
December 7, 2024
Recap
Detroit Pistons
120
, New York Knicks 111
Madison Square Garden
,
New York
, NY
January 13, 2025
Recap
Detroit Pistons
124
, New York Knicks 119
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
April 10, 2025
Recap
New York Knicks 106,
Detroit Pistons
115
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since
1992
, with the Knicks winning two of the first three meetings.
[
73
]
Previous playoff series
New York leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series
1984
Detroit Pistons
2,
New York Knicks
3
1984 Eastern Conference First Round
1990
Detroit Pistons
4
, New York Knicks 1
1990 Eastern Conference Semifinals
1992
New York Knicks
3
, Detroit Pistons 2
1992 Eastern Conference First Round
(4) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks
[
edit
]
April 19
1:00 p.m.
Milwaukee Bucks
98,
Indiana Pacers
117
Scoring by quarter:
25–
33
, 18–
34
,
33
–26, 22–
24
Pts
:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
36
Rebs
:
Giannis Antetokounmpo 12
Asts
:
Kevin Porter Jr.
5
Pts:
Pascal Siakam
25
Rebs:
Haliburton
, Siakam 7 each
Asts:
Tyrese Haliburton 12
Indiana leads series, 1–0
Leading by as much as 28 points, Indiana cruised to a 117–98 win over their
Central Division
rivals.
Pascal Siakam
scored 25 and grabbed 7 rebounds for the Pacers, while
Myles Turner
added 19 points on 4-of-6 3-point shooting.
Tyrese Haliburton
notched a double-double of 10 points and 12 assists, albeit missing all 7 of his 3-point attempts. The Bucks, without
Damian Lillard
, were heavily reliant on
Giannis Antetokounmpo
for scoring. Antetokounmpo logged 36 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort. Notably,
Kyle Kuzma
, as a starter, recorded a stat line of 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks and 2 fouls in 21 minutes, ending with a team-worst
plus-minus
value of –24.
April 22
7:00 p.m.
Milwaukee Bucks
115,
Indiana Pacers
123
Scoring by quarter:
30–
40
,
30
–28, 27–
31
,
28
–24
Pts
:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
34
Rebs
:
Giannis Antetokounmpo 18
Asts
:
Antetokounmpo,
Lillard
7
Pts:
Pascal Siakam
24
Rebs:
Pascal Siakam 11
Asts:
Tyrese Haliburton
12
Indiana leads series, 2–0
Indiana held off a late Milwaukee fourth quarter surge to take a 2–0 lead in the series. The Pacers played another efficient game on offense (48.9% on field goals, 44.4% from beyond the arc) led by
Pascal Siakam
(24 points, 11 rebounds),
Tyrese Haliburton
(21 points, 12 assists)
double-double
efforts.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
led the way for the Bucks with 34 points on 14-of-20 shooting, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists. Milwaukee also received a lift from
Damian Lillard
, who was playing in his first game since March 18.
[
74
]
April 25
8:00 p.m.
(7:00 p.m.
CDT
)
Indiana Pacers
101,
Milwaukee Bucks
117
Scoring by quarter:
26–26,
31
–21, 18–
39
, 26–
31
Pts
:
Pascal Siakam
28
Rebs
:
Haliburton
,
Nesmith
7
Asts
:
Tyrese Haliburton 10
Pts:
Antetokounmpo
,
Trent Jr.
37 each
Rebs:
Giannis Antetokounmpo 12
Asts:
Antetokounmpo,
Porter Jr.
6 each
Indiana leads series, 2–1
Milwaukee dominated the game in the second half and cut Indiana's series lead to 2–1.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
and
Gary Trent Jr.
each scored 37 points, with the latter also making a franchise-record nine three-pointers.
Pascal Siakam
had 28 points and
Aaron Nesmith
scored 18 for the Pacers.
Tyrese Haliburton
finished with 14 points and 10 assists.
April 27
9:30 p.m.
(8:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Indiana Pacers
129
,
Milwaukee Bucks
103
Scoring by quarter:
30
–24,
33
–28,
38
–32,
28
–19
Pts
:
Myles Turner
23
Rebs
:
Tyrese Haliburton
8
Asts
:
Tyrese Haliburton 15
Pts:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
28
Rebs:
Giannis Antetokounmpo 15
Asts:
Antetokounmpo,
Porter Jr.
6 each
Indiana leads series, 3–1
The Pacers shot 60% from the field and 46% from three to take a commanding 3–1 series lead. Eight Pacers players scored 12 points or more, led by
Myles Turner
(23 points, 4 blocks),
Andrew Nembhard
(20 points), and
Tyrese Haliburton
(17 points, 15 assists).
Giannis Antetokounmpo
continued to carry Milwaukee, with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists; however, only two other Bucks players scored 10 points or more.
Damian Lillard
tore his
Achilles tendon
in the first quarter of the game, ending his season.
April 29
6:00 p.m.
Milwaukee Bucks
118,
Indiana Pacers
119
(OT)
Scoring by quarter:
30
–13, 17–
28
, 28–
34
, 28–28,
Overtime
:
15–
16
Pts
:
Gary Trent Jr.
33
Rebs
:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
20
Asts
:
Giannis Antetokounmpo 13
Pts:
Tyrese Haliburton
26
Rebs:
Aaron Nesmith
12
Asts:
Tyrese Haliburton 9
Indiana wins series, 4–1
The Bucks' season ended in stunning fashion, blowing a 4-point lead with 60 seconds in the fourth quarter and a 7-point lead with 45 seconds in overtime.
Gary Trent Jr.
took over for Milwaukee in overtime, scoring 12 points in overtime (all from three), but his fumble and turnover out of bounds gave the ball to Indiana with 10.1 seconds left. From there, a
Tyrese Halliburton
crossover and layup over
Giannis Antetokounmpo
gave the Pacers the 119–118 lead with 1.1 seconds left. With no more timeouts, the Bucks could not advance the ball and a Trent Jr. half court heave was not close, thus giving the Pacers the win and series victory. Postgame, two incidents occurred: between Antetokounmpo and Tyrese Haliburton’s father, and between Antetokounmpo and
Bennedict Mathurin
.
[
75
]
Regular-season series
Milwaukee won 3–1 in the regular-season series
November 22, 2024
Recap
Indiana Pacers
117,
Milwaukee Bucks
129
Fiserv Forum
,
Milwaukee
, WI
December 31, 2024
Recap
Milwaukee Bucks
120
, Indiana Pacers 112
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
,
Indianapolis
, IN
March 11, 2025
Recap
Milwaukee Bucks 114,
Indiana Pacers
115
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
March 15, 2025
Recap
Indiana Pacers 119,
Milwaukee Bucks
126
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams and a rematch of the
previous season's
first round matchup, with the Pacers winning the first three meetings.
[
76
]
Previous playoff series
Indiana leads 3–0 in all-time playoff series
1999
Indiana Pacers
3
,
Milwaukee Bucks
0
1999 Eastern Conference first round
2000
Indiana Pacers
3
, Milwaukee Bucks 2
2000 Eastern Conference first round
2024
Milwaukee Bucks 2,
Indiana Pacers
4
2024 Eastern Conference first round
Western Conference first round
[
edit
]
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies
[
edit
]
April 20
1:00 p.m.
(12:00 p.m.
CDT
)
Memphis Grizzlies
80,
Oklahoma City Thunder
131
Scoring by quarter:
20–
32
, 16–
36
, 27–
44
, 17–
19
Pts
:
Bagley III
,
Morant
17 each
Rebs
:
Zach Edey
9
Asts
:
Morant,
Pippen Jr.
4 each
Pts:
Aaron Wiggins
21
Rebs:
Chet Holmgren
10
Asts:
Jalen Williams
6
Oklahoma City leads series, 1–0
The Thunder won by a heavy landslide, outscoring the Grizzlies in every quarter, as they secured a 51-point win following a 32-point lead at halftime. This was the largest-ever point differential in Game 1 of an NBA playoff series and the fifth largest in any playoff game.
[
77
]
Six Oklahoma City players scored double-digit points, while
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
played 23 minutes and scored 15 points, his lowest-scoring game of the season.
[
78
]
Desmond Bane
emerged from the game with the ignominy of being the first NBA player in the 21st century to have a
plus-minus
lower than -50, with -51.
[
79
]
April 22
7:30 p.m.
(6:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Memphis Grizzlies
99,
Oklahoma City Thunder
118
Scoring by quarter:
17–
32
, 35–
38
,
27
–20, 20–
28
Pts
:
Jaren Jackson Jr.
26
Rebs
:
Desmond Bane
12
Asts
:
Ja Morant
6
Pts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
27
Rebs:
Chet Holmgren
11
Asts:
Gilgeous-Alexander,
Jal. Williams
5 each
Oklahoma City leads series, 2–0
Fresh off their blowout victory in Game 1, the Thunder dominate yet again in Game 2 to take a commanding 2–0 series lead. The Thunder opened the game with a 9–0 run, and never trailed throughout the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
led the Thunder with 27 points, while
Jalen Williams
added 24 points, and
Chet Holmgren
put up a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double. For the Grizzlies,
Jaren Jackson Jr.
scored 26 points, and
Ja Morant
added 23 points, both in a losing effort. For the second straight game, Memphis was held to under 100 points, and was scoreless in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter.
April 24
9:30 p.m.
(8:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Oklahoma City Thunder
114
,
Memphis Grizzlies
108
Scoring by quarter:
29–
40
, 22–
37
,
36
–18,
27
–13
Pts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
31
Rebs
:
Chet Holmgren
8
Asts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8
Pts:
Scotty Pippen Jr.
28
Rebs:
Desmond Bane
8
Asts:
Morant
, Pippen Jr. 5 each
Oklahoma City leads series, 3–0
FedExForum
,
Memphis
, TN
Attendance:
16,849
Referees:
Josh Tiven, Mitchell Ervin, Kevin Cutler
After trailing 51–77 at halftime, the Thunder came back from a 29-point deficit to move on the verge of a sweep. It tied a record for the second largest comeback in an NBA playoff history, only behind the April 15, 2019, game between the
Los Angeles Clippers
and the
Golden State Warriors
(31 points).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
led the Thunder with 31 points, while
Jalen Williams
added 26 points, and
Chet Holmgren
scored 23 of his 24 points in the second half.
Scotty Pippen Jr.
led the Grizzlies with 28 points.
Ja Morant
had 15 points and five assists, but left the game early after a hip injury; on the play, Morant attempted to jump over
Luguentz Dort
on a contested dunk attempt.
April 26
3:30 p.m.
(2:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Oklahoma City Thunder
117
,
Memphis Grizzlies
115
Scoring by quarter:
34
–31, 26–
28
,
28
–26, 29–
30
Pts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
38
Rebs
:
Isaiah Hartenstein
12
Asts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6
Pts:
Scotty Pippen Jr.
30
Rebs:
Scotty Pippen Jr. 11
Asts:
Desmond Bane
5
Oklahoma City wins series, 4–0
FedExForum
,
Memphis
, TN
Attendance:
16,667
Referees:
James Capers, Pat Fraher, Brent Barnaky
Oklahoma City advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after a close 117–115 Game 4 victory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
scored 38 points on 13-of-24 shooting and 11-of-13 from the free throw line, while
Jalen Williams
added 23 points on 10-of-21 shooting. Joining them in double figures for the Thunder were
Isaiah Hartenstein
(11 points, 12 rebounds),
Chet Holmgren
(11 points), and
Aaron Wiggins
(11 points) off the bench. With no
Ja Morant
due to injury, Memphis received big contributions from role-players
Scotty Pippen Jr.
(30 points, 11 rebounds, but 5 turnovers) and
Santi Aldama
(23 points, 9 rebounds, 9-of-13 shooting).
Desmond Bane
added 23 points, but also had 5 turnovers. Overall, Memphis turned the ball over 21 times. With the Thunder's victory, it extended their win streak over the Grizzlies to 12 games.
Regular-season series
Oklahoma City won 4–0 in the regular-season series
December 29, 2024
Recap
Memphis Grizzlies
106,
Oklahoma City Thunder
130
Paycom Center
,
Oklahoma City
, OK
February 8, 2025
Recap
Oklahoma City Thunder
125
, Memphis Grizzlies 112
FedExForum
,
Memphis
, TN
March 5, 2025
Recap
Oklahoma City Thunder
120
, Memphis Grizzlies 103
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
March 27, 2025
Recap
Memphis Grizzlies 104,
Oklahoma City Thunder
125
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since
2014
, with the Thunder winning two of the first three meetings.
[
80
]
Previous playoff series
Oklahoma City leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series
2011
Oklahoma City Thunder
4
,
Memphis Grizzlies
3
2011 Western Conference semifinals
2013
Oklahoma City Thunder 1,
Memphis Grizzlies
4
2013 Western Conference semifinals
2014
Oklahoma City Thunder
4
, Memphis Grizzlies 3
2014 Western Conference first round
(2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors
[
edit
]
April 20
9:30 p.m.
(8:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Golden State Warriors
95
,
Houston Rockets
85
Scoring by quarter:
18–
21
,
29
–13, 22–
26
,
26
–25
Pts
:
Stephen Curry
31
Rebs
:
Brandin Podziemski
8
Asts
:
Jimmy Butler
6
Pts:
Alperen Şengün
26
Rebs:
Steven Adams
12
Asts:
Fred VanVleet
7
Golden State leads series, 1–0
Despite a late rally in the 4th quarter from Houston, Golden State took lead early in the 2nd quarter and never relinquished it in a 95–85 victory. They were led by their dynamic duo of
Jimmy Butler
(25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) and
Stephen Curry
(31 points, 6 rebounds, 5 three-point makes). Houston, playing in their first postseason game since
2020
, were held to the lowest scoring output of the season. Houston’s
Alperen Şengün
had 26 points, which included a
poster dunk
on
Draymond Green
in the 1st quarter, and 9 rebounds. This was the Warriors' first road playoff win since Game 7 of the first round against
Sacramento
in
2023
.
[
81
]
Warriors head coach
Steve Kerr
became the seventh head coach to win 100 playoff games, tying
Larry Brown
for sixth place in the list.
April 23
9:30 p.m.
(8:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Golden State Warriors
94,
Houston Rockets
109
Scoring by quarter:
18–
28
, 28–
32
, 25–
27
,
23
–22
Pts
:
Stephen Curry
20
Rebs
:
Curry,
Green
5
Asts
:
Stephen Curry 9
Pts:
Jalen Green
38
Rebs:
Alperen Şengün
16
Asts:
Alperen Şengün 7
Series tied, 1–1
Houston never trailed in this game, producing a dominant 109–94 win to even the series.
Jalen Green
made 8 3-pointers, finishing with 38 points, 6 assists and 3 steals.
Alperen Şengün
came up with a double-double, notching 17 points and 16 rebounds, while
Tari Eason
came off the bench to score 14 points on 6-of-9 field goal shooting. Nobody on the Warriors scored over 20 points, with
Stephen Curry
scoring exactly 20, along with 9 assists and 5 rebounds, but also 6 turnovers.
Moses Moody
and
Quinten Post
each added 12 points.
Jimmy Butler
exited the game with 2:28 remaining in the 1st quarter, after sustaining a heavy fall while trying to get a defensive rebound. He was later diagnosed with a pelvic contusion.
April 26
8:30 p.m.
(5:30 p.m.
PDT
)
Houston Rockets
93,
Golden State Warriors
104
Scoring by quarter:
22
–18, 27–
28
, 22–
23
, 22–
35
Pts
:
Fred VanVleet
17
Rebs
:
Alperen Şengün
11
Asts
:
Jalen Green
5
Pts:
Stephen Curry
36
Rebs:
Quinten Post
12
Asts:
Stephen Curry 9
Golden State leads series, 2–1
After being limited to below 100 points for two straight games, Golden State finally got past that mark with a 104–93 victory over Houston.
Stephen Curry
led the Warriors in the absence of co-star
Jimmy Butler
, tallying 36 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds.
Buddy Hield
had 17 points off the bench with five 3-pointers as the Warriors won their sixth straight Game 3 in the opening round.
Gary Payton II
scored 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. Like Game 1, it was another inefficient game for the Rockets on offense, shooting just 39% from the floor.
Fred VanVleet
's shooting struggles continued, as he is now shooting 11-41 and 6-29 from three for the series.
[
82
]
With the win, Warriors head coach
Steve Kerr
officially earned his 101st playoff win, passing
Larry Brown
for the 6th place on the NBA's all-time playoff victories as head coach.
April 28
10:00 p.m.
(7:00 p.m.
PDT
)
Houston Rockets
106,
Golden State Warriors
109
Scoring by quarter:
26–
28
,
31
–22, 23–
32
, 26–
27
Pts
:
Alperen Şengün
31
Rebs
:
Alperen Şengün 10
Asts
:
Fred VanVleet
6
Pts:
Jimmy Butler
27
Rebs:
Draymond Green
8
Asts:
Jimmy Butler 6
Golden State leads series, 3–1
Coming off an injury in Game 2,
Jimmy Butler
returned and put up 27 points, leading the Warriors in a 109-106 victory over Houston.
Brandin Podziemski
started, putting up 26 points, ahead of
Stephen Curry
and
Buddy Hield
, who continued his good form with 15 points off the bench. The Rockets, spearheaded by
Alperen Şengün
with 31 points and 10 rebounds, lagged behind the Warriors in the first, third, and fourth quarters as they only made 61.3% of their free throws at 19–31.
Fred VanVleet
made a return to shooting form as he added 25 points while going 8–11 from the three-point line. In the fourth quarter, it was a tight game as the Warriors slightly edged Houston at 107–106 with 13 seconds left; Butler ultimately made two free throw shots to take the Warriors home.
April 30
7:30 p.m.
(6:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Golden State Warriors
116,
Houston Rockets
131
Scoring by quarter:
24–
40
, 25–
36
, 31–31,
36
–24
Pts
:
Moses Moody
25
Rebs
:
Moses Moody 9
Asts
:
Stephen Curry
7
Pts:
Fred VanVleet
26
Rebs:
Alperen Şengün
9
Asts:
Alperen Şengün 9
Golden State leads series, 3–2
The Rockets kept their season alive with a blowout win in Game 5 at home.
Fred VanVleet
scored 26 points on 8-of-13 shooting to lead the Rockets, while
Amen Thompson
had a breakout performance with 25 points on 8-of-12 shooting, 5 steals, 3 blocks.
Dillon Brooks
also added 24 points in the 131–116 win. Overall, the Rockets shot 55% from beyond the arc. Warriors coach
Steve Kerr
threw in the towel early with the game out of hand. A layup by VanVleet midway through the third quarter made it 93–64, and Kerr called a timeout and cleared his bench. The Warriors' reserves got the lead to just a 14-point deficit, but it never got any closer than that.
May 2
9:00 p.m.
(6:00 p.m.
PDT
)
Houston Rockets
115
,
Golden State Warriors
107
Scoring by quarter:
25
–21,
28
–27, 33–
36
,
29
–23
Pts
:
Fred VanVleet
29
Rebs
:
Alperen Şengün
14
Asts
:
Fred VanVleet 8
Pts:
Stephen Curry
29
Rebs:
Jimmy Butler
9
Asts:
Jimmy Butler 8
Series tied, 3–3
Fred VanVleet
had 29 points, eight assists and eight rebounds,
Alperen Şengün
contributed 21 points and 14 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets kept their season alive once again by beating the Golden State Warriors, 115–107. The Warriors only trailed by two points entering the fourth quarter, but they went cold, missing 13 straight shots between
Draymond Green
's basket with 10:12 left and a 3-pointer by
Stephen Curry
at the 3:35 mark. Throughout the second half, the Warriors utilized the
Hack-a-Shaq
strategy on
Steven Adams
, resulting in 16 free throw attempts by Adams, of which he made 9.
May 4
8:30 p.m.
(7:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Golden State Warriors
103
,
Houston Rockets
89
Scoring by quarter:
23
–19,
28
–20, 19–
23
,
33
–27
Pts
:
Buddy Hield
33
Rebs
:
Stephen Curry
10
Asts
:
Butler
, Curry 7 each
Pts:
Amen Thompson
24
Rebs:
Alperen Şengün
14
Asts:
Alperen Şengün 5
Golden State wins series, 4–3
Led by
Buddy Hield
's 33 points, including a record-tying nine three-pointers, the Warriors prevented the Rockets from becoming the first team to
overcome a 3–1 series deficit
since the
2019–20 Denver Nuggets
.
Stephen Curry
, who played in his second game seven in three years, added a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, while also scoring 14 of his points in the fourth quarter. During the first half, Hield scored 22 points and six three-pointers, being 9 of 11 from 3-point range.
Amen Thompson
led the Rockets with 24 points, but
Fred VanVleet
was limited to 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting. With the victory, the Warriors become the second 7-seed in three seasons to eliminate a 2-seed in the first round, after the
2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers
. They also remain undefeated in the playoffs over the Rockets, moving up to 5–0, with all series victories coming during Stephen Curry and
Draymond Green
's tenure with the team. Per ESPN, this is the 4th series in NBA history to go a full seven games, and have both teams score an identical number of points.
[
83
]
Regular-season series
Golden State won 3–2 in the regular-season series
November 2, 2024
Recap
Golden State Warriors
127
,
Houston Rockets
121 (OT)
Toyota Center
,
Houston
, TX
December 5, 2024
Recap
Houston Rockets 93,
Golden State Warriors
99
Chase Center
,
San Francisco
, CA
December 11, 2024
Recap
Golden State Warriors 90,
Houston Rockets
91
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
February 13, 2025
Recap
Golden State Warriors
105
, Houston Rockets 98
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
April 6, 2025
Recap
Houston Rockets
106
, Golden State Warriors 96
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since
2019
, with the Warriors winning the first four meetings.
[
84
]
Previous playoff series
Golden State leads 4–0 in all-time playoff series
2015
Golden State Warriors
4
,
Houston Rockets
1
2015 Western Conference finals
2016
Golden State Warriors
4
, Houston Rockets 1
2016 Western Conference first round
2018
Houston Rockets 3,
Golden State Warriors
4
2018 Western Conference finals
2019
Golden State Warriors
4
, Houston Rockets 2
2019 Western Conference semifinals
(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
[
edit
]
April 19
8:30 p.m.
(5:30 p.m.
PDT
)
Minnesota Timberwolves
117
,
Los Angeles Lakers
95
Scoring by quarter:
21–
28
,
38
–20,
35
–30,
23
–17
Pts
:
Jaden McDaniels
25
Rebs
:
Jaden McDaniels 9
Asts
:
Anthony Edwards
9
Pts:
Luka Dončić
37
Rebs:
Luka Dončić 8
Asts:
James
,
Reaves
3 each
Minnesota leads series, 1–0
The Timberwolves cruised to a win against the Lakers in the opening game of the series, dominating from the second quarter onwards.
Anthony Edwards
recorded a near-triple-double stat line of 22 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists, despite making only 8 of his 22 field goal attempts.
Jaden McDaniels
added 25 points and 9 rebounds, while
Naz Reid
came off the bench to score 23 points on 6-of-9 3-point shooting. In his Lakers playoff debut,
Luka Dončić
carried the team with 37 points and 8 rebounds but finished with just one assist. None of his teammates scored above 20, although
LeBron James
came close with 19, along with 5 rebounds and 3 blocks, as the home team endured a night of bad shooting, going 33-of-83 overall.
April 22
10:00 p.m.
(7:00 p.m.
PDT
)
Minnesota Timberwolves
85,
Los Angeles Lakers
94
Scoring by quarter:
15–
34
,
28
–24, 22–
23
,
20
–13
Pts
:
Julius Randle
27
Rebs
:
three players
6 each
[
e
]
Asts
:
Julius Randle 6
Pts:
Luka Dončić
31
Rebs:
Luka Dončić 12
Asts:
Luka Dončić 9
Series tied, 1–1
While the game got within single-digits in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles rode a 34–15 first quarter and never gave up the lead to tie the series on their home floor.
Luka Dončić
led Los Angeles in scoring with 31 points on 9-of-20 shooting with 12 rebounds and 9 assists, while
LeBron James
chipped in with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Julius Randle
led the Timberwolves in scoring with 27 points, while
Anthony Edwards
scored 25, including a
poster dunk
on
Jaxson Hayes
in the beginning of the third quarter.
[
85
]
[
86
]
However, no other player on the Timberwolves reached double figures in scoring, with the team shooting just 20% from 3-point range following their 21 made 3-pointers in Game 1.
April 25
9:30 p.m.
(8:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Los Angeles Lakers
104,
Minnesota Timberwolves
116
Scoring by quarter:
26–
32
,
32
–22, 26–
32
, 20–
30
Pts
:
LeBron James
38
Rebs
:
LeBron James 10
Asts
:
Luka Dončić
8
Pts:
Jaden McDaniels
30
Rebs:
Anthony Edwards
8
Asts:
Anthony Edwards 8
Minnesota leads series, 2–1
After trailing by just four points at halftime, the Timberwolves outscored Lakers 62–46 in the second half, including a 13–1 run in the closing four-and-a-half minutes, to spoil a 38-point, 10-rebound performance from
LeBron James
.
Jaden McDaniels
led the Timberwolves with 30 points, while
Anthony Edwards
added 29, including a dagger 3-pointer to seal the Timberwolves' 2–1 series lead. For the Lakers,
Austin Reaves
scored 20 points and 7 rebounds, while
Luka Dončić
, who was reportedly sick, added 17 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists.
April 27
3:30 p.m.
(2:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Los Angeles Lakers
113,
Minnesota Timberwolves
116
Scoring by quarter:
32
–28, 26–
33
,
36
–23, 19–
32
Pts
:
Luka Dončić
38
Rebs
:
LeBron James
12
Asts
:
LeBron James 8
Pts:
Anthony Edwards
43
Rebs:
Jaden McDaniels
11
Asts:
Anthony Edwards 6
Minnesota leads series, 3–1
Jaden McDaniels
converted a three-point play with 39.5 seconds left to take the lead and stole the ensuing inbounds pass from
LeBron James
, leading a late game rally by the Timberwolves for a 116–113 win over the Lakers that put them on the brink of advancing.
Anthony Edwards
, who had 43 points to lead Minnesota in scoring, drew a foul on James during a drive to the lane with 10 seconds left and hit both free throws to put them up three. On the last possession of the game,
Austin Reaves
missed a three that would have tied the game. LeBron James had 27 points and 12 rebounds for his 144th career double-double in the playoffs, surpassing
Wilt Chamberlain
for the third-most in history behind
Tim Duncan
(164) and
Magic Johnson
(157). James also went 15 for 18 from the free-throw line and had multiple excellent defensive stops in the fourth quarter, but did not score in the quarter, the first time he went scoreless in a fourth quarter since 2017.
Luka Dončić
bounced back from a stomach bug in Game 3, with 38 points on 13-for-28 shooting.
Rui Hachimura
played his best game of the series thus far with 23 points, while Austin Reaves scored all 16 of his points in the second half.
Julius Randle
added 25 points and McDaniels had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Wolves, who trailed for much of the second half before the late game surge. The game was also notable for Lakers coach
JJ Redick
playing a five-man combo of Reaves, Dončić,
Dorian Finney-Smith
, James, and Hachimura the whole second half, the first coach in the play-by-play era to play five players for an entire half in the playoffs.
[
87
]
April 30
10:00 p.m.
(7:00 p.m.
PDT
)
Minnesota Timberwolves
103
,
Los Angeles Lakers
96
Scoring by quarter:
31
–22,
28
–27, 22–
31
,
22
–16
Pts
:
Rudy Gobert
27
Rebs
:
Rudy Gobert 24
Asts
:
Anthony Edwards
8
Pts:
Luka Dončić
28
Rebs:
three players
7 each
[
f
]
Asts:
Luka Dončić 9
Minnesota wins series, 4–1
Minnesota completed the series upset over the Los Angeles Lakers, behind
Rudy Gobert
’s personal playoff highs with 27 points and 24 rebounds (9 offensive), against a center-less Lakers line-up. Minnesota won the game despite shooting 7-for-47 from three. This was the first time in franchise history the Lakers have lost in the first round when they were a 3-seed or better. Per
OptaSTATS
, just 16.9% of the Lakers' points in the series came in the fourth quarter (85 of 502), which is now the lowest percentage by any team in any playoff series in NBA history.
[
88
]
Regular-season series
Series tied 2–2 in the regular-season series
October 22, 2024
Recap
Minnesota Timberwolves
103,
Los Angeles Lakers
110
Crypto.com Arena
,
Los Angeles
, CA
December 2, 2024
Recap
Los Angeles Lakers 80,
Minnesota Timberwolves
109
Target Center
,
Minneapolis
, MN
December 13, 2024
Recap
Los Angeles Lakers 87,
Minnesota Timberwolves
97
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
February 27, 2025
Recap
Minnesota Timberwolves 102,
Los Angeles Lakers
111
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since
2004
, with the Lakers winning the first two meetings.
[
89
]
Previous playoff series
LA Lakers lead 2–0 in all-time playoff series
2003
Minnesota Timberwolves
2,
Los Angeles Lakers
4
2003 Western Conference first round
2004
Minnesota Timberwolves 2,
Los Angeles Lakers
4
2004 Western Conference finals
(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers
[
edit
]
April 19
3:30 p.m.
(1:30 p.m.
MDT
)
Los Angeles Clippers
110,
Denver Nuggets
112
(OT)
Scoring by quarter:
35
–27, 18–
22
, 22–
23
, 23–
26
,
Overtime
:
12–
14
Pts
:
James Harden
32
Rebs
:
Ivica Zubac
13
Asts
:
James Harden 11
Pts:
Nikola Jokić
29
Rebs:
Jokić,
Murray
9 each
Asts:
Nikola Jokić 12
Denver leads series, 1–0
Ball Arena
,
Denver
, CO
Attendance:
19,973
Referees:
James Williams, Kevin Scott, Mark Lindsay
Falling into a 15-point deficit halfway through the second quarter, Denver rallied and ultimately prevailed in overtime.
Nikola Jokić
once again showed his dominance, racking up 29 points, 9 rebounds and 12 assists, one rebound shy of a triple-double.
Jamal Murray
finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, while
Aaron Gordon
added another 25 points, including 6 in overtime, and 8 rebounds. The Clippers had two players with a double-double, with
James Harden
scoring 32 and dishing out 11 assists, while
Ivica Zubac
logged 21 points and 13 rebounds.
Kawhi Leonard
contributed 22 points, but also had 7 turnovers. With 10 seconds left in overtime and the Nuggets up by 3, Clippers had an inbound opportunity, but
Russell Westbrook
made a key defensive play to force a turnover, sealing the victory over his former team.
April 21
10:00 p.m.
(8:00 p.m.
MDT
)
Los Angeles Clippers
105
,
Denver Nuggets
102
Scoring by quarter:
25–
31
,
30
–21, 23–
24
,
27
–26
Pts
:
Kawhi Leonard
39
Rebs
:
Ivica Zubac
12
Asts
:
James Harden
7
Pts:
Nikola Jokić
26
Rebs:
Michael Porter Jr.
15
Asts:
Nikola Jokić 10
Series tied, 1–1
Kawhi Leonard
scored 39 points on 15-of-19 shooting as the Los Angeles Clippers evened their first-round playoff series against the Nuggets. It was another thrilling game that saw 18 lead changes and 12 ties. Despite the win, the Clippers saw no one, aside from Leonard, score over 20, with
James Harden
going just 7-of-17 on field goals, finishing with 18 points.
Ivica Zubac
notched another double-double, with 16 points and 12 rebounds. For the Nuggets,
Nikola Jokić
achieved his first triple-double of the postseason, tallying 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists (but also 7 turnovers).
Jamal Murray
added 23 points for the Nuggets, who also got a bounce-back game from
Michael Porter Jr.
(15 points and 15 rebounds) after his 3-point performance in Game 1.
April 24
10:00 p.m.
(7:00 p.m.
PDT
)
Denver Nuggets
83,
Los Angeles Clippers
117
Scoring by quarter:
28–
35
, 19–
30
, 23–
25
, 13–
27
Pts
:
Jokić
,
Murray
23 each
Rebs
:
Nikola Jokić 13
Asts
:
Nikola Jokić 13
Pts:
Kawhi Leonard
21
Rebs:
Kawhi Leonard 11
Asts:
James Harden
9
LA Clippers lead series, 2–1
In Game 3, the Clippers had a 23–2 run that lasted through the first and second quarters that helped them take a commanding lead and ultimately win the game. This run included a stretch where the Clippers made 14 of their 28 three-pointers. The Clippers win was a balanced effort, with Kawhi Leonard finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists;
Norman Powell
broke out of a mini-slump with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting;
Ivica Zubac
scored 20 points to go along with 9 rebounds;
James Harden
had 19 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds; and
Nicolas Batum
provided 12 points off the bench with 4 three-point makes. In the defeat,
Nikola Jokić
had another playoff
triple double
, with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists on 9-of-14 shooting.
Jamal Murray
added 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting. This was the first playoff game at
Intuit Dome
.
[
90
]
April 26
6:00 p.m.
(3:00 p.m.
PDT
)
Denver Nuggets
101
,
Los Angeles Clippers
99
Scoring by quarter:
27
–22, 23–
26
,
35
–17, 16–
34
Pts
:
Nikola Jokić
36
Rebs
:
Nikola Jokić 21
Asts
:
Nikola Jokić 8
Pts:
Kawhi Leonard
24
Rebs:
Ivica Zubac
12
Asts:
James Harden
11
Series tied, 2–2
The Nuggets evened the series at 2–2, behind 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 8 assists from
Nikola Jokić
and a game-winning, buzzer-beating dunk from
Aaron Gordon
. The Nuggets led the game by a slim two points at halftime, which eventually became a 85–65 lead entering the fourth quarter. The Clippers tried to erase a 22-point deficit, outscoring the Nuggets with a 32–9 run to take a 97–96 lead with one minute and eleven seconds left in regulation, with
Bogdan Bogdanović
's offensive rebound and basket. A three-point play from Jokić gave the Nuggets a 99–97 lead, before
Ivica Zubac
tied the game with exactly eight seconds remaining. Gordon dunked the missed three-pointer from Jokić to seal the victory; officials concluded that the ball came out of Gordon's hands before the red light came out, thus resulting in a Nuggets victory. According to the NBA, it was the first known game-winning buzzer-beater putback dunk in NBA playoff history.
[
91
]
Michael Porter Jr.
and
Christian Braun
each scored 17 points for the Nuggets.
Kawhi Leonard
was the leading scorer for the Clippers with 24 points;
Norman Powell
added 22.
April 29
10:00 p.m.
(8:00 p.m.
MDT
)
Los Angeles Clippers
115,
Denver Nuggets
131
Scoring by quarter:
23–
35
,
36
–32, 24–
32
, 32–32
Pts
:
Ivica Zubac
27
Rebs
:
Kawhi Leonard
9
Asts
:
Kawhi Leonard 11
Pts:
Jamal Murray
43
Rebs:
Christian Braun
12
Asts:
Nikola Jokić
12
Denver leads series, 3–2
Ball Arena
,
Denver
, CO
Attendance:
20,005
Referees:
Josh Tiven, Mitchell Ervin, Karl Lane
Jamal Murray
exploded for 43 points on 17-of-26 shooting and 8-of-14 beyond the arc, as Denver took a 3-2 series lead at their home floor.
Russell Westbrook
returned after missing Game 4 with an injury and gave the team 21 points off the bench.
Aaron Gordon
provided 23 points, while
Nikola Jokić
notched his third triple double of the series. As a team, the Nuggets shot 52% from three.
Ivica Zubac
scored 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting, a playoff career-high for the Clippers center.
Kawhi Leonard
scored 20 points, hauled 11 rebounds, and was one assist short of a triple double. This was the Clippers first back-to-back losses since they lost three straight from March 2–5.
May 1
10:00 p.m.
(7:00 p.m.
PDT
)
Denver Nuggets
105,
Los Angeles Clippers
111
Scoring by quarter:
28
–25, 29–
33
, 22–
32
,
26
–21
Pts
:
Nikola Jokić
25
Rebs
:
Russell Westbrook
10
Asts
:
Jokić,
Murray
8 each
Pts:
James Harden
28
Rebs:
Kawhi Leonard
10
Asts:
James Harden 8
Series tied, 3–3
A balanced effort from
James Harden
(28 points and eight assists),
Kawhi Leonard
(27 points and 10 rebounds) and
Norman Powell
(24 points, 11 in the third quarter) helped the Clippers force a pivotal Game 7 in their series with the Nuggets. Los Angeles led by 15 with less than six minutes to play, but Denver made an 11–2 run to trim the Clippers’ lead to 107–101, but
Russell Westbrook
missed a layup and Powell buried a 3-pointer with 1:47 left to put the Clippers back up 9.
Nicolas Batum
would also continue his excellent series on defense with 3 steals and 2 blocks on
Nikola Jokić
. Leading the Nuggets was Jokić, who scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half, and
Jamal Murray
, who finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Nuggets are looking to atone for their Game 7 upset loss at home from
last year's playoffs
against the
Timberwolves
, while the Clippers are looking to avenge their Game 7 defeat by the
Nuggets
from the
2020 Western Conference semifinals
.
May 3
7:30 p.m.
(5:30 p.m.
MDT
)
Los Angeles Clippers
101,
Denver Nuggets
120
Scoring by quarter:
26
–21, 21–
37
, 19–
35
,
35
–27
Pts
:
Kawhi Leonard
22
Rebs
:
Ivica Zubac
14
Asts
:
James Harden
13
Pts:
Aaron Gordon
22
Rebs:
Nikola Jokić
10
Asts:
Nikola Jokić 8
Denver wins series, 4–3
Ball Arena
,
Denver
, CO
Attendance:
19,995
Referees:
Marc Davis, Courtney Kirkland, Ben Taylor
A dominant 37–21 second quarter and a 35–19 third quarter was enough for the Nuggets to defeat the Clippers and advance to the Western Conference semifinals for the sixth time in seven seasons. The Nuggets led by as many as 35 and had six players in double figures in scoring (
Murray
,
Braun
,
Porter Jr.
,
Gordon
,
Jokić
, and
Westbrook
); Westbrook also added 5 steals.
Kawhi Leonard
was the only Clipper to score over 20 points, as he scored 22 on 6-of-13 shooting. This was
Tyronn Lue
's first Game 7 loss as a head coach, after going 4–0 prior to this game. After winning 18 of their last 21 regular season games and two of the first three in this series, the Clippers lost three of their last four games.
Regular-season series
Series tied 2–2 in the regular-season series
October 26, 2024
Recap
Los Angeles Clippers
109
,
Denver Nuggets
104
Ball Arena
,
Denver
, CO
December 1, 2024
Recap
Denver Nuggets 122,
Los Angeles Clippers
126
Intuit Dome
,
Inglewood
, CA
December 13, 2024
Recap
Los Angeles Clippers 98,
Denver Nuggets
120
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
January 8, 2025
Recap
Los Angeles Clippers 103,
Denver Nuggets
126
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since
2020
, with each team winning one series.
[
92
]
Previous playoff series
Series tied 1–1 in all-time playoff series
2006
Denver Nuggets
1,
Los Angeles Clippers
4
2006 Western Conference first round
2020
Los Angeles Clippers 3,
Denver Nuggets
4
2020 Western Conference semifinals
Conference semifinals
[
edit
]
Note: Times are
EDT
(
UTC−4
) as listed by the NBA. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.
Eastern Conference semifinals
[
edit
]
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Indiana Pacers
[
edit
]
May 4
6:00 p.m.
Indiana Pacers
121
,
Cleveland Cavaliers
112
Scoring by quarter:
36
–25, 28–
33
, 28–
32
,
29
–22
Pts
:
Andrew Nembhard
23
Rebs
:
Myles Turner
11
Asts
:
Tyrese Haliburton
13
Pts:
Donovan Mitchell
33
Rebs:
Evan Mobley
10
Asts:
Ty Jerome
8
Indiana leads series, 1–0
The Pacers stunned the top-seeded Cavaliers in Game 1, fighting off a late Cleveland rally to win 121–112. All five Indiana starters scored in double figures;
Andrew Nembhard
led the scoring with 23 points on 5-of-6 3-point shooting.
Tyrese Haliburton
notched a double-double with 22 points and 13 assists, along with 3 blocks.
Aaron Nesmith
and
Pascal Siakam
had 17 points apiece, while
Myles Turner
tallied 13 points and 11 rebounds. On the other hand,
Donovan Mitchell
led the Cavaliers with 33 points and broke
Michael Jordan
’s NBA playoff record with his eighth straight game of at least 30 points in a series opener, albeit making only 1 of his 11 3-point attempts.
Evan Mobley
, the newly crowned
Defensive Player of the Year
, added 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Darius Garland
remained absent for the third straight playoff game due to a sprained left big toe.
May 6
7:00 p.m.
Indiana Pacers
120
,
Cleveland Cavaliers
119
Scoring by quarter:
15–
32
,
35
–29, 34–
37
,
36
–21
Pts
:
Nesmith
,
Turner
23 each
Rebs
:
Tyrese Haliburton
9
Asts
:
Andrew Nembhard
13
Pts:
Donovan Mitchell
48
Rebs:
Jarrett Allen
12
Asts:
Donovan Mitchell 9
Indiana leads series, 2–0
Despite trailing by 20 points in the 3rd quarter, the Pacers stormed back and won Game 2 on a game-winning three by
Tyrese Haliburton
, taking a 2–0 series lead. Indiana once again had six players score 10+ points, with 23 from
Nesmith
and
Turner
while Haliburton and
Mathurin
scored 19 each.
Donovan Mitchell
led the way for Cleveland in the absence of
Darius Garland
and
Evan Mobley
, scoring a playoff-high 48 points along with 9 assists. This was the second time this postseason the Pacers came back from 7 points or more with a minute or less in regulation. Coincidentally, this was also nearly the 30 year anniversary of
Reggie Miller
's 8 points in 9 seconds comeback against the
Knicks
in Game 1 of the ECSF in
1995
.
[
93
]
May 9
7:30 p.m.
Cleveland Cavaliers
126
,
Indiana Pacers
104
Scoring by quarter:
32–32,
34
–13, 31–
34
,
29
–25
Pts
:
Donovan Mitchell
43
Rebs
:
Evan Mobley
13
Asts
:
Max Strus
7
Pts:
Bennedict Mathurin
23
Rebs:
Aaron Nesmith
7
Asts:
T. J. McConnell
7
Indiana leads series, 2–1
Donovan Mitchell
became the first Cavs player since
LeBron James
in
2016
to score 40 points in back-to-back playoff games, as Cleveland got back in the series with a road blowout win over the Pacers in Game 3.
Bennedict Mathurin
led the Pacers with 23 points.
Pascal Siakam
had 18, and
Tyrese Haliburton
finished with just four points and five assists in his first career home loss in a postseason game he's appeared.
Defensive Player of the Year
Evan Mobley
, All-Star guard
Darius Garland
, and key backup
De'Andre Hunter
all suited up for Cleveland after missing Game 2.
Max Strus
made four 3-pointers and finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Three other Cleveland players also scored in double figures on a night the Cavs led by as much as 26, never trailed, and managed to protect their late lead when the Pacers cut the deficit to 11 early in the fourth.
May 11
8:00 p.m.
Cleveland Cavaliers
109,
Indiana Pacers
129
Scoring by quarter:
23–
38
, 16–
42
,
38
–29,
32
–20
Pts
:
Darius Garland
21
Rebs
:
Strus
,
Thompson
6 each
Asts
:
Darius Garland 6
Pts:
Pascal Siakam
21
Rebs:
Myles Turner
7
Asts:
T. J. McConnell
8
Indiana leads series, 3–1
Indiana struck back with a dominant offensive performance, tying playoff records with a 41-point lead at halftime and taking a commanding 3–1 series lead over Cleveland. Despite the ejection of
Bennedict Mathurin
, the Pacers dominated the Cavaliers in the first half, shooting 60% from the field while holding Cleveland to 8 made shots; Indiana led 80–39 at the half, closing the half with a 19–2 run, culminating with
Aaron Nesmith
's buzzer-beating midrange jumper.
Pascal Siakam
led the scoring for the Pacers with 21 points on 9/10 shooting, while
Myles Turner
put up 20 points and 7 rebounds, while
Obi Toppin
added 20 points off the bench.
Darius Garland
led the Cavaliers with 21 points and 6 assists, while
Donovan Mitchell
exited after the first half with an apparent ankle injury during warm-ups. The Cavaliers' 70–49 second half was not enough to win, and they ended up on the brink of elimination.
May 13
7:00 p.m.
Indiana Pacers
114
,
Cleveland Cavaliers
105
Scoring by quarter:
19–
31
,
33
–25,
33
–20, 29–29
Pts
:
Tyrese Haliburton
31
Rebs
:
Aaron Nesmith
13
Asts
:
Tyrese Haliburton 8
Pts:
Donovan Mitchell
35
Rebs:
Evan Mobley
11
Asts:
Darius Garland
3
Indiana wins series, 4–1
The Pacers advanced to their second straight Conference Finals after a crucial upset over the Cavaliers.
Tyrese Haliburton
led the Pacers with 31 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while
Pascal Siakam
added 25 in the road win.
Donovan Mitchell
, who played through a sprained ankle from Game 4, led the Cavaliers with 35 points in a losing effort, but shot only 8-for-25 from the floor.
Evan Mobley
tallied a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cavaliers opened the game with a dominant 31–19 first quarter and led by as many as 19 points before the Pacers cut the lead to 56–52 at halftime, with Haliburton making all but one of his six three-pointers in the second quarter. The Pacers used a 17–2 run to take an 85–76 lead at the end of the third quarter, and never trailed in the fourth, while fending off a late rally from the Cavaliers and scoring eight of the game's final 10 points, to seal the comeback victory. The Cavaliers struggled to keep up, being 9-for-35 from the three-point range, with Mitchell and
Darius Garland
scoring only a combined 12 three-pointers on 41 attempted shots.
With the win, the Pacers advance to back-to-back Conference Finals for the first time since
2013
and
2014
. They also became the first team to reach consecutive Conference Finals series as a 4-seed or lower. For the first time since
2005
, they won three games in a playoff series as the road team. For the first time in franchise history, the Cavaliers lost three home games in a playoff series. Notably, Cleveland went 0-5 at
Rocket Arena
against the Pacers throughout the regular season and playoffs, going 36-5 against every other opponent, with all 5 losses being attributed to unique teams.
Regular-season series
Indiana won 3–1 in the regular-season series
January 12, 2025
Recap
Indiana Pacers
108
,
Cleveland Cavaliers
93
Rocket Arena
,
Cleveland
, OH
January 14, 2025
Recap
Cleveland Cavaliers
127
, Indiana Pacers 117
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
,
Indianapolis
, IN
April 10, 2025
Recap
Cleveland Cavaliers 112,
Indiana Pacers
114
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
April 13, 2025
Recap
Indiana Pacers
126
, Cleveland Cavaliers 118 (2OT)
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with Cleveland winning two of the past three.
[
94
]
Previous playoff series
Cleveland leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series
1998
Indiana Pacers
3
,
Cleveland Cavaliers
1
1998 Eastern Conference First Round
2017
Cleveland Cavaliers
4
, Indiana Pacers 0
2017 Eastern Conference First Round
2018
Cleveland Cavaliers
4
, Indiana Pacers 3
2018 Eastern Conference First Round
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) New York Knicks
[
edit
]
May 5
7:00 p.m.
New York Knicks
108
,
Boston Celtics
105 (OT)
Scoring by quarter:
25–
26
, 20–
35
,
30
–23,
25
–16,
Overtime
:
8
–5
Pts
:
Anunoby
,
Brunson
29 each
Rebs
:
Karl-Anthony Towns
13
Asts
:
Mikal Bridges
7
Pts:
Brown
,
Tatum
23 each
Rebs:
Jayson Tatum 16
Asts:
Jayson Tatum 6
New York leads series, 1–0
After trailing by 20 points midway through the 3rd quarter, the Knicks would slowly rally from the deficit and re-take the lead in the 4th quarter. With the score tied 100–100,
Jalen Brunson
, who had previously hit two back-to-back 3s, missed a potential game-winning layup, which sent the game to overtime. In the OT,
Mikal Bridges
had 2 crucial steals, including the game-winning strip from
Jaylen Brown
to give New York a 108–105 victory and a 1–0 series lead. Brunson and
OG Anunoby
both scored 29 points, whereas
Jayson Tatum
and
Jaylen Brown
combined for 46 points, but shot 14-43 from the field, including 5-25 from 3-point range. The Celtics also set an NBA playoff record for the most missed 3-pointers in a single game with 45, shooting 15-60 from 3-point range overall.
May 7
7:00 p.m.
New York Knicks
91
,
Boston Celtics
90
Scoring by quarter:
13–
24
,
28
–26, 20–
23
,
30
–17
Pts
:
Josh Hart
23
Rebs
:
Karl-Anthony Towns
17
Asts
:
Jalen Brunson
7
Pts:
Brown
,
White
20 each
Rebs:
Jayson Tatum
14
Asts:
three players
5 each
[
g
]
New York leads series, 2–0
TD Garden
,
Boston
, MA
Attendance:
19,156
Referees:
James Capers, Kevin Scott, Mark Lindsay
The Knicks made history as the only team to come back from 20-point deficits in back-to-back playoff games, as they took a commanding 2–0 series lead in Game 2.
Jalen Brunson
only scored 17 points for New York, but made two free throws with 12.7 seconds left to give his team the 91–90 lead. On the last possession of the game,
Jayson Tatum
then couldn't get to the rim and
Mikal Bridges
moved in to bat the ball away and recover it, securing his 2nd game-ending steal in as many games. Bridges also scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter.
Josh Hart
had 23 points and
Karl-Anthony Towns
finished with 21 points and 17 rebounds for the Knicks. The Celtics, who led by 20 points multiple times in the game, had another off night shooting the three, going 10-for-40.
Jaylen Brown
and
Derrick White
scored 20 points apiece, while star forward Jayson Tatum was limited to 13 points on 5-for-19 shooting for the Celtics.
Kristaps Porziņģis
did not start after sitting out the second half of Game 1 with an illness. He came off the bench for just the fifth time in his NBA career and finished with eight points and four rebounds in 14 minutes. In the fourth quarter, the Celtics went eight minutes without a field goal made. The Knicks improved to 5–0 on the road in these playoffs, with each of their wins coming by 3 points or less.
May 10
3:30 p.m.
Boston Celtics
115
,
New York Knicks
93
Scoring by quarter:
36
–20,
35
–26,
25
–24, 19–
23
Pts
:
Payton Pritchard
23
Rebs
:
Horford
,
Tatum
9 each
Asts
:
Jayson Tatum 7
Pts:
Jalen Brunson
27
Rebs:
Karl-Anthony Towns
15
Asts:
Jalen Brunson 7
New York leads series, 2–1
In the most expensive Knicks playoff game in
Madison Square Garden
history,
[
95
]
the Celtics managed to avoid a 3–0 deficit on the road with a 115–93 rout of the Knicks, never trailing and dominating the game throughout all 4 quarters, leading by as many as 31 points. The Celtics started off the 1st quarter 36–20 and never looked back, as they finally had an efficient game from beyond the arc (50%, 20-40 shooting).
Payton Pritchard
led Boston with 23 points to lead Boston in scoring, and
Jalen Brunson
led New York with 27 points and 7 assists.
Karl-Anthony Towns
had a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds, but had an inefficient shooting just 5-18 from the field. With this loss, this also resulted in home teams in the Eastern Conference semifinals having a 0–6 record at home in the semifinals so far.
May 12
7:30 p.m.
Boston Celtics
113,
New York Knicks
121
Scoring by quarter:
39
–28, 23–23, 23–
37
, 28–
33
Pts
:
Jayson Tatum
42
Rebs
:
Jayson Tatum 8
Asts
:
Horford
, Tatum 4 each
Pts:
Jalen Brunson
39
Rebs:
Karl-Anthony Towns
11
Asts:
Jalen Brunson 12
New York leads series, 3–1
Following a rough Game 3, the Knicks broke their losing streak against the Celtics in
Madison Square Garden
as they rallied for a 121–113 win. Despite the Knicks trailing by 14 in the 3rd quarter,
Jalen Brunson
scored 18 of his 39 points in the 3rd to retake the lead. In the dominant bounce-back effort, the trio of
Mikal Bridges
,
Karl-Anthony Towns
and
OG Anunoby
combined for 66 points. The Knicks also trailed by 11 at halftime, as they outscored Boston 70–51 in the 2nd half, including a 37–23 run in the 3rd quarter. In the losing effort,
Jayson Tatum
had 42 points with 7 made 3-pointers, but would leave the game with 3 minutes remaining with a severe non-contact injury. Forced to take Tatum out, Boston head coach
Joe Mazzulla
used his final timeout, sealing the Knicks' victory. A day later, an MRI revealed that Tatum had suffered an
Achilles tendon rupture
, effectively ending his season and putting question into his availability for the 2025–26 season.
May 14
7:00 p.m.
New York Knicks
102,
Boston Celtics
127
Scoring by quarter:
32
–30, 27–
29
, 17–
32
, 26–
36
Pts
:
Josh Hart
24
Rebs
:
Mitchell Robinson
13
Asts
:
Jalen Brunson
6
Pts:
Derrick White
34
Rebs:
Luke Kornet
9
Asts:
Jaylen Brown
12
New York leads series, 3–2
The Celtics connected on 22 3-pointers to post their first home victory of the series and keep their season alive in a 127-102 rout.
Derrick White
had 34 points, including seven 3-pointers,
Jaylen Brown
added 26 points and 12 assists, and
Payton Pritchard
scored 17 points and five 3-pointers.
Luke Kornet
finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks. He started the second half for
Kristaps Porzingis
, who played just 12 minutes.
Josh Hart
led the Knicks with 24 points despite briefly leaving the game late in the first quarter to close a bloody gash over his eye after he took an inadvertent elbow.
Jalen Brunson
added 22 points before fouling out with 7:19 to play in the game.
May 16
8:00 p.m.
Boston Celtics
81,
New York Knicks
119
Scoring by quarter:
20–
26
, 17–
38
, 20–
28
, 24–
27
Pts
:
Jaylen Brown
20
Rebs
:
Jaylen Brown 6
Asts
:
Jaylen Brown 6
Pts:
Anunoby
,
Brunson
23 each
Rebs:
Karl-Anthony Towns
12
Asts:
Josh Hart
11
New York wins series, 4–2
Back at
Madison Square Garden
, the Knicks blew out the Celtics to clinch their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. The Knicks set the tone early, expanding their lead to 27 at halftime, expanding to as much as 41 in the 3rd quarter. Jaylen Brown led the way for Boston with 20 points, but fouled out in the 3rd quarter, also finishing with 7 turnovers. For the Knicks, 4 players scored over 20 points (
Jalen Brunson
,
Mikal Bridges
,
OG Anunoby
and
Karl-Anthony Towns
) in the 119–81 win;
Josh Hart
also had the Knicks third ever playoff triple-double and first since
1972
. It was the Knicks first time clinching a playoff series at home since the
1999 Eastern Conference Finals
. With Boston's loss, and the Nuggets' loss to the Thunder in Game 7 just a few days later, this would mark the 7th straight NBA season with a unique champion, and the 6th straight year in which the defending champions failed to advance past the conference semifinals.
Regular-season series
Boston won 4–0 in the regular-season series
October 22, 2024
Recap
New York Knicks
109,
Boston Celtics
132
TD Garden
,
Boston
, MA
February 8, 2025
Recap
Boston Celtics
131
, New York Knicks 104
Madison Square Garden
,
New York
, NY
February 23, 2025
Recap
New York Knicks 105,
Boston Celtics
118
TD Garden, Boston, MA
April 8, 2025
Recap
Boston Celtics
119
, New York Knicks 117 (OT)
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
This was the 16th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning eight of the first 15 meetings.
[
96
]
Previous playoff series
Boston leads 8–7 in all-time playoff series
1951
Boston Celtics
0,
New York Knicks
2
1951 Eastern Division Semifinals
1952
Boston Celtics 1,
New York Knicks
2
1952 Eastern Division Semifinals
1953
New York Knicks
3
, Boston Celtics 1
1953 Eastern Division Finals
1954
New York Knicks 0,
Boston Celtics
2
1954 Eastern Division Round Robin Semifinals
1955
New York Knicks 1,
Boston Celtics
2
1955 Eastern Division Semifinals
1967
Boston Celtics
3
, New York Knicks 1
1967 Eastern Division Semifinals
1969
New York Knicks 2,
Boston Celtics
4
1969 Eastern Division Finals
1972
Boston Celtics 1,
New York Knicks
4
1972 Eastern Conference Finals
1973
Boston Celtics 3,
New York Knicks
4
1973 Eastern Conference Finals
1974
Boston Celtics
4
, New York Knicks 1
1974 Eastern Conference Finals
1984
Boston Celtics
4
, New York Knicks 3
1984 Eastern Conference Semifinals
1988
Boston Celtics
3
, New York Knicks 1
1988 Eastern Conference First Round
1990
Boston Celtics 2,
New York Knicks
3
1990 Eastern Conference First Round
2011
Boston Celtics
4
, New York Knicks 0
2011 Eastern Conference First Round
2013
New York Knicks
4
, Boston Celtics 2
2013 Eastern Conference First Round
Western Conference semifinals
[
edit
]
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Denver Nuggets
[
edit
]
May 5
9:30 p.m.
(8:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Denver Nuggets
121
,
Oklahoma City Thunder
119
Scoring by quarter:
26–
27
, 24–
33
,
35
–30,
36
–29
Pts
:
Nikola Jokić
42
Rebs
:
Nikola Jokić 22
Asts
:
Jokić,
Murray
6 each
Pts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
33
Rebs:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 10
Asts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8
Denver leads series, 1–0
After spending the vast majority of the second half trailing, the Nuggets orchestrated a massive comeback to win 121–119, stealing homecourt advantage from the Thunder. MVP candidate
Nikola Jokić
was once again dominant, dropping an all-rounded stat line of 42 points, 22 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks.
Aaron Gordon
finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds.
Jamal Murray
added 21 points and 6 assists,
Christian Braun
had 11 points and 13 boards, and former Thunder player
Russell Westbrook
contributed 18 points off the bench. In total, the Nuggets had 72 rebounds, the third most in a playoff game since the
ABA–NBA merger
. For the top-seeded Thunder,
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
recorded 33 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, finishing 2 assists shy of a triple-double.
Alex Caruso
, as a substitute, shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc en route to 20 points. None of the other Thunder players scored above 20. With the Thunder up by 1 with 10 seconds remaining,
Chet Holmgren
was awarded 2 free throws, but he missed both; Braun took the rebound and after a cross-court pass from Westbrook, Gordon proved to be Denver's hero by scoring the game-winning three-pointer with 4 seconds left on the clock.
May 7
9:30 p.m.
(8:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Denver Nuggets
106,
Oklahoma City Thunder
149
Scoring by quarter:
21–
45
, 35–
42
, 20–
37
,
30
–25
Pts
:
Russell Westbrook
19
Rebs
:
Nikola Jokić
8
Asts
:
Nikola Jokić 6
Pts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
34
Rebs:
Chet Holmgren
11
Asts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8
Series tied, 1–1
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
scored 34 points in three quarters, and the Oklahoma City Thunder set league and team records in a 149–106 rout over the Denver Nuggets to tie the series at 1–1. Oklahoma City set an NBA playoff record for first-half points with 87, surpassing the 86 scored by the
Cleveland Cavaliers
against the
Golden State Warriors
in Game 4 of the
NBA Finals
on June 9, 2017. The 149 points were also the most OKC ever scored in a playoff game. Gilgeous-Alexander made 11 of 13 field goals, all 11 of his free throws, and had eight assists. He led eight players who scored in double figures.
Nikola Jokić
could not replicate his dominant performance in Game 1, tallying just 17 points and 8 rebounds before fouling out late in the third quarter.
May 9
10:00 p.m.
(8:00 p.m.
MDT
)
Oklahoma City Thunder
104,
Denver Nuggets
113
(OT)
Scoring by quarter:
28
–22, 28–
29
, 27–
29
, 19–
22
,
Overtime
:
2–
11
Pts
:
Jalen Williams
32
Rebs
:
Chet Holmgren
16
Asts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
7
Pts:
Jamal Murray
27
Rebs:
Nikola Jokić
16
Asts:
Jamal Murray 8
Denver leads series, 2–1
Ball Arena
,
Denver
, CO
Attendance:
19,993
Referees:
James Capers, Ben Taylor, Ray Acosta
The Nuggets dominated in overtime to take a 2–1 series lead, while also limiting the Thunder to just two points in that period.
Jamal Murray
led the Nuggets with 27 points, while
Aaron Gordon
and
Michael Porter Jr.
added 22 and 21, respectively, while also overcoming an off-night for
Nikola Jokic
, who scored 20 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists, but missed 17 of his 25 field goals and all 10 three-point attempts, including a potential game winner.
Jalen Williams
scored a game-high 32 points for the Thunder, who came on the road after their 43-point blowout victory in Game 2.
Chet Holmgren
added 18 points in a losing effort.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
also scored 18, but struggled throughout the game, missing 15 of his 22 shots, and also missed a potential game-winner that would have given the Thunder a 2–1 series lead.
May 11
3:30 p.m.
(1:30 p.m.
MDT
)
Oklahoma City Thunder
92
,
Denver Nuggets
87
Scoring by quarter:
17
–8, 25–
28
, 21–
33
,
29
–18
Pts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
25
Rebs
:
Isaiah Hartenstein
14
Asts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6
Pts:
Nikola Jokić
27
Rebs:
Aaron Gordon
16
Asts:
Aaron Gordon 6
Series tied, 2–2
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
scored nine of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, pulling the top-seeded Thunder from the brink of a 3–1 deficit against Denver in another close game. About 36 hours after an exhausting overtime Game 3 Friday night, the early
Mother’s Day
tip-off produced an ugly first half that featured a combined 25 points in the first quarter and ended with OKC up 42–36 at halftime. Down by eight points early in the fourth quarter, the Thunder used an 11–0 run fueled by reserves
Cason Wallace
, who had a pair of 3-pointers, and
Aaron Wiggins
, who added another, to wrest control; Wallace's second 3-pointer put Oklahoma City ahead for good at 75–73 with 8:35 left in the game.
Nikola Jokić
had 27 points and 13 rebounds, but his three assists were a low for this playoff run, and his 4 turnovers gave him 22 assists to go with 23 turnovers in this second-round series.
[
97
]
Aaron Gordon
added 15 points and 16 rebounds, but also had 4 turnovers.
May 13
9:30 p.m.
(8:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Denver Nuggets
105,
Oklahoma City Thunder
112
Scoring by quarter:
28
–27,
28
–27,
30
–24, 19–
34
Pts
:
Nikola Jokić
44
Rebs
:
Nikola Jokić 15
Asts
:
Nikola Jokić 5
Pts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
31
Rebs:
Jalen Williams
9
Asts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 7
Oklahoma City leads series, 3–2
Oklahoma City overcame a 44-point, 15-rebound night from Denver's star
Nikola Jokić
and a 9-point deficit in the middle of the fourth quarter to take a 3–2 lead on their homecourt.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
made 12 of 23 field goals and bounced back from a slow start to lead six players in double figures. One of those six players was
Luguentz Dort
, who scored three total points in the first three quarters, but hit a trio of 3-pointers in a two-minute span to cut Denver's lead to 92–90 midway through the fourth.
Jamal Murray
scored 28 points, but he made just 10 of 27 shots. No other Denver player scored more than 13 points.
[
98
]
May 15
8:30 p.m.
(6:30 p.m.
MDT
)
Oklahoma City Thunder
107,
Denver Nuggets
119
Scoring by quarter:
28–
31
,
33
–27, 21–
32
, 25–
29
Pts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
32
Rebs
:
Chet Holmgren
11
Asts
:
Jalen Williams
10
Pts:
Nikola Jokić
29
Rebs:
Nikola Jokić 14
Asts:
Nikola Jokić 8
Series tied, 3–3
Ball Arena
,
Denver
, CO
Attendance:
19,998
Referees:
Marc Davis, Kevin Scott, Mitchell Ervin
Denver played their best full game of the series in a 119–107 victory to force a
Game 7
.
Nikola Jokić
scored 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. A sick
Jamal Murray
, who was listed as “questionable” for the game, added 25 points, and
Christian Braun
had a career playoff-best 23 points. The game was tied deep into the third quarter when
Julian Strawther
had a pair of threes and a driving layup to gain the momentum during a 10-0 run. Strawther finished with 15 points, all coming in the second half.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
scored 32 points on 11-for-16 shooting and
Chet Holmgren
scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds. Denver made their third quarter run when Gilgeous-Alexander was on the bench with foul trouble.
Jalen Williams
dished out 10 assists, but again struggled with his shot, going 3-for-19 for 6 points, including missing a wide open three that would have gotten Oklahoma City within two possessions with 1:35 left in the game. In the series thus far vs. Denver, Williams is shooting just 33% from the floor and 21% on 3-pointers.
The Nuggets go into Game 7 with years worth of experience, as this is their seventh Game 7 since
2019
; however, this is their first on the road since their
2012
defeat to the
Lakers
. The Thunder have not played in a Game 7 since losing to the
Rockets
in the First Round in
2020
. The only two players left from that 2020 Game 7 are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and
Luguentz Dort
.
[
99
]
May 18
3:30 p.m.
(2:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Denver Nuggets
93,
Oklahoma City Thunder
125
Scoring by quarter:
26
–21, 20–
39
, 26–
37
, 21–
28
Pts
:
Nikola Jokić
20
Rebs
:
Aaron Gordon
11
Asts
:
Nikola Jokić 7
Pts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
35
Rebs:
Chet Holmgren
11
Asts:
Jalen Williams
7
Oklahoma City wins series, 4–3
After a competitive first half, Oklahoma City routed Denver in the second half to advance to their first Western Conference Finals since
2016
.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
scored 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting, while
Jalen Williams
broke out of his series-long slump with 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Off the bench,
Alex Caruso
and
Cason Wallace
were a +40 and +38, respectively. Caruso particularly played excellent defense on the much taller and bigger
Nikola Jokić
. Denver came into the game battered with
Aaron Gordon
hampered due to a Grade 2
hamstring injury
and
Michael Porter
's shoulder injury.
[
100
]
Jokić was able to score 20 points, but only took 9 shots and had 5 turnovers. As a team, the Nuggets shot 39% from the floor and 22% from three, compared to the Thunder, who made 49% of the shots from the floor and shot 30% from three.
Regular-season series
Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series
October 24, 2024
Recap
Oklahoma City Thunder
102
,
Denver Nuggets
87
Ball Arena
,
Denver
, CO
November 6, 2024
Recap
Oklahoma City Thunder 122,
Denver Nuggets
124
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
March 9, 2025
Recap
Denver Nuggets 103,
Oklahoma City Thunder
127
Paycom Center
,
Oklahoma City
, OK
March 10, 2025
Recap
Denver Nuggets
140
, Oklahoma City Thunder 127
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning two of the past four; the first three series were played when the Thunder were the
Seattle SuperSonics
.
[
101
]
Previous playoff series
Tied 2–2 in all-time playoff series
1978
Denver Nuggets
2,
Seattle SuperSonics
4
1978 Western Conference Finals
1988
Denver Nuggets
3
, Seattle SuperSonics 2
1988 Western Conference First Round
1994
Seattle SuperSonics 2,
Denver Nuggets
3
1994 Western Conference First Round
2011
Oklahoma City Thunder
4
, Denver Nuggets 1
2011 Western Conference First Round
(6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (7) Golden State Warriors
[
edit
]
May 6
9:30 p.m.
(8:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Golden State Warriors
99
,
Minnesota Timberwolves
88
Scoring by quarter:
18–
20
,
26
–11,
36
–29, 19–
28
Pts
:
Buddy Hield
24
Rebs
:
Jimmy Butler
11
Asts
:
Jimmy Butler 8
Pts:
Anthony Edwards
23
Rebs:
Anthony Edwards 14
Asts:
Julius Randle
6
Golden State leads series, 1–0
With
Stephen Curry
sidelined for most of the game with a hamstring injury,
Jimmy Butler
and
Buddy Hield
led the Warriors past the Timberwolves in Game 1. Hield picked up where he left off in the Game 7 win at Houston that finished the first round by scoring 24 points on 5-for-8 shooting from 3-point range.
Jimmy Butler
had 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists and
Draymond Green
had four first-half 3s on his way to 18 points, as
Steve Kerr
used 12 players in the game.
Anthony Edwards
had 23 points and 14 rebounds after the rough start, finishing 9-for-22 from the floor.
Naz Reid
had 19 points and
Julius Randle
added 16 points for the Wolves. Minnesota finished 5-for-29 from behind the arc and trailed by 23 points late in the third.
May 8
8:30 p.m.
(7:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Golden State Warriors
93,
Minnesota Timberwolves
117
Scoring by quarter:
15–
29
, 24–
27
, 26–
29
, 28–
32
Pts
:
Jonathan Kuminga
18
Rebs
:
Jimmy Butler
7
Asts
:
Brandin Podziemski
6
Pts:
Julius Randle
24
Rebs:
Edwards
,
Gobert
9 each
Asts:
Julius Randle 11
Series tied, 1–1
The Timberwolves, while never trailing in the game, bounced back after their tough Game 1 loss with a 24-point blowout victory to tie the series at 1–1. Minnesota also scored the first 13 points of the game, starting strong with a 29–15 1st quarter.
Julius Randle
led the Timberwolves with a double-double of 24 points and 11 assists, while
Anthony Edwards
added 20 in the victory. The Warriors were without
Stephen Curry
, who was sidelined due to a left hamstring strain. Despite the Warriors cutting the lead to 7 in the third quarter, they never came close again as Minnesota quickly regained momentum.
May 10
8:30 p.m.
(5:30 p.m.
PDT
)
Minnesota Timberwolves
102
,
Golden State Warriors
97
Scoring by quarter:
21–21, 19–
21
, 29–
31
,
33
–24
Pts
:
Anthony Edwards
36
Rebs
:
Rudy Gobert
13
Asts
:
Julius Randle
12
Pts:
Jimmy Butler
33
Rebs:
Brandin Podziemski
8
Asts:
Jimmy Butler 7
Minnesota leads series, 2–1
Anthony Edwards
's 36 points, a triple-double from
Julius Randle
(24 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds), and a 33–24 fourth quarter propelled the Timberwolves to a 2–1 series lead over the Warriors. Still without
Stephen Curry
, the Warriors missed all of their five three-point attempts during the first half, but led 42–40 at halftime.
Jimmy Butler
led the Warriors with 33 points, while
Jonathan Kuminga
scored all of his 30 points off the bench.
Trayce Jackson-Davis
was promoted as a starter for the game, though scoring only 11 points.
Draymond Green
was fouled out with 4:38 remaining, while attempting to block a shot by
Jaden McDaniels
.
May 12
10:00 p.m.
(7:00 p.m.
PDT
)
Minnesota Timberwolves
117
,
Golden State Warriors
110
Scoring by quarter:
27–
28
, 31–
32
,
39
–17, 20–
33
Pts
:
Julius Randle
31
Rebs
:
Jaden McDaniels
13
Asts
:
Conley
,
Edwards
5 each
Pts:
Jonathan Kuminga
23
Rebs:
Kevon Looney
8
Asts:
Butler
,
Moody
3 each
Minnesota leads series, 3–1
The Timberwolves dominated the game once again in the second half, outscoring the Warriors 39–17 and making a 17–0 run in the third quarter, to take a commanding 3–1 series lead for the second straight series.
Julius Randle
and
Anthony Edwards
both led the Timberwolves with 31 and 30 points, respectively.
Jonathan Kuminga
came off the bench once again and followed up his 30-point Game 3 performance by scoring 23 points in a losing effort, while
Jimmy Butler
,
Draymond Green
, and
Buddy Hield
were all limited to 41 points total. With the win, the Timberwolves are one win away from their second consecutive and third overall Conference Finals appearance. Meanwhile, the Warriors face a 3–1 series deficit after leading 3–1 in the first round against the
Houston Rockets
, and are on the brink of elimination.
May 14
9:30 p.m.
(8:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Golden State Warriors
110,
Minnesota Timberwolves
121
Scoring by quarter:
23–
30
, 24–
32
, 25–
31
,
38
–28
Pts
:
Brandin Podziemski
28
Rebs
:
three players
6 each
[
h
]
Asts
:
Butler
,
Green
6 each
Pts:
Julius Randle
29
Rebs:
Gobert
, Randle 8 each
Asts:
Anthony Edwards
12
Minnesota wins series, 4–1
Julius Randle
continued his excellent form this series, scoring 29 points on 13-for-18 shooting, as the Timberwolves punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a row.
Anthony Edwards
added 22 points and a career playoff high 12 assists, with the other Timberwolves starters (
Rudy Gobert
,
Mike Conley
, and
Jaden McDaniels
) all finishing in double figures, as well as
Donte DiVincenzo
off the bench.
Brandin Podziemski
had a playoff career-high 28 points for the Warriors, while
Jonathan Kuminga
provided 26 points off the bench in 29 minutes. Including regular season and playoffs, the Timberwolves have won 26 of their last 31 games. For the third time in their history, the Timberwolves advanced to the conference finals; Minnesota has also never lost a series in the second round.
Regular-season series
Golden State won 3–1 in the regular-season series
December 6, 2024
Recap
Minnesota Timberwolves
107
,
Golden State Warriors
90
Chase Center
,
San Francisco
, CA
December 8, 2024
Recap
Minnesota Timberwolves 106,
Golden State Warriors
114
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
December 21, 2024
Recap
Golden State Warriors
113
, Minnesota Timberwolves 103
Target Center
,
Minneapolis
, MN
January 15, 2025
Recap
Golden State Warriors
116
, Minnesota Timberwolves 115
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.
[
102
]
Note: Times are
EDT
(
UTC−4
) as listed by the NBA. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.
Eastern Conference finals
[
edit
]
(3) New York Knicks vs. (4) Indiana Pacers
[
edit
]
May 21
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers
138
,
New York Knicks
135 (OT)
Scoring by quarter:
34–
36
, 28–
33
,
25
–21,
38
–35,
Overtime
:
13
–10
Pts
:
Tyrese Haliburton
31
Rebs
:
Obi Toppin
10
Asts
:
Tyrese Haliburton 11
Pts:
Jalen Brunson
43
Rebs:
Josh Hart
13
Asts:
Josh Hart 7
Indiana leads series, 1–0
The Pacers orchestrated their third improbable comeback this playoffs, with a stunning 138–135 comeback win against the Knicks in Game 1. The Knicks led by 14 points with 2:51 minutes left, but
Aaron Nesmith
kept the Pacers in the game with a flurry of 3-pointers, becoming the first player in NBA history to make six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter of a playoff game.
[
103
]
Still with a slim lead,
Karl-Anthony Towns
and
OG Anunoby
proceeded to go 1-for-2 each at the free throw line with less than 15 seconds left. After Anunoby's free throw make with 7.1 seconds left to put the Knicks up two,
Tyrese Haliburton
dribbled the ball up the court, attacked the rim, dribbled back out toward the 3-point line and fired up a jumper over
Mitchell Robinson
. The ball bounced high above the shot clock and went in. Haliburton did a choke signal towards the crowd, harking back to Pacers Hall of Famer
Reggie Miller
's choke sign in Game 5 of the
1994 Eastern Conference Finals
(Miller was also in attendance at the game for
TNT
doing
color commentary
). While the Pacers rushed towards Haliburton in celebration thinking they had won the game, officials reviewed the last play and Haliburton's foot was on the 3-point line, which took the game to overtime; the Pacers outscored the Knicks 20–6 from 2:51 in the fourth quarter until the end of regulation.
[
104
]
[
105
]
In overtime, the Pacers held a slight three-point edge with 10.1 seconds left; Brunson and Towns missed threes that would have tied the game, thus giving Indiana the win. Haliburton (31 points, 11 assists) and Nesmith (30 points, 8-for-9 from three) starred in the Pacers victory. The Knicks, who had a 99.7% chance of winning the game deep in the fourth quarter,
[
106
]
were led by Brunson (45 points, 15-for-25 from the floor) and Towns (35 points, 11-for-17 from the floor, 12 rebounds).
May 23
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers
114
,
New York Knicks
109
Scoring by quarter:
24–
26
, 25–
26
,
32
–29,
33
–28
Pts
:
Pascal Siakam
39
Rebs
:
Tyrese Haliburton
8
Asts
:
Tyrese Haliburton 11
Pts:
Jalen Brunson
36
Rebs:
Mitchell Robinson
9
Asts:
Jalen Brunson 11
Indiana leads series, 2–0
Following an unbelievable comeback by the Pacers the previous game, neither team led by more than 10 points in Game 2. However, Indiana saw a huge performance by
Pascal Siakam
, who finished with 39 points on 15-23 shooting, including 16 in the 1st quarter. Despite
Tyrese Haliburton
contributing just 14 points on 5-16 shooting, he finished with a near triple-double with 8 rebounds and 11 assists. For New York,
Jalen Brunson
led the way with 36 points and 11 assists, but missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer as the Knicks failed to complete a late rally.
Karl-Anthony Towns
finished with 20 points and 7 rebounds, but was a team-low -20 in +/- and sat most of the fourth quarter.
[
107
]
With this win, Indiana also took a 2–0 series lead on the road for the 2nd straight series, improving their road record to 6–1. Meanwhile, the Knicks dropped to a 3–5 record at
Madison Square Garden
in these playoffs.
May 25
8:00 pm
New York Knicks
106
,
Indiana Pacers
100
Scoring by quarter:
26–
30
, 19–
28
,
25
–22,
36
–20
Pts
:
Karl-Anthony Towns
24
Rebs
:
Karl-Anthony Towns 15
Asts
:
Josh Hart
4
Pts:
Tyrese Haliburton
20
Rebs:
Aaron Nesmith
7
Asts:
Tyrese Haliburton 6
Indiana leads series, 2–1
With a looming 3–0 deficit,
Karl-Anthony Towns
scored 20 of his 24 points in the final quarter to will the Knicks to a 106–100 come-from-behind win on the road. It was the third time in the postseason where New York overcame a 20-point deficit during a game. The Pacers established their lead early on, expanding it to as much as 20 points in the second quarter before it was cut to 13 by half.
[
108
]
The Knicks were still trailing by 16 midway through the third quarter and 10 entering the fourth, with
Jalen Brunson
in significant foul trouble.
[
109
]
[
108
]
It was there when Towns scored seven quick points to bring New York within three. Brunson made a layup to give the Knicks the lead later on, which was then swapped between New York and Indiana twice before the Knicks pulled away.
[
109
]
May 27
8:00 pm
New York Knicks
121,
Indiana Pacers
130
Scoring by quarter:
35–
43
,
29
–26, 27–
33
,
30
–28
Pts
:
Jalen Brunson
31
Rebs
:
Karl-Anthony Towns
12
Asts
:
Jalen Brunson 5
Pts:
Tyrese Haliburton
32
Rebs:
Tyrese Haliburton 12
Asts:
Tyrese Haliburton 15
Indiana leads series, 3–1
With his father, John Haliburton, back in
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
after a suspension from the NBA following his altercation with
Giannis Antetokounmpo
,
Tyrese Haliburton
became the first player to score 30 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists, and no turnovers in a playoff game, since turnovers were first tracked in the
1977–78 NBA season
as he carried the Pacers to within a victory of their second trip to the
NBA Finals
.
Jalen Brunson
scored 31 points, while
Karl-Anthony Towns
had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and
OG Anunoby
finished with 22 points, but the Knicks fourth quarter rally fell short.
Pascal Siakam
added 30 points while Haliburton had four steals in his second career postseason triple-double. Former Knick
Obi Toppin
's 3-pointer with 46 seconds left put the Pacers up by 10 and sealed the game; it was his first three-point make of the series after going 0-of-6.
May 29
8:00 pm
Indiana Pacers
94,
New York Knicks
111
Scoring by quarter:
23–
27
, 22–
29
, 28–
34
, 21–21
Pts
:
Bennedict Mathurin
23
Rebs
:
Bennedict Mathurin 9
Asts
:
Tyrese Haliburton
6
Pts:
Jalen Brunson
32
Rebs:
Karl-Anthony Towns
13
Asts:
Bridges
, Brunson 5 each
Indiana leads series, 3–2
The Knicks won at home for the first time in the series to stave off elimination and force a Game 6 in Indiana. They became the first team during the postseason to keep the Pacers below 100 points in a game in part due an effective, swarming defensive performance which forced 19 turnovers from Indiana. The Knicks were led by
Jalen Brunson
, who scored the first six points for the team and finished with 32 points, and
Karl-Anthony Towns
who contributed 24 points and 13 rebounds. Coming off a monster Game 4,
Tyrese Haliburton
was limited to 8 points on 2-of-7 made field goals, while
Benedict Mathurin
scored a team-high 23 points off the bench.
[
110
]
The game remained close throughout the first half, but a 20–0 run by New York midway through the third quarter allowed them to power through the rest of the game in control.
[
111
]
May 31
8:00 pm
New York Knicks
108,
Indiana Pacers
125
Scoring by quarter:
24–
25
, 30–
33
, 23–
34
, 31–
33
Pts
:
OG Anunoby
24
Rebs
:
Karl-Anthony Towns
14
Asts
:
Jalen Brunson
7
Pts:
Pascal Siakam
31
Rebs:
Haliburton
,
Toppin
6 each
Asts:
Tyrese Haliburton 13
Indiana wins series, 4–2
After being swept by the
Boston Celtics
in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, the Pacers avenged by dominating the game, particularly in the second half, to clinch their second NBA Finals appearance, after the
2000
loss to the
Los Angeles Lakers
. The game was close at halftime with the Pacers leading 58-54, but from then on they took full control of the game to win 125-108 and eliminated the Knicks for the 2nd straight year, also their 3rd straight series win over the Knicks.
Pascal Siakam
led the team with 31 points, and was named the
NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP
.
This was also the last NBA game televised on TNT. TNT lost broadcast rights to
NBC
and
Amazon
, but would continue to produce the studio show
Inside the NBA
for ESPN and ABC.
Regular-season series
New York won 2–1 in the regular-season series
October 25, 2024
Recap
Indiana Pacers
98,
New York Knicks
123
Madison Square Garden
,
New York
, NY
November 10, 2024
Recap
New York Knicks 121,
Indiana Pacers
132
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
,
Indianapolis
, IN
February 11, 2025
Recap
New York Knicks
128
, Indiana Pacers 115
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
This was the ninth playoff meeting between
these two teams
, with the Pacers winning five of the first eight meetings.
[
112
]
Previous playoff series
Indiana leads 5–3 in all-time playoff series
1993
New York Knicks
3
,
Indiana Pacers
1
1993 Eastern Conference First Round
1994
New York Knicks
4
, Indiana Pacers 3
1994 Eastern Conference Finals
1995
Indiana Pacers
4
, New York Knicks 3
1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals
1998
Indiana Pacers
4
, New York Knicks 1
1998 Eastern Conference Semifinals
1999
Indiana Pacers 2,
New York Knicks
4
1999 Eastern Conference Finals
2000
Indiana Pacers
4
, New York Knicks 2
2000 Eastern Conference Finals
2013
New York Knicks 2,
Indiana Pacers
4
2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals
2024
New York Knicks 3,
Indiana Pacers
4
2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals
Western Conference finals
[
edit
]
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
[
edit
]
May 20
8:30 p.m.
(7:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Minnesota Timberwolves
88,
Oklahoma City Thunder
114
Scoring by quarter:
23
–20,
25
–24, 18–
32
, 22–
38
Pts
:
Julius Randle
28
Rebs
:
Anthony Edwards
9
Asts
:
Naz Reid
4
Pts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
31
Rebs:
Joe
,
Jal. Williams
8 each
Asts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 9
Oklahoma City leads series, 1–0
After their blowout Game 7 victory against the Nuggets, the Thunder dominated the game, particularly in the second half, out scoring the Timberwolves 70–40 throughout the second half.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half. The Thunder took a 10–0 run in the third quarter to take a 66–60 lead, and
Kenrich Williams
came off the bench and hit consecutive three-pointers to extend the Thunder's lead to 71–62, and eventually lead 76–66 heading into the fourth.
Julius Randle
scored 28 points, but struggled in the second half as he was limited to only eight points.
May 22
8:30 p.m.
(7:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Minnesota Timberwolves
103,
Oklahoma City Thunder
118
Scoring by quarter:
25–
29
, 25–
29
, 21–
35
,
32
–25
Pts
:
Anthony Edwards
32
Rebs
:
Edwards,
Gobert
9 each
Asts
:
Anthony Edwards 6
Pts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
38
Rebs:
Jalen Williams
10
Asts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8
Oklahoma City leads series, 2–0
The Thunder maintained their dominant form from Game 1, winning 118–103 to take a 2–0 series lead over the Timberwolves. OKC once again dominated the third quarter, including a 23–5 run late in the third to take an insurmountable 24-point lead. A day after being announced as
MVP
,
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
had his way on offense, leading the Thunder with 38 points and 8 assists;
Chet Holmgren
(22 points) and
Jalen Williams
(26 points, 10 rebounds) also made significant contributions for OKC.
Anthony Edwards
lead Minnesota with 32 points, but shot 1 of 9 from three while
Julius Randle
was held to only 6 points.
May 24
8:30 p.m.
(7:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Oklahoma City Thunder
101,
Minnesota Timberwolves
143
Scoring by quarter:
14–
34
, 27–
38
, 29–
35
, 31–
36
Pts
:
Gilgeous-Alexander
,
Mitchell
14 each
Rebs
:
Isaiah Hartenstein
6
Asts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6
Pts:
Anthony Edwards
30
Rebs:
Anthony Edwards 9
Asts:
Anthony Edwards 6
Oklahoma City leads series, 2–1
The Timberwolves blew out the Thunder, 143-101, to get their first win of the Western Conference Finals.
Anthony Edwards
scored 30 points (5-of-8 for three), nine rebounds and six assists,
Julius Randle
added 24 points and rookie
Terrence Shannon Jr.
had 15 points in 13 minutes. This was the largest win by margin in Wolves playoff history.
May 26
8:30 p.m.
(7:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Oklahoma City Thunder
128
,
Minnesota Timberwolves
126
Scoring by quarter:
37
–30,
28
–27, 25–
28
, 38–
41
Pts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
40
Rebs
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 9
Asts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 10
Pts:
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
23
Rebs:
Rudy Gobert
9
Asts:
Alexander-Walker,
Edwards
6 each
Oklahoma City leads series, 3–1
A 40 point playoff career-high from MVP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
was enough for Oklahoma City to secure a narrow victory and take a commanding 3–1 series lead in Game 4.
Jalen Williams
scored 34 points on 13-for-24 shooting, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range and
Chet Holmgren
added 21 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Gilgeous-Alexander went 12 for 14 from the free-throw line, making a pair with 6.1 seconds left to stretch the lead back to three. The Thunder fouled
Anthony Edwards
with 3.5 seconds remaining, who had been struggling all game on 5-13 shooting, and his intentional miss of the second free throw to try to keep possession was tracked down in the corner by Gilgeous-Alexander and flung out of bounds to drain the clock. The Timberwolves were led by
Jaden McDaniels
(22 points),
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
(23 points) and
Donte DiVincenzo
(21 points), with the latter two going 5-for-8 from 3-point range.
Julius Randle
's uneven series continued with just 5 points on 1-for-7 shooting. The end of the game also sparked some controversy, as fans believed the clock should've been reset to at least 0.5 seconds. Instead, the officials put 0.3 seconds left on the clock, and the inbounds pass was stolen by Williams to seal off OKC's victory for good after Minnesota's constant late rallies. In their Conference Finals appearances through 2024-2025, the Timberwolves now had a 1-4 record at home.
May 28
8:30 p.m.
(7:30 p.m.
CDT
)
Minnesota Timberwolves
94,
Oklahoma City Thunder
124
Scoring by quarter:
9–
26
, 23–
39
,
30
–23, 32–
36
Pts
:
Julius Randle
24
Rebs
:
DiVincenzo
,
Edwards
6 each
Asts
:
Alexander-Walker
, Randle 3 each
Pts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
34
Rebs:
Jalen Williams
8
Asts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8
Oklahoma City wins series, 4–1
In a series defined by blowouts, the Thunder advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since
2012
, with a 124–94 victory. The game was never close as OKC outscored Minnesota 26–9 in the first quarter, just the 2nd time the entire postseason a team has been held to single digits in a quarter, the other being the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, also against the Thunder.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
had another 30-point effort with 34 overall,
Chet Holmgren
added 22 points, and
Jalen Williams
finished with 19. OKC moved to 8–1 in the playoffs at home thus far, with their margin of victory in those eight games being 51, 19, 43, 7, 32, 26, 15 and 30.
[
113
]
Regular-season series
Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series
December 31, 2024
Recap
Minnesota Timberwolves
105,
Oklahoma City Thunder
113
Paycom Center
,
Oklahoma City
, OK
February 13, 2025
Recap
Oklahoma City Thunder 101,
Minnesota Timberwolves
116
Target Center
,
Minneapolis
, MN
February 23, 2025
Recap
Oklahoma City Thunder
130
, Minnesota Timberwolves 123
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
February 24, 2025
Recap
Minnesota Timberwolves
131
, Oklahoma City Thunder 128 (OT)
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Thunder winning the first meeting as the
Seattle SuperSonics
.
[
114
]
Previous playoff series
Oklahoma City leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series
1998
Seattle SuperSonics
3
,
Minnesota Timberwolves
2
1998 Western Conference First Round
NBA Finals: (W1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (E4) Indiana Pacers
[
edit
]
Note: Times are
EDT
(
UTC−4
) as listed by the NBA. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.
June 5
8:30 p.m.
(7:30 pm
CDT
)
Indiana Pacers
111
,
Oklahoma City Thunder
110
Scoring by quarter:
20–
29
, 25–
28
,
31
–28,
35
–25
Pts
:
Pascal Siakam
19
Rebs
:
Aaron Nesmith
12
Asts
:
Haliburton
,
Nembhard
6 each
Pts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
38
Rebs:
Isaiah Hartenstein
9
Asts:
Jalen Williams
6
Indiana leads series, 1–0
June 8
8:00 pm
(7:00 pm
CDT
)
Indiana Pacers
107,
Oklahoma City Thunder
123
Scoring by quarter:
20–
26
, 21–
33
, 33–
34
,
33
–30
Pts
:
Tyrese Haliburton
17
Rebs
:
Pascal Siakam
7
Asts
:
Haliburton,
McConnell
6 each
Pts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
34
Rebs:
Isaiah Hartenstein
8
Asts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8
Series tied, 1–1
June 11
8:30 pm
Oklahoma City Thunder
107,
Indiana Pacers
116
Scoring by quarter:
32
–24, 28–
40
,
29
–20, 18–
32
Pts
:
Jalen Williams
26
Rebs
:
Chet Holmgren
10
Asts
:
Caruso
,
Gilgeous-Alexander
4 each
Pts:
Bennedict Mathurin
27
Rebs:
Tyrese Haliburton
9
Asts:
Tyrese Haliburton 11
Indiana leads series, 2–1
June 13
8:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City Thunder
111
,
Indiana Pacers
104
Scoring by quarter:
34–
35
, 23–
25
, 23–
27
,
31
–17
Pts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
35
Rebs
:
Chet Holmgren
15
Asts
:
Hartenstein
,
Williams
3 each
Pts:
Pascal Siakam
20
Rebs:
Aaron Nesmith
9
Asts:
Tyrese Haliburton
7
Series tied, 2–2
June 16
8:30 p.m.
(7:30 pm
CDT
)
Indiana Pacers
109,
Oklahoma City Thunder
120
Scoring by quarter:
22–
32
, 23–
27
,
34
–28, 30–
33
Pts
:
Pascal Siakam
28
Rebs
:
Bennedict Mathurin
8
Asts
:
Tyrese Haliburton
6
Pts:
Jalen Williams
40
Rebs:
Chet Holmgren
11
Asts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
10
Oklahoma City leads series, 3–2
June 19
8:30 pm
Oklahoma City Thunder
91,
Indiana Pacers
108
Scoring by quarter:
25–
28
, 17–
36
, 18–
26
,
31
–18
Pts
:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
21
Rebs
:
Chet Holmgren
6
Asts
:
Ajay Mitchell
4
Pts:
Obi Toppin
20
Rebs:
Pascal Siakam
13
Asts:
T. J. McConnell
6
Series tied, 3–3
June 22
8:00 p.m.
(7:00 pm
CDT
)
Indiana Pacers
91,
Oklahoma City Thunder
103
Scoring by quarter:
22–
25
,
26
–22, 20–
34
,
23
–22
Pts
:
Bennedict Mathurin
24
Rebs
:
Bennedict Mathurin 13
Asts
:
Andrew Nembhard
6
Pts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
29
Rebs:
Isaiah Hartenstein
9
Asts:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 12
Oklahoma City wins series, 4–3
Regular-season series
Oklahoma City won 2–0 in the regular-season series
December 26, 2024
Recap
Oklahoma City Thunder
120
,
Indiana Pacers
114
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
,
Indianapolis
, IN
March 29, 2025
Recap
Indiana Pacers 111,
Oklahoma City Thunder
132
Paycom Center
,
Oklahoma City
, OK
This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.
[
115
]
Statistical leaders
[
edit
]
Category
Game high
Average
Player
Team
High
Player
Team
Avg.
GP
Points
Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers
48
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks
33.0
5
Rebounds
Rudy Gobert
Minnesota Timberwolves
24
15.4
5
Assists
Tyrese Haliburton
(2×)
Indiana Pacers
15
James Harden
Los Angeles Clippers
9.1
7
Steals
Jarrett Allen
Andrew Nembhard
Cleveland Cavaliers
Indiana Pacers
6
Gary Trent Jr.
Milwaukee Bucks
2.6
5
Blocks
Zach Edey
Luke Kornet
Memphis Grizzlies
Boston Celtics
7
Zach Edey
Memphis Grizzlies
2.5
4
Points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- 688
Jalen Brunson
- 530
Jalen Williams
- 492
Pascal Siakam
- 472
Tyrese Haliburton
- 399
Rebounds
Karl-Anthony Towns
- 209
Chet Holmgren
- 199
Nikola Jokić
- 178
Isaiah Hartenstein
- 173
Josh Hart
- 158
Assists
Tyrese Haliburton - 197
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 150
Jalen Brunson - 126
Nikola Jokić - 112
Jalen Williams - 111
Steals
Alex Caruso
- 45
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 38
OG Anunoby
- 36
Andrew Nembhard
- 35
Jalen Williams /
Cason Wallace
- 32
Blocks
Myles Turner
- 46
Chet Holmgren - 43
OG Anunoby - 22
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 20
Rudy Gobert
/
Aaron Nesmith
- 18
Minutes
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 851
Jalen Williams - 796
Tyrese Haliburton - 772
Pascal Siakam - 771
Andrew Nembhard - 769
This was the final playoffs that games aired nationally across
ABC
,
ESPN
,
TNT
, and
NBA TV
in the United States before both
Amazon Prime Video
and
NBC Sports
replace TNT and NBA TV next season. For the second and final time,
TruTV
simulcasted TNT games.
[
116
]
[
117
]
This was also the final year that each team's regional broadcaster were permitted to televise local coverage of first-round games, with the exception of games on ABC.
[
118
]
In general, during the first two rounds, ABC broadcast Sunday afternoon games, TNT had Sunday through Thursday night games, and ESPN televised Friday night games. NBA TV televised selected Tuesday through Thursday night first-round games, produced by TNT Sports.
[
116
]
[
117
]
[
119
]
Additionally this postseason, an NBA TV/
ESPNU
simulcast of Game 3 of Indiana–Milwaukee on Friday, April 25 was scheduled to accommodate ABC and
ESPN2
's coverage of the
2025 NFL draft
, airing in roughly the same time slot.
[
120
]
Saturday first-round games were split by ABC, ESPN, and TNT, ABC then aired all the Saturday second round games.
[
121
]
As per the alternating rotation, ESPN/ABC had exclusive coverage of the Western Conference finals while TNT had exclusive coverage of the Eastern Conference finals. ABC had exclusive coverage of the NBA Finals for the 23rd straight year.
[
116
]
The entire 2025 NBA postseason averaged 6.12 million viewers per game across ESPN and ABC, up 10% from 2024. In addition, the NBA generated a record-breaking 5 billion views across all social media platforms during the NBA Finals, up 215% from 2024.
[
122
]
NBA TV games was available on
NBA League Pass
as part of its normal streaming service for that channel. TNT games streamed on
Max
.
[
117
]
ESPN+
also streamed game 7 of the NBA Finals alongside ABC.
[
123
]
NBA has continued its sponsorship agreement with
Google
since 2022, with
Google Pixel
serving as first presenting partner of the Playoffs from 2022 through 2024. Beginning with this season, it will now be rebranded as "2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google," giving an expansion of sponsorship for other Google brands, outside of Pixel. As part of an multi-year agreement with Google, this sponsorship provides the logo branding inside the venues and in official digital properties on-court, as well as commercial inventory during
ABC
,
ESPN
,
TNT
, and
NBA TV
's telecasts of the playoff games.
[
124
]
^
The
2020 NBA playoffs
are not counted as all games were played at
a neutral site
.
^
The other players were
Michael Jordan
(four times) and
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
(1971).
^
Brown, Holiday, and
Horford
^
Cunningham,
Duren
, Harris, and
Thompson
^
Conley
,
Edwards
, and
Gobert
^
Dončić,
James
, and
Vanderbilt
^
Holiday
, Tatum, and White
^
Butler, Green, and Podziemski
^
Pelton, Kevin (June 11, 2025).
"NBA Finals 2025: Where Pacers land among league's most surprising runs"
.
ESPN
. Retrieved
October 13,
2025
.
^
a
b
"Nightly Pulse: NBA News & Highlights from Apr. 18 | NBA.com"
.
NBA
. April 19, 2025
. Retrieved
May 15,
2025
.
^
"Thunder's Game 1 win over Grizzlies marks 5th-largest margin of victory in postseason history"
.
NBA.com
. April 21, 2025
. Retrieved
April 21,
2025
.
^
"Pistons snap record 15-game playoff losing streak with Game 2 win"
.
ESPN
. April 21, 2025
. Retrieved
April 21,
2025
.
^
"Cavaliers set NBA playoff record for 3-pointers in a quarter"
.
NBA.com
. April 23, 2025
. Retrieved
April 23,
2025
.
^
a
b
"Cavaliers cap off historic sweep with 55-point win over Heat"
.
ESPN.com
. April 28, 2025
. Retrieved
April 28,
2025
.
^
Yasis, Nathan (May 1, 2025).
"Lakers news: LA sets embarrassing mark in Timberwolves' gentleman's sweep"
.
ClutchPoints
. Retrieved
May 15,
2025
.
^
Aschburner, Steve.
"NBA playoffs: What to expect in Thunder-Nuggets series | NBA.com"
.
NBA
. Retrieved
May 4,
2025
.
^
"Starting 5, May 7: For the first time, road teams perfect through five"
.
NBA
. May 7, 2025
. Retrieved
May 15,
2025
.
^
@NateDuncanNBA, Nate Duncan.
"60-win teams to trail 2-0 in a series before the semifinal round: First 78 years of the NBA: 1 2025 second round: 2"
.
X.com
. Retrieved
May 8,
2025
.
^
"Thunder Set NBA Playoff Record for Points in One Half Against Nuggets"
.
SI
. May 8, 2025
. Retrieved
May 15,
2025
.
^
"Pacers tie NBA playoff record with 41-point halftime lead over Cavs in Game 4"
.
NBA
. Retrieved
May 12,
2025
.
^
@NateDuncanNBA, Nate Duncan.
"Tough questions for Cleveland today"
.
X.com
. Retrieved
May 15,
2025
.
^
Carlson, Jenni; Mussatto, Joe.
"Thunder vs Nuggets report card: Give Alex Caruso perfect grade for thwarting Nikola Jokic"
.
The Oklahoman
. Retrieved
May 19,
2025
.
^
"Haliburton's wild shot keys Pacers in stunning Game 1 comeback"
.
ESPN
. May 22, 2025
. Retrieved
May 22,
2025
.
^
@owenlhjphillips, Phillip Owen.
"OKC's +85 turnover differential is currently the largest in NBA postseason history"
.
X.com
. Retrieved
May 24,
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Basketball – Reference.com's 2025 Playoffs section |
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## Contents
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- [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs)
- [1 Overview](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Overview)
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- [1\.1 Updates to postseason appearances](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Updates_to_postseason_appearances)
- [1\.1.1 Play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Play-in_tournament)
- [1\.2 Notable occurrences](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Notable_occurrences)
- [1\.3 First round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#First_round)
- [1\.4 Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Conference_semifinals)
- [1\.5 Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Conference_finals)
- [1\.6 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#NBA_Finals)
- [2 Format](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Format)
- [3 Playoff qualifying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Playoff_qualifying)
Toggle Playoff qualifying subsection
- [3\.1 Eastern Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Eastern_Conference)
- [3\.2 Western Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Western_Conference)
- [3\.3 Play-in tournament brackets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Play-in_tournament_brackets)
- [3\.3.1 Eastern Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Eastern_Conference_2)
- [3\.3.2 Western Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Western_Conference_2)
- [4 Bracket](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Bracket)
- [5 First round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#First_round_2)
Toggle First round subsection
- [5\.1 Eastern Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Eastern_Conference_first_round)
- [5\.1.1 (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Cleveland_Cavaliers_vs._\(8\)_Miami_Heat)
- [5\.1.2 (2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(7\)_Orlando_Magic)
- [5\.1.3 (3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(6\)_Detroit_Pistons)
- [5\.1.4 (4) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(5\)_Milwaukee_Bucks)
- [5\.2 Western Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Western_Conference_first_round)
- [5\.2.1 (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_vs._\(8\)_Memphis_Grizzlies)
- [5\.2.2 (2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Houston_Rockets_vs._\(7\)_Golden_State_Warriors)
- [5\.2.3 (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Los_Angeles_Lakers_vs._\(6\)_Minnesota_Timberwolves)
- [5\.2.4 (4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Denver_Nuggets_vs._\(5\)_Los_Angeles_Clippers)
- [6 Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Conference_semifinals_2)
Toggle Conference semifinals subsection
- [6\.1 Eastern Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Eastern_Conference_semifinals)
- [6\.1.1 (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Cleveland_Cavaliers_vs._\(4\)_Indiana_Pacers)
- [6\.1.2 (2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(3\)_New_York_Knicks)
- [6\.2 Western Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Western_Conference_semifinals)
- [6\.2.1 (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_vs._\(4\)_Denver_Nuggets)
- [6\.2.2 (6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (7) Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(6\)_Minnesota_Timberwolves_vs._\(7\)_Golden_State_Warriors)
- [7 Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Conference_finals_2)
Toggle Conference finals subsection
- [7\.1 Eastern Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Eastern_Conference_finals)
- [7\.1.1 (3) New York Knicks vs. (4) Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(4\)_Indiana_Pacers)
- [7\.2 Western Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Western_Conference_finals)
- [7\.2.1 (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_vs._\(6\)_Minnesota_Timberwolves)
- [8 NBA Finals: (W1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (E4) Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#NBA_Finals:_\(W1\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_vs._\(E4\)_Indiana_Pacers)
- [9 Statistical leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Statistical_leaders)
Toggle Statistical leaders subsection
- [9\.1 Total leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Total_leaders)
- [10 Media coverage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Media_coverage)
Toggle Media coverage subsection
- [10\.1 Television](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Television)
- [10\.2 Streaming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Streaming)
- [11 Sponsorship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Sponsorship)
- [12 Notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Notes)
- [13 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#References)
- [14 External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#External_links)
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# 2025 NBA playoffs
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Professional basketball tournament
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|---|---|
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2025_NBA_playoffs_logo.jpeg) | |
| Tournament details | |
| Dates | April 19 – June 22, 2025 |
| Season | [2024–25](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_NBA_season "2024–25 NBA season") |
| Teams | 16 |
| Final positions | |
| Champions | [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder season") (2nd title) |
| Runners-up | [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Indiana_Pacers_season "2024–25 Indiana Pacers season") |
| Semifinalists | [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2024–25 Minnesota Timberwolves season") [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_York_Knicks_season "2024–25 New York Knicks season") |
| ← [2024](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs "2024 NBA playoffs") [2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NBA_playoffs "2026 NBA playoffs") → | |
The **2025 NBA playoffs** was the [postseason tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs "NBA playoffs") of the [National Basketball Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association")'s (NBA) [2024–25 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_NBA_season "2024–25 NBA season"). The [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder"), led by the reigning [MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Most Valuable Player") and scoring leader [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander"), finished the season with a league-best 68–14 record, giving them the first [seed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_\(sports\) "Seed (sports)") in the [Western Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Conference_\(NBA\) "Western Conference (NBA)"). The [Eastern Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Conference_\(NBA\) "Eastern Conference (NBA)")'s best record was held by the [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers"), who finished with a 64–18 record under their star [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell"). The defending champion [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics"), with their [scoring duo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jays_\(Boston_Celtics\) "Jays (Boston Celtics)") of [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") and [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown"), clinched the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 61–21. The Thunder, Cavaliers, and Celtics were widely seen as the championship contenders heading into the playoffs. The tournament began on April 19 after the conclusion of the [play-ins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament").
In the first round, the Cavaliers [swept](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweep_\(sports\) "Sweep (sports)") the eighth-seeded [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat"), who had just made it through the play-in. The Celtics defeated the seventh-seeded [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") in five games, while the third-seeded [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks"), led by [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns"), took six games to dispatch the sixth-seeded [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons"). The fourth-seeded [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers"), with [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton"), defeated the [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo")\-led [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks"), the fifth seed, in five games after Haliburton's game-winning shot in game 5. The Western Conference saw the Thunder sweep the [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies"), while the seventh-seeded [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") defeated the second-seeded [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") in [seven games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_game_sevens "List of NBA game sevens"). The sixth-seeded [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves"), led by [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)"), overcame the [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić")\-led [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") in five games, and the [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić")\-led fourth-seeded [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") defeated the fifth seed, the [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers"), in seven games.
The second round, the conference semifinals, saw Haliburton's Pacers [upset](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upset_\(sports\) "Upset (sports)") Mitchell's Cavaliers in five games, while the Knicks unexpectedly defeated the Celtics in six games after Tatum suffered an [Achilles tendon rupture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles_tendon_rupture "Achilles tendon rupture"). The Thunder–Nuggets series went to seven games, with the Thunder prevailing, and the Timberwolves defeated the Warriors in five games after Golden State's star [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") had an injury. In the [Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_conference_finals#Eastern_Conference_finals "NBA conference finals"), the Pacers unexpectedly triumphed over their [rival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knicks%E2%80%93Pacers_rivalry "Knicks–Pacers rivalry") Knicks in six games, while the [Western Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Conference_Finals "Western Conference Finals") saw the Thunder defeat the Timberwolves in five games.
The [2025 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_Finals "2025 NBA Finals") was expected to be an easy victory for the Thunder, who had won 18 more games than the Pacers, but at the end of the first six games, the series was tied 3–3, requiring a decisive [game seven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_Finals#Game_7 "2025 NBA Finals"), the first in the Finals since [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_7_of_the_2016_NBA_Finals "Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals"). The Thunder won the game 103–91 after Haliburton tore his [Achilles tendon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles_tendon "Achilles tendon") in the first quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander was named [Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_MVP "NBA Finals MVP") after averaging 30 [points per game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Points_per_game "Points per game") (ppg) during the playoffs. The Thunder's championship was their first since [1979](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1979_NBA_Finals "1979 NBA Finals"), when they were known as the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics"). The Pacers' postseason run, which included five 15-point [comebacks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comeback_\(sports\) "Comeback (sports)") and four game-tying or game-winning shots by Haliburton, is considered one of the most surprising in NBA history.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-1)
## Overview
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=1 "Edit section: Overview")\]
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### Updates to postseason appearances
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=2 "Edit section: Updates to postseason appearances")\]
- The [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder season") entered the playoffs with the best record in the Western Conference for the second consecutive season and also finished with their [best regular-season record in franchise history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_teams_by_single_season_win_percentage "List of NBA teams by single season win percentage"). They also won the [Maurice Podoloff Trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Podoloff_Trophy "Maurice Podoloff Trophy") for clinching the best record in the NBA for the first time in franchise history.
- The [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season") entered the playoffs for the third consecutive season and also clinched the number one seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2015–16 Cleveland Cavaliers season"), and the first time without [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") on their roster.
- The [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Boston_Celtics_season "2024–25 Boston Celtics season") entered the playoffs for the eleventh consecutive season, the longest such streak in the NBA.
- The [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "2024–25 Milwaukee Bucks season") entered the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season.
- The [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Denver_Nuggets_season "2024–25 Denver Nuggets season") entered the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season.
- The [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season") entered the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. They also became the first 10-seed to advance from the [play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament") into the playoffs.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-:0-2)
- The [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2024–25 Minnesota Timberwolves season") entered the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
- The [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_York_Knicks_season "2024–25 New York Knicks season"), [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Lakers season"), and [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Clippers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Clippers season") entered the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
- The [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Indiana_Pacers_season "2024–25 Indiana Pacers season") and [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Orlando_Magic_season "2024–25 Orlando Magic season") entered the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
- The [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season") returned to the playoffs after losing in the [play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament") the previous year.
- The [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2024–25 Memphis Grizzlies season") returned to the playoffs after missing the postseason the previous year.
- The [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Houston_Rockets_season "2024–25 Houston Rockets season") entered the playoffs for the first time since [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs").
- The [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Detroit_Pistons_season "2024–25 Detroit Pistons season") entered the playoffs for the first time since [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_NBA_playoffs "2019 NBA playoffs").
- The [New Orleans Pelicans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_Orleans_Pelicans_season "2024–25 New Orleans Pelicans season") and [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2024–25 Dallas Mavericks season") missed the playoffs after making the postseason the previous year.
- The [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Phoenix_Suns_season "2024–25 Phoenix Suns season") missed the playoffs for the first time since [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs").
- The [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Philadelphia_76ers_season "2024–25 Philadelphia 76ers season") missed the playoffs for the first time since [2017](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_playoffs "2017 NBA playoffs").
- The [Brooklyn Nets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Brooklyn_Nets_season "2024–25 Brooklyn Nets season"), [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Sacramento_Kings_season "2024–25 Sacramento Kings season"), and [Atlanta Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2024–25 Atlanta Hawks season") missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
- The [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Utah_Jazz_season "2024–25 Utah Jazz season"), [Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Toronto_Raptors_season "2024–25 Toronto Raptors season"), and [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Chicago_Bulls_season "2024–25 Chicago Bulls season") missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
- The [Washington Wizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Washington_Wizards_season "2024–25 Washington Wizards season") and [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2024–25 Portland Trail Blazers season") missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
- The [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2024–25 San Antonio Spurs season") missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.
- The [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Charlotte_Hornets_season "2024–25 Charlotte Hornets season") missed the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season, currently the longest active playoff drought in the NBA.
#### Play-in tournament
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=3 "Edit section: Play-in tournament")\]
- The [Atlanta Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2024–25 Atlanta Hawks season") competed in the play-in tournament for the fourth consecutive season.
- The [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Chicago_Bulls_season "2024–25 Chicago Bulls season") and [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season") competed in the play-in tournament for the third consecutive season.
- The [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Sacramento_Kings_season "2024–25 Sacramento Kings season") and [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season") competed in the play-in tournament for the second consecutive season.
- The [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2024–25 Memphis Grizzlies season") competed in the play-in tournament for the first time since [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NBA_playoffs "2021 NBA playoffs").
- The [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Orlando_Magic_season "2024–25 Orlando Magic season") and [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2024–25 Dallas Mavericks season") competed in the play-in tournament for the first time in franchise history.
### Notable occurrences
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=4 "Edit section: Notable occurrences")\]
- With their overtime road victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the No. 8 seed game, the Miami Heat became the first-ever 10-seed to advance from the play-in to the playoffs.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-:0-2)
- The Dallas Mavericks became the first team since the [2019–20 Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2019–20 Golden State Warriors season") to miss the playoffs after reaching the [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals") the previous season.
### First round
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=5 "Edit section: First round")\]
- The Thunder's 51-point victory against the Grizzlies was the largest margin of victory in a Game 1 in NBA history.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-3)
- The Pistons' Game 2 victory over the Knicks was their first playoff win since [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_playoffs "2008 NBA playoffs"), ending a 15-game postseason losing streak, the longest in NBA history.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-4) The Pistons, however, now own the record for the most consecutive home defeats in playoffs history at 10 straight with their three home losses in the first round.
- The Cavaliers made 11 three-pointers in the second quarter of their Game 2 victory over the Heat, setting a postseason record.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-5)
- The Thunder overcame a 26-point halftime deficit in their Game 3 victory over the Grizzlies, the largest such comeback in NBA postseason history.
- With the Thunder sweeping the Grizzlies, this marks the 49th straight playoffs where a sweep occurred; the last time this did not happen was in [1976](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_NBA_playoffs "1976 NBA playoffs").
- The Cavaliers' 55-point victory over the Heat in Game 4 was the largest series-clinching win in NBA history.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-espn.com-6)
- The Cavaliers' 122-point differential in their series against the Heat was the largest in NBA history.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-espn.com-6)
- By defeating the Lakers, the Timberwolves won a playoff series in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history.
- After losing to the Timberwolves, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round as a third seed or higher for the first time in franchise history.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-7)
- The Knicks–Pistons series was the second playoff series in NBA history to feature four consecutive games decided by 3 or fewer points.
- The Nuggets–Clippers series was the first of the 2025 playoffs to have a Game 7, making it the 26th consecutive NBA postseason to feature a Game 7. The last time a Game 7 did not occur in the playoffs was [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs "1999 NBA playoffs"). This was the 154th game 7 in NBA playoffs history.
- With the Rockets forcing a Game 7 against the Warriors, this is the first playoffs since [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs") to feature two Game 7's in the first round.
- This is the third postseason where LeBron James was eliminated in the first round.
- The seventh-seeded Warriors defeated the second-seeded Houston in seven games, marking the seventh instance in NBA history of a 7th-seeded team defeating a 2nd-seeded team in the first round, following previous instances in [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_NBA_playoffs "1987 NBA playoffs"), [1989](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_NBA_playoffs "1989 NBA playoffs"), [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_NBA_playoffs "1991 NBA playoffs"), [1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs "1998 NBA playoffs"), [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_playoffs "2010 NBA playoffs"), and [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_NBA_playoffs "2023 NBA playoffs"). Additionally, this was only the third time and the second time in three seasons that such an upset occurred in a best-of-seven series, as well as the first time it occurred in seven games and the second time it occurred within the maximum number of games ([1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs "1998 NBA playoffs")).
- The Warriors became the first team to defeat the second-seed team three times as the seventh-seeded team, following previous instances in [1989](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_NBA_playoffs "1989 NBA playoffs") and [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_NBA_playoffs "1991 NBA playoffs").
### Conference semifinals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=6 "Edit section: Conference semifinals")\]
- In the Eastern Conference, the same teams from the previous playoffs represent the final four teams this year. However, the match-ups are different, with the Cavaliers playing the Pacers and the Celtics facing the Knicks. [Last year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs#Eastern_Conference_semifinals "2024 NBA playoffs") it was the [Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_Boston_Celtics_season "2023–24 Boston Celtics season") facing the [Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2023–24 Cleveland Cavaliers season") and the [Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_New_York_Knicks_season "2023–24 New York Knicks season") versus the [Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_Indiana_Pacers_season "2023–24 Indiana Pacers season").
- The Western Conference Semifinals match-up between Oklahoma City and Denver features the top two MVP favorites in [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") and [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić"). The last time this occurred was in the [2017 first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Houston_Rockets_vs._\(6\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder "2017 NBA playoffs") when [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden")'s Rockets defeated [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook")'s Thunder in five games. Westbrook won the MVP that season, while Harden finished a close second.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-8)
- This is just the third time in NBA history a sixth seed is facing a seventh seed in the Conference Semifinals. The other times this occurred were in the [1987 WCSF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_NBA_playoffs#Western_Conference_semifinals "1987 NBA playoffs") between the [Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986%E2%80%9387_Houston_Rockets_season "1986–87 Houston Rockets season") (6) vs [SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986%E2%80%9387_Seattle_SuperSonics_season "1986–87 Seattle SuperSonics season") (7) and the [2023 WCSF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_NBA_playoffs#\(6\)_Golden_State_Warriors_vs._\(7\)_Los_Angeles_Lakers "2023 NBA playoffs") between the [Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2022–23 Golden State Warriors season") (6) vs [Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers season") (7).
- In Game 1 against the Knicks, the Celtics set the NBA playoff record for most missed 3-point shots in a game (45).
- With his Game 1 game-winner, [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") became the first player in the play-by-play era (since 1996–97) to hit a game-winning shot in the final five seconds of a game on the road multiple times in a single playoff run.
- All four Game 1's of the Conference Semifinals were won by the road team, the first time this has happened in NBA history.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-9)
- In Game 1 and 2 in their series vs. the Celtics, the Knicks were the first team to comeback from 20 points or more in back-to-back playoff games in NBA history. In addition, the Celtics were the first team to blow back-to-back 20 point leads in the playoffs.
- The Cavaliers and the Celtics became the first teams since the [1992–93 Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992%E2%80%9393_Phoenix_Suns_season "1992–93 Phoenix Suns season") to trail 0–2 before the conference finals as a 60-win team.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-10)
- The Thunder scored 87 points in the first half of Game 2 against the Nuggets, setting an NBA playoff record for most points scored in a first half, and tying the NBA playoff record for points in a half set by the Milwaukee Bucks in the [1978 WCSF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Denver_Nuggets_vs._\(6\)_Milwaukee_Bucks "1978 NBA playoffs").[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-11)
- The Pacers led by 41 points at halftime of Game 4 against the Cavaliers, tying the playoff record set by Cleveland in Game 2 of the [2017 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_playoffs#Eastern_Conference_finals "2017 NBA playoffs").[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-12)
- The Cavaliers were the first Eastern Conference team to win [62 games or more](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_teams_by_single_season_win_percentage "List of NBA teams by single season win percentage") and not make the Eastern Conference Finals.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-13)
- With the Cavaliers and Celtics both eliminated, this marked the first time since [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NBA_playoffs "2007 NBA playoffs") that two 60-win teams failed to reach the conference finals.
- The elimination of the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") guarantees that there would be a 7th different NBA champion in the last 7 years, the first time this has happened in NBA history.
- The Nuggets-Thunder series was the second-most lopsided series to go seven games in NBA history, following the [Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Boston_Celtics_season "2007–08 Boston Celtics season")\-[Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2007–08 Atlanta Hawks season") first round series in [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_playoffs "2008 NBA playoffs").[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-14)
### Conference finals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=7 "Edit section: Conference finals")\]
- With the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") losing to the [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") in the preceding conference semifinals, this was the sixth straight conference finals without the defending NBA champions.
- Neither the [first-seeded team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season") nor the [second-seeded team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Boston_Celtics_season "2024–25 Boston Celtics season") made the [Eastern Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Conference_finals "NBA Conference finals") for the first time since [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NBA_playoffs "2021 NBA playoffs").
- The conference finals featured teams that had a chance to win their first championship or hadn't won a championship in over four decades:
- The New York Knicks last won the NBA championship in [1973](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_NBA_Finals "1973 NBA Finals").
- The Oklahoma City Thunder last won the NBA championship in [1979](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1979_NBA_Finals "1979 NBA Finals") when they were still known as the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics").
- The Indiana Pacers have never won an NBA championship since joining the league in the [ABA-NBA merger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABA-NBA_merger "ABA-NBA merger") in [1976](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976%E2%80%9377_Indiana_Pacers_season "1976–77 Indiana Pacers season").
- The Minnesota Timberwolves have never won an NBA championship or advanced to the NBA Finals since joining the league as an expansion team in [1989](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989%E2%80%9390_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "1989–90 Minnesota Timberwolves season").
- This is the first Western Conference Finals since 1996 to not feature a team from [California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California "California") or [Texas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas "Texas").
- In Game 1 against the Knicks, the Pacers became the first team since play-by-play records began in 1998 to win after trailing by 9+ points in the final minute of a playoff game. Also in the game, [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") became the first player in NBA history to make six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter of a playoff game.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-15)
- Oklahoma City surpassed the [2019 Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%9319_Toronto_Raptors_season "2018–19 Toronto Raptors season")' +79 turnover differential for largest in a single-playoff in NBA postseason history. It took Toronto 24 games to accomplish this feat, while Oklahoma City surpassed this mark in their 12th game.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-16)
- In Game 4, [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") became the first player in NBA playoff history to record 30 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds with no turnovers in a game.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-17)
- For the first time since [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_NBA_playoffs "2015 NBA playoffs"), both the Eastern Conference champions and the Western Conference champions clinched their NBA Finals berth on their home court.[\[a\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-18)
### NBA Finals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=8 "Edit section: NBA Finals")\]
- The Thunder are the youngest team to make the NBA Finals since the [1977 Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976%E2%80%9377_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "1976–77 Portland Trail Blazers season").[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-19)
- This is the first NBA Finals without a luxury tax team since the [salary cap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salary_cap "Salary cap") era began in 2002.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-20)
- The 18 game difference in wins between the Thunder and Pacers is the largest among NBA Finals participants since the [1981 Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1981_NBA_Finals "1981 NBA Finals") between the 62-win [Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980%E2%80%9381_Boston_Celtics_season "1980–81 Boston Celtics season") and 40-win [Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980%E2%80%9381_Houston_Rockets_season "1980–81 Houston Rockets season").[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-21)
- The Pacers in Game 1 joined the [1999 Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "1998–99 San Antonio Spurs season") in Game 2 of the [Western Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_San_Antonio_Spurs_vs._\(2\)_Portland_Trail_Blazers "1999 NBA playoffs") and the [2002 Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season") in Game 4 of the [Western Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Sacramento_Kings_vs._\(3\)_Los_Angeles_Lakers "2002 NBA playoffs") as teams to win a playoff game despite leading for only 20 seconds or less.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-22)
- Indiana also tied the [1992 Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991%E2%80%9392_Chicago_Bulls_season "1991–92 Chicago Bulls season") in [Game 6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_NBA_Finals#Game_6 "1992 NBA Finals") and the [2011 Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2010–11 Dallas Mavericks season") in [Game 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_Finals#Game_2 "2011 NBA Finals") for the largest NBA Finals fourth quarter comeback.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-23)
- [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton")'s go-ahead shot with 0.3 seconds left marked the latest game winner in an NBA Finals game since [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan")'s buzzer-beating shot in Game 1 of the [1997 Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_NBA_Finals "1997 NBA Finals").[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-24)
- [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") (72 points) surpassed [Allen Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") (71 points, [2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_Finals "2001 NBA Finals")) for the most combined points scored in a player's first two Finals games.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-25)
- In [Game 5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_Finals#Game_5 "2025 NBA Finals"), [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") became the third-youngest player since the [ABA–NBA merger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABA%E2%80%93NBA_merger "ABA–NBA merger") to score at least 40 points in a Finals game.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-26)
- Jalen Williams and [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") joined [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") and [Kyrie Irving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrie_Irving "Kyrie Irving") as the only teammates since 1980 to finish a Finals game with 40+ points for one and 30+ points for the other.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-27)
- In Game 6, the Pacers became the first team in NBA history with eight players to score at least 200 points in a single playoffs.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-28)
- This featured the first NBA Finals [Game 7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_game_sevens "List of NBA game sevens") since [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_Finals "2016 NBA Finals").
- Oklahoma City was the first team to score 100 points or more in an NBA Finals Game 7 since the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987-88_Los_Angeles_Lakers "1987-88 Los Angeles Lakers") and [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987%E2%80%9388_Detroit_Pistons_season "1987–88 Detroit Pistons season") scored over the century mark in the [1988 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_NBA_Finals "1988 NBA Finals").[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-29)
- The Thunder moved to 19–2 after a defeat in both the regular season and playoffs, surpassing the [1986–87 Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986%E2%80%9387_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1986–87 Los Angeles Lakers season") for the best winning percentage in NBA history after loss in a season.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-30)
- [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") became the fourth player to win the [league scoring title](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_annual_scoring_leaders "List of NBA annual scoring leaders") along with regular season and [Finals MVPs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Finals Most Valuable Player") in one season, and the first since [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") of the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") in 2000.[\[b\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-31)[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-32) He was also the first player since [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") in [2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_NBA_season "2013 NBA season") to win a [regular season MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Most Valuable Player") and Finals MVP in the same season.
## Format
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=9 "Edit section: Format")\]
See also: [NBA playoffs § Format](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs#Format "NBA playoffs")
Eight teams from each conference participate in the playoffs. The top six teams in each conference, based on [winning percentage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winning_percentage "Winning percentage"), directly qualify for the playoffs; the [seeding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_\(sports\) "Seed (sports)") order of those teams is also based on winning percentage. If two or more teams had the same record, standard NBA tiebreaker rules are used.
The NBA Board of Governors adopted a format starting in [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NBA_playoffs "2021 NBA playoffs") to have a [play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament") involving the teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference. The 7th-place team and 8th-place team participate in a "double-chance" game, with the winner advancing to the playoffs as the 7-seed. The loser then plays the winner of the elimination game between the 9th-place and 10th-place teams to determine the playoff's 8-seed. The NBA's regular playoff format then proceeds as normal. Furthermore, the winner of the match between the loser of the 7/8 game and the winner of the 9/10 game always plays on day 2 of the NBA playoffs to allow that team at least a day of rest.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-33)
Each conference's bracket is fixed with no reseeding. All rounds are a best-of-seven series; a series ends when one team wins four games, and that team advances to the next round. All rounds, including the NBA Finals, are in a 2–2–1–1–1 format with regards to hosting.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-34) In the conference playoffs, home-court advantage goes to the higher-seeded team (number one being the highest). For the NBA Finals, home-court advantage goes to the team with the better regular season record, and, if needed, ties are broken based on head-to-head record, followed by inter-conference record.
## Playoff qualifying
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=10 "Edit section: Playoff qualifying")\]
On March 5, 2025, the [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season") became the first team to clinch a playoff spot.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-Cavaliersclinch-35) While noted in the below tables, division titles have no bearing on seeding.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-36)
*Seeds 7 and 8 in each conference were determined via the first-stage play-in tournament, held April 15–18.*
### Eastern Conference
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=11 "Edit section: Eastern Conference")\]
| Seed | Team | Record | Clinched | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play-in berth | Playoff berth | Division title | Best record in conference | Best record in NBA | | | |
| 1 | [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season") | 64–18 | — | March 5[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-Cavaliersclinch-35) | March 11[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-37) | April 8[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-38) | — |
| 2 | [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Boston_Celtics_season "2024–25 Boston Celtics season") | 61–21 | — | March 14[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-39) | March 29[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-40) | — | — |
| 3 | [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_York_Knicks_season "2024–25 New York Knicks season") | 51–31 | — | March 27[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-41) | — | — | — |
| 4 | [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Indiana_Pacers_season "2024–25 Indiana Pacers season") | 50–32 | — | April 1[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-42) | — | — | — |
| 5 | [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "2024–25 Milwaukee Bucks season") | 48–34 | — | April 5[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-BucksHawks-43) | — | — | — |
| 6 | [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Detroit_Pistons_season "2024–25 Detroit Pistons season") | 44–38 | — | April 4[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-44) | — | — | — |
| 7 | [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Orlando_Magic_season "2024–25 Orlando Magic season") | 41–41 | April 4[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-45) | April 15[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-46) | April 9[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-47) | — | — |
| 8 | [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season") | 37–45 | April 3[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-48) | April 18[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-49) | — | — | — |
[Atlanta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2024–25 Atlanta Hawks season") (40–42) and [Chicago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Chicago_Bulls_season "2024–25 Chicago Bulls season") (39–43) also secured play-in berths but did not advance to the playoffs.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-50)[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-51)
### Western Conference
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=12 "Edit section: Western Conference")\]
| Seed | Team | Record | Clinched | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play-in berth | Playoff berth | Division title | Best record in conference | Best record in NBA | | | |
| 1 | [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder season") | 68–14 | — | March 12[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-52) | March 19[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-53) | March 20[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-54) | April 9[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-55) |
| 2 | [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Houston_Rockets_season "2024–25 Houston Rockets season") | 52–30 | — | April 2[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-56) | April 2[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-57) | — | — |
| 3 | [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 50–32 | — | April 9[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-58) | April 11[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-59) | — | — |
| 4 | [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Denver_Nuggets_season "2024–25 Denver Nuggets season") | 50–32 | — | April 13[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-60) | — | — | — |
| 5 | [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Clippers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Clippers season") | 50–32 | — | April 13[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-ClippersWarriors-61) | — | — | — |
| 6 | [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2024–25 Minnesota Timberwolves season") | 49–33 | — | April 13[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-62) | — | — | — |
| 7 | [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season") | 48–34 | April 13[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-ClippersWarriors-61) | April 15[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-63) | — | — | — |
| 8 | [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2024–25 Memphis Grizzlies season") | 48–34 | April 11[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-64) | April 18[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-65) | — | — | — |
[Sacramento](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Sacramento_Kings_season "2024–25 Sacramento Kings season") (40–42) and [Dallas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2024–25 Dallas Mavericks season") (39–43) also secured play-in berths but did not advance to the playoffs.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-66)[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-67)
### Play-in tournament brackets
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=13 "Edit section: Play-in tournament brackets")\]
Main article: [NBA play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament")
#### Eastern Conference
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=14 "Edit section: Eastern Conference")\]
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | **Play-in games** | | | **No. 8 seed game** | | | **Final seeds** | | | | |
| | **7** | ***[Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Orlando_Magic_season "2024–25 Orlando Magic season")**\** | **120** | | 7 | Orlando\* | No. 7 seed | | | | |
| | 8 | [Atlanta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2024–25 Atlanta Hawks season") | 95 | | | | | | 10 | Miami | No. 8 seed |
| | | 8 | *Atlanta* | 114 | | | | | | | |
| | | | **10** | **Miami** | **123** ([OT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_\(sports\)#Basketball "Overtime (sports)")) | | | | | | |
| | 9 | *[Chicago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Chicago_Bulls_season "2024–25 Chicago Bulls season")* | 90 | | | | | | | | |
| | **10** | **[Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season")** | **109** | | | | | | | | |
**Bold** Game winner
*Italic* Team with home-court advantage
*\** Division winner
#### Western Conference
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=15 "Edit section: Western Conference")\]
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | **Play-in games** | | | **No. 8 seed game** | | | **Final seeds** | | | | |
| | **7** | ***[Golden State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season")*** | **121** | | 7 | Golden State | No. 7 seed | | | | |
| | 8 | [Memphis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2024–25 Memphis Grizzlies season") | 116 | | | | | | 8 | Memphis | No. 8 seed |
| | | **8** | ***Memphis*** | **120** | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10 | Dallas | 106 | | | | | | |
| | 9 | *[Sacramento](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Sacramento_Kings_season "2024–25 Sacramento Kings season")* | 106 | | | | | | | | |
| | **10** | **[Dallas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2024–25 Dallas Mavericks season")** | **120** | | | | | | | | |
**Bold** Game winner
*Italic* Team with home-court advantage
*\** Division winner
## Bracket
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=16 "Edit section: Bracket")\]
Teams in **bold** advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its conference, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. The division champions are marked by an asterisk. Teams with home court advantage, the higher seeded team, are shown in *italics*.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | [First round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#First_round_2) | | | [Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Conference_semifinals_2) | | | [Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Conference_finals_2) | | | [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_Finals "2025 NBA Finals") | |
| | **E1** | ***[Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season")***\* | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | E8 | [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season") | 0 | | | | | | | | |
| | | E1 | *Cleveland*\* | 1 | | | | | | | |
| | | | **E4** | **Indiana** | **4** | | | | | | |
| | **E4** | ***[Indiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Indiana_Pacers_season "2024–25 Indiana Pacers season")*** | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | [Milwaukee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "2024–25 Milwaukee Bucks season") | 1 | | | | | | | | |
| | | **E4** | **Indiana** | **4** | | | | | | | |
| | **[Eastern Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Conference_\(NBA\) "Eastern Conference (NBA)")** | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | E3 | *New York* | 2 | | | | | | |
| | **E3** | ***[New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_York_Knicks_season "2024–25 New York Knicks season")*** | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | [Detroit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Detroit_Pistons_season "2024–25 Detroit Pistons season") | 2 | | | | | | | | |
| | | **E3** | **New York** | **4** | | | | | | | |
| | | | E2 | *Boston*\* | 2 | | | | | | |
| | **E2** | ***[Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Boston_Celtics_season "2024–25 Boston Celtics season")***\* | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | E7 | [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Orlando_Magic_season "2024–25 Orlando Magic season")\* | 1 | | | | | | | | |
| | | E4 | Indiana | 3 | | | | | | | |
| | | | **W1** | ***Oklahoma City***\* | **4** | | | | | | |
| | **W1** | ***[Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder season")***\* | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | W8 | [Memphis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2024–25 Memphis Grizzlies season") | 0 | | | | | | | | |
| | | **W1** | ***Oklahoma City***\* | **4** | | | | | | | |
| | | | W4 | Denver | 3 | | | | | | |
| | **W4** | ***[Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Denver_Nuggets_season "2024–25 Denver Nuggets season")*** | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | [LA Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Clippers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Clippers season") | 3 | | | | | | | | |
| | | **W1** | ***Oklahoma City***\* | **4** | | | | | | | |
| | **[Western Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Conference_\(NBA\) "Western Conference (NBA)")** | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | W6 | Minnesota | 1 | | | | | | |
| | W3 | *[LA Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Lakers season")*\* | 1 | | | | | | | | |
| | **W6** | **[Minnesota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2024–25 Minnesota Timberwolves season")** | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | | **W6** | ***Minnesota*** | **4** | | | | | | | |
| | | | W7 | Golden State | 1 | | | | | | |
| | W2 | *[Houston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Houston_Rockets_season "2024–25 Houston Rockets season")*\* | 3 | | | | | | | | |
| | **W7** | **[Golden State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season")** | **4** | | | | | | | | |
## First round
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=17 "Edit section: First round")\]
*Note: Times are [EDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Time_Zone "Eastern Time Zone") ([UTC−4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%E2%88%9204:00 "UTC−04:00")) as listed by the NBA. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.*
### Eastern Conference first round
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=18 "Edit section: Eastern Conference first round")\]
#### (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=19 "Edit section: (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat")\]
| |
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 20 7:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/0042400101) |
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") 100, **[Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers")** **121** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 24–**31**, 30–**31**, 25–25, 21–**34** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Bam Adebayo 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Davion Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davion_Mitchell "Davion Mitchell") 9 | | **Pts:** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 30 **Rebs:** [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") 11 **Asts:** [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") 5 |
| ***Cleveland leads series, 1–0*** | | |
| |
|---|
| [Rocket Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Arena "Rocket Arena"), [Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland "Cleveland"), OH **Attendance:** 19,432 **Referees:** David Guthrie, Courtney Kirkland, Eric Dalen |
[Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") scored 30 points as the top-seeded Cavaliers cruised to a 121–100 victory in the series opener. Mitchell also tallied four steals, [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") finished with 27 points, and [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") notched a double-double for Cleveland. Although the Heat tried to rally in the second half, Cavaliers guard [Ty Jerome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Jerome "Ty Jerome") came off the bench and scored 28 points in his playoff debut, including 16 points (6-of-7 shooting) in the fourth quarter to keep Miami at bay. [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo") and [Tyler Herro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Herro "Tyler Herro") both finished with over 20 points for the Heat, while reserve guard [Davion Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davion_Mitchell "Davion Mitchell") shot 8-of-12 and dished out a game-high nine assists.
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| [NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV") |
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| April 23 7:30 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/0042400102) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") 112, **[Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers")** **121** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 24–**25**, 27–**43**, **29**–25, **32**–28 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Tyler Herro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Herro "Tyler Herro") 33 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo") 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Bam Adebayo 9 | | **Pts:** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 30 **Rebs:** [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") 8 **Asts:** [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") 9 |
| ***Cleveland leads series, 2–0*** | | |
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| [Rocket Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Arena "Rocket Arena"), [Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland "Cleveland"), OH **Attendance:** 19,432 **Referees:** [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), Pat Fraher, John Goble |
Cleveland fought off a late Miami rally, securing victory and establishing a 2–0 series advantage. [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") had another 30-point performance, including 7 3-pointers, while also logging 6 rebounds and 6 assists. [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") added 21 points and 9 assists, whereas [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley") contributed 20 points and 6 rebounds. [Tyler Herro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Herro "Tyler Herro") carried the Heat on scoring, notching 33 points and dishing out 5 assists. [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo") tallied 11 points, 14 rebounds and 9 assists, finishing one assist shy of a triple-double. [Haywood Highsmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haywood_Highsmith "Haywood Highsmith") came off the bench and shot 5-of-6 from beyond the arc en route to 17 points, as the Heat conceded 121 points for the second game in a row.
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 26 1:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-mia-0042400103) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers")** **124**, [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") 87 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **33**–20, **29**–22, **26**–22, **36**–23 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") 22 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Jarrett Allen 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Ty Jerome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Jerome "Ty Jerome") 11 | | **Pts:** [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo") 22 **Rebs:** Bam Adebayo 9 **Asts:** [Davion Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davion_Mitchell "Davion Mitchell") 5 |
| ***Cleveland leads series, 3–0*** | | |
| |
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| [Kaseya Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaseya_Center "Kaseya Center"), [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami"), FL **Attendance:** 19,600 **Referees:** John Goble, Bill Kennedy, [Rodney Mott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodney_Mott "Rodney Mott") |
Cleveland rolled to a 124–87 victory to take a commanding 3–0 series lead. It was a balanced team effort for the Cavaliers — [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") scored 22 points, [De'Andre Hunter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De%27Andre_Hunter "De'Andre Hunter") added 21 points, defensive player of the year [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley") added 19 points, and [Max Strus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Strus "Max Strus") contributed 18 points. [Ty Jerome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Jerome "Ty Jerome") had 13 points and 11 assists in 22 minutes — he was +33. This was the Heat's worst playoff loss in franchise history, which only lasted one game after Game 4's blowout loss. The Cavs took control with a 33–5 run early, outrebounded Miami 46–29, and outscored the Heat 60–30 in the paint.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 28 7:30 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-mia-0042400104) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers")** **138**, [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") 83 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **43**–17, **29**–16, **39**–30, **27**–20 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 22 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jerome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Jerome "Ty Jerome"), Mitchell 5 each | | **Pts:** [Nikola Jović](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Jovi%C4%87 "Nikola Jović") 24 **Rebs:** [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo") 12 **Asts:** [Davion Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davion_Mitchell "Davion Mitchell") 5 |
| ***Cleveland wins series, 4–0*** | | |
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| [Kaseya Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaseya_Center "Kaseya Center"), [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami"), FL **Attendance:** 19,600 **Referees:** James Williams, Kevin Scott, [JB DeRosa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JB_DeRosa "JB DeRosa") |
Cleveland advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second straight season after a 55 point victory, the fourth-biggest playoff win ever. Cleveland won the series by a combined 122 points, one more than the previous record for series margin set by Denver over New Orleans in [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_playoffs "2009 NBA playoffs").[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-68) Miami was also the first team ever to lose by 30+ points in the playoffs in back-to-back games. All-star point guard [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") missed the final two games of the series for the Cavs with a toe injury.
The series also marked the Cavaliers' first-ever playoff series sweep in franchise history without [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") on the roster.
| Cleveland won 2–1 in the regular-season series |
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| December 8, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-mia-0022400351) |
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| [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 113, **[Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat")** **122** |
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| [Kaseya Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaseya_Center "Kaseya Center"), [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami"), FL |
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| January 29, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-mia-0022400667) |
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| **Cleveland Cavaliers** **126**, Miami Heat 106 |
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| Kaseya Center, Miami, FL |
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| March 5, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mia-vs-cle-0022400893) |
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| Miami Heat 107, **Cleveland Cavaliers** **112** |
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| [Rocket Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Arena "Rocket Arena"), [Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland "Cleveland"), OH |
This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-69)
#### (2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=20 "Edit section: (2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic")\]
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| April 20 3:30 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/orl-vs-bos-0042400111) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") 86, **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **103** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 18–**26**, **31**–22, 18–**30**, 19–**25** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") 36 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Wendell Carter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Carter_Jr. "Wendell Carter Jr.") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner") 5 | | **Pts:** [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") 30 **Rebs:** [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 14 **Asts:** [Jrue Holiday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jrue_Holiday "Jrue Holiday") 5 |
| ***Boston leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden"), [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston "Boston"), MA **Attendance:** 19,156 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), Mitchell Ervin, Jacyn Goble |
After Orlando held a slim 1-point lead at halftime, Boston dominated the second half, winning 103–86 at home. [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") was the main contributor for the Celtics on offense, knocking down 7 3-pointers en route to 30 points. [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") notched a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, albeit going 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. [Payton Pritchard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payton_Pritchard "Payton Pritchard") added 19 points on 75% field goal percentage as a substitute. For the Magic, [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") scored a game-high 36 points, while also logging 11 rebounds. [Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner") finished with 25 points and 5 assists, while [Wendell Carter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Carter_Jr. "Wendell Carter Jr.") grabbed 13 boards.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 23 7:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/0042400112) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") 100, **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **109** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 21–**23**, 26–**27**, 24–**31**, **29**–28 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") 32 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Paolo Banchero 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Paolo Banchero 7 | | **Pts:** [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") 36 **Rebs:** *three players* 10 each[\[c\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-70) **Asts:** [Jrue Holiday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jrue_Holiday "Jrue Holiday") 6 |
| ***Boston leads series, 2–0*** | | |
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| [TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden"), [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston "Boston"), MA **Attendance:** 19,156 **Referees:** James Williams, Ed Malloy, Brent Barnaky |
The defending champions secured 2–0 series lead with a 109–100 victory in Game 2. [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") led the way for the Celtics, logging 36 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. [Kristaps Porziņģis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristaps_Porzi%C5%86%C4%A3is "Kristaps Porziņģis") (who had to shortly leave the game after an accidental elbow to the forehead by [Goga Bitadze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goga_Bitadze "Goga Bitadze") in the last seconds of the third quarter) notched 20 points and 10 rebounds. [Al Horford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Horford "Al Horford") also grabbed 10 boards, as the Celtics outrebounded their opponents 46–34. The Magic were again reliant on [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") and [Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner"), with the former contributing 32 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, while the latter scored 25 points. [Wendell Carter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Carter_Jr. "Wendell Carter Jr.") added 16 points and 8 rebounds, as Orlando were limited to no more than 100 points for the second consecutive game. Boston's star forward [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") did not play in the game due to a wrist injury suffered in Game 1; it was the first playoff game he missed in his career.
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| April 25 7:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-orl-0042400113) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 93, **[Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic")** **95** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 27–**31**, **32**–18, 11–**24**, **23**–22 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 36 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Jayson Tatum 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") 5 | | **Pts:** [Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner") 32 **Rebs:** [Wendell Carter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Carter_Jr. "Wendell Carter Jr.") 12 **Asts:** Franz Wagner 8 |
| ***Boston leads series, 2–1*** | | |
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| [Kia Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Center "Kia Center"), [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida"), FL **Attendance:** 18,967 **Referees:** David Guthrie, Courtney Kirkland, Tre Maddox |
[Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner") (32 points on 11-of-27 shooting, 7 rebounds, 8 assists) and [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") (29 points on 10-of-25 shooting) efforts were enough for the Magic to outlast the Celtics in a close Game 3 victory. A returning [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") scored 36 points and had 9 rebounds, but committed 7 turnovers, while co-star [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") also had 6 turnovers. Altogether, the Celtics committed 20 turnovers in the game. After a stellar Game 2, [Kristaps Porziņģis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristaps_Porzi%C5%86%C4%A3is "Kristaps Porziņģis") (with his head bandage after the elbow to the forehead in Game 2) scored just 7 points on 3-of-10 shooting, with a team-worst -16 [plus-minus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plus%E2%80%93minus_\(sports\) "Plus–minus (sports)"). In the fourth quarter, the duo of Wagner and Banchero scored 18 of the Magic's 22 points.
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 27 7:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-orl-0042400114) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **107**, [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") 98 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **32**–29, **21**–19, 26–**27**, **28**–23 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 37 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Jayson Tatum 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") 7 | | **Pts:** [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") 31 **Rebs:** [Wendell Carter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Carter_Jr. "Wendell Carter Jr.") 11 **Asts:** [Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner") 7 |
| ***Boston leads series, 3–1*** | | |
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| [Kia Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Center "Kia Center"), [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida"), FL **Attendance:** 19,073 **Referees:** Marc Davis, [Tyler Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Ford_\(basketball\) "Tyler Ford (basketball)"), Andy Nagy |
[Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") scored 37 points and pulled down 14 rebounds and [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") added 21 points and 11 rebounds, as the Boston Celtics took a 3–1 lead over the Orlando Magic in Game 4. [Kristaps Porziņģis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristaps_Porzi%C5%86%C4%A3is "Kristaps Porziņģis") scored 19 points, including a dunk of his own missed layup that put Boston ahead for good with 3:58 left. [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") led Orlando with 31 points.
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| [NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV") |
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| April 29 8:30 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/orl-vs-bos-0042400115) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") 89, **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **120** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **27**–23, 22–**24**, 13–**36**, 27–**37** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner") 25 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Wendell Carter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Carter_Jr. "Wendell Carter Jr.") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") 6 | | **Pts:** [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 35 **Rebs:** Jayson Tatum 8 **Asts:** Jayson Tatum 10 |
| ***Boston wins series, 4–1*** | | |
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| [TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden"), [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston "Boston"), MA **Attendance:** 19,156 **Referees:** [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), Mark Lindsay, Gediminas Petraitis |
The Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals behind [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum")'s 35 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds effort. The game was tied at 53 when Magic star [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") went to the bench with five fouls early in the third quarter. When he came back into the game at the start of the fourth quarter, the Celtics were up 83–62 and they never looked back, cruising to a 120–89 win.
| Orlando won 2–1 in the regular-season series |
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| December 23, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-orl-0022400393) |
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| [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 104, **[Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic")** **108** |
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| [Kia Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Center "Kia Center"), [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida"), FL |
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| January 17, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/orl-vs-bos-0022400577) |
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| Orlando Magic 94, **Boston Celtics** **121** |
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| [TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden"), [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston "Boston"), MA |
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| April 9, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-orl-0022401156) |
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| Boston Celtics 76, **Orlando Magic** **96** |
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| Kia Center, Orlando, FL |
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_playoffs "2010 NBA playoffs"), with the Magic winning two of the first three meetings.[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-71)
| Orlando leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series |
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| 1995 |
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| **[Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic")** **3**, [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 1 |
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| [1995 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Orlando_Magic_vs._\(8\)_Boston_Celtics "1995 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2009 |
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| Boston Celtics 3, **Orlando Magic** **4** |
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| [2009 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(3\)_Orlando_Magic "2009 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2010 |
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| Orlando Magic 2, **Boston Celtics** **4** |
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| [2010 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Orlando_Magic_vs._\(4\)_Boston_Celtics "2010 NBA playoffs") |
#### (3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=21 "Edit section: (3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons")\]
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| April 19 6:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/det-vs-nyk-0042400121) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") 112, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **123** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 27–27, 28–**30**, **36**–26, 21–**40** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Tobias Harris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobias_Harris "Tobias Harris") 25 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** *four players* 6 each[\[d\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-72) **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") 12 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 34 **Rebs:** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 11 **Asts:** Jalen Brunson 8 |
| ***New York leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY **Attendance:** 19,812 **Referees:** John Goble, [Bill Kennedy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Kennedy_\(referee\) "Bill Kennedy (referee)"), Karl Lane |
After three tightly contested quarters, New York strung together a 21–0 run in the fourth, propelling them to a 123–112 victory over Detroit. [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") led the scoring for the Knicks, finishing with 34 points, along with 8 assists. [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") put up an all-rounded performance, logging 23 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks, while [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") added another 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals. For the Pistons, [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") scored 21 and dished out 12 assists in his playoff debut, whereas [Tobias Harris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobias_Harris "Tobias Harris") shot 80% from beyond the arc en route to 25 points. [Malik Beasley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malik_Beasley "Malik Beasley") came off the bench and made 6 3-pointers, contributing 20 points, as Detroit were denied their first playoff win since [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(2\)_Detroit_Pistons "2008 NBA playoffs").
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 21 7:30 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/det-vs-nyk-0042400122) |
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons")** **100**, [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 94 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **25**–18, 30–**31**, **20**–18, 25–**27** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") 33 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Duren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Duren "Jalen Duren"), [Harris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobias_Harris "Tobias Harris") 13 each **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Cunningham, [Schröder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Schr%C3%B6der "Dennis Schröder") 3 each | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 37 **Rebs:** [Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart"), [Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitchell_Robinson "Mitchell Robinson") 7 each **Asts:** Jalen Brunson 7 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
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| [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY **Attendance:** 19,812 **Referees:** Josh Tiven, [Curtis Blair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Blair "Curtis Blair"), Ray Acosta |
In just his second playoff game, Pistons' star [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") led his team to a victory with 33 points on 11-of-21 shooting and 12 rebounds performance. Detroit led for most of the game, but a late 4th quarter New York rally was halted by a [Dennis Schröder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Schr%C3%B6der "Dennis Schröder") (who had 20 pts off the bench) three-point shot with 55.1 seconds to break the tie and give Detroit the eventual win. [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") had another 30-point effort with 37 in total, as well as 7 assists. With the victory, Detroit ended an NBA record 15-game playoff losing streak, which spanned 17 years.[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-73)
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 24 7:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-det-0042400123) |
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **118**, [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") 116 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **33**–27, **33**–26, 27–**30**, 25–**33** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson"), Hart 9 each | | **Pts:** [Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham"), [Hardaway Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hardaway_Jr. "Tim Hardaway Jr.") 24 each **Rebs:** [Duren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Duren "Jalen Duren"), [Reed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Reed_\(basketball\) "Paul Reed (basketball)") 8 each **Asts:** Cade Cunningham 11 |
| ***New York leads series, 2–1*** | | |
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| [Little Caesars Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Caesars_Arena "Little Caesars Arena"), [Detroit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit "Detroit"), MI **Attendance:** 20,062 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), Sean Wright, [Nick Buchert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Buchert "Nick Buchert") |
[Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") (30 points, 11-of-13 from free throws) and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") (31 points, 10-of-18 shooting, 4 three-point makes) starred in a close Game 3 victory to take a 2-1 series. Towns was aggressive early and Jalen Brunson was effective late. Towns scored 11 of his 31 points in the first quarter while Brunson had 12 of his 30 in the fourth. In addition, [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") scored 22 points and [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges") added 20 points for the Knicks. Detroit's [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") scored 24 points and had 11 assists, but missed 15-of-25 shots and had six turnovers. [Tim Hardaway Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hardaway_Jr. "Tim Hardaway Jr.") had 24 points, making a career playoff-high seven 3-pointers. [Dennis Schroder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Schroder "Dennis Schroder") scored 18 points off the bench and [Jalen Duren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Duren "Jalen Duren") had 16 for the Pistons. The Pistons pulled within one point twice in the third, but the Knicks went on another surge to take a 10-point lead into the final quarter and the cushion was comfortable enough to hold off Detroit's attempts to rally.[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-74)
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| April 27 1:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-det-0042400124) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **94**, [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") 93 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **29**–19, 21–**24**, 14–**28**, **30**–22 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 32 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jalen Brunson 11 | | **Pts:** [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") 25 **Rebs:** [Jalen Duren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Duren "Jalen Duren") 17 **Asts:** Cade Cunningham 10 |
| ***New York leads series, 3–1*** | | |
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| [Little Caesars Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Caesars_Arena "Little Caesars Arena"), [Detroit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit "Detroit"), MI **Attendance:** 20,062 **Referees:** David Guthrie, Brian Forte, Kevin Cutler |
[Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") (32 points, 11 assists, and 13-of-26 shooting) and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") (27 points, 9 rebounds, and 10-of-23 shooting) would again star for the Knicks in a thrilling Game 4 victory. The game was close throughout and a Karl-Anthony Towns go-ahead 3-pointer with 46.6 seconds left would ultimately be the difference. Game 4 was a physical game with few whistles as seen on the last possession of the game. On the play, [Tim Hardaway Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hardaway_Jr. "Tim Hardaway Jr.") shot a 3-pointer just before the buzzer and drew contact from New York’s [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") that wasn’t called a foul. David Guthrie, the crew chief for the game, said afterward that the officials made a mistake. “After postgame review, we observed that Hart makes body contact that is more than marginal to Hardaway Jr. and a foul should have been called,” Guthrie said. Had the foul been called, Hardaway would have gone to the foul line for three free throws that could have given Detroit the lead and win.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-75)
In addition, the Pistons have lost nine straight home playoff games since [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Detroit_Pistons_season "2007–08 Detroit Pistons season"), tying an NBA record set by [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_76ers "Philadelphia 76ers") from 1968 to 1971. [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") finished with the Pistons first playoff triple double since [Isiah Thomas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isiah_Thomas "Isiah Thomas") in 1989.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 29 7:30 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/det-vs-nyk-0042400125) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons")** **106**, [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 103 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 22–**23**, 27–27, **28**–24, 29–29 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Jalen Duren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Duren "Jalen Duren") 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Cade Cunningham 8 | | **Pts:** [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") 19 **Rebs:** [Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitchell_Robinson "Mitchell Robinson"), [Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 11 each **Asts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 7 |
| ***New York leads series, 3–2*** | | |
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| [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY **Attendance:** 19,812 **Referees:** Marc Davis, [Tyler Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Ford_\(basketball\) "Tyler Ford (basketball)"), Jacyn Goble |
The Pistons spoiled the Knicks chance to clinch their first playoff series victory at [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden") since the [1999 conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs#Eastern_Conference_finals "1999 NBA playoffs"), with a 106–103 win. [Ausar Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ausar_Thompson "Ausar Thompson")’s athleticism was on full display on offense (22 points in 28 minutes, mostly in the paint) and defense (2 blocks and holding [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") to an off shooting night). [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") led the Pistons in scoring again with 24 points, plus 8 rebounds and assists. [Tobias Harris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobias_Harris "Tobias Harris") had 17 points, 8 rebounds, and made three 3-pointers. In defeat, six Knicks were in double figures in scoring.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 1 7:30 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-det-0042400126) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **116**, [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") 113 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **37**–23, 22–**38**, **37**–24, 20–**28** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 40 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 15 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jalen Brunson 7 | | **Pts:** [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") 23 **Rebs:** Cade Cunningham 7 **Asts:** [Dennis Schröder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Schr%C3%B6der "Dennis Schröder") 9 |
| ***New York wins series, 4–2*** | | |
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| [Little Caesars Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Caesars_Arena "Little Caesars Arena"), [Detroit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit "Detroit"), MI **Attendance:** 20,062 **Referees:** [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), Ed Malloy, Mark Lindsay |
[Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson")'s game-winning 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left finished off the Pistons in another hard-fought playoff game in this series. Detroit did not get a shot off to potentially tie the game and send it to overtime because [Malik Beasley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malik_Beasley "Malik Beasley") fumbled a pass with 0.4 second left. With 2:35 left, Brunson and the Knicks went on a 11–1 run to seal to the game, 116–113. Brunson scored 40 points, [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges") had 25 points, and [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") added 22 for the Knicks. [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") had 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, but went 0-for-8 on 3-pointers. The Pistons as a team were just 9-for-24 from three. Jalen Duren scored 21 points on 6-of-9 shooting and 9-of-10 from the free thrown line. The Pistons now own the record for most consecutive playoff home losses, with 10. The final average margin for the series was 4.3, which was the lowest in a series of 5+ games in 25 years.[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-76)
| Detroit won 3–1 in the regular-season series |
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| November 1, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-det-0022400134) |
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| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **128**, [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") 98 |
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| [Little Caesars Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Caesars_Arena "Little Caesars Arena"), [Detroit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit "Detroit"), MI |
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| December 7, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/det-vs-nyk-0022400343) |
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| **Detroit Pistons** **120**, New York Knicks 111 |
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| [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY |
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| January 13, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/det-vs-nyk-0022400549) |
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| **Detroit Pistons** **124**, New York Knicks 119 |
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| Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
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| April 10, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-det-0022401167) |
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| New York Knicks 106, **Detroit Pistons** **115** |
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| Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI |
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since [1992](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_NBA_playoffs "1992 NBA playoffs"), with the Knicks winning two of the first three meetings.[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-77)
| New York leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series |
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| 1984 |
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| [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") 2, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **3** |
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| [1984 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Detroit_Pistons_vs._\(5\)_New_York_Knicks "1984 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1990 |
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| **Detroit Pistons** **4**, New York Knicks 1 |
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| [1990 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Detroit_Pistons_vs._\(5\)_New_York_Knicks "1990 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1992 |
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| **New York Knicks** **3**, Detroit Pistons 2 |
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| [1992 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(5\)_Detroit_Pistons "1992 NBA playoffs") |
#### (4) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=22 "Edit section: (4) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks")\]
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| April 19 1:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mil-vs-ind-0042400131) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") 98, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **117** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 25–**33**, 18–**34**, **33**–26, 22–**24** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") 36 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Giannis Antetokounmpo 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Kevin Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Porter_Jr. "Kevin Porter Jr.") 5 | | **Pts:** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 25 **Rebs:** [Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton"), Siakam 7 each **Asts:** Tyrese Haliburton 12 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN **Attendance:** 17,274 **Referees:** Josh Tiven, [Curtis Blair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Blair "Curtis Blair"), Tre Maddox |
Leading by as much as 28 points, Indiana cruised to a 117–98 win over their [Central Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Division_\(NBA\) "Central Division (NBA)") rivals. [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") scored 25 and grabbed 7 rebounds for the Pacers, while [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") added 19 points on 4-of-6 3-point shooting. [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") notched a double-double of 10 points and 12 assists, albeit missing all 7 of his 3-point attempts. The Bucks, without [Damian Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard"), were heavily reliant on [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") for scoring. Antetokounmpo logged 36 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort. Notably, [Kyle Kuzma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Kuzma "Kyle Kuzma"), as a starter, recorded a stat line of 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks and 2 fouls in 21 minutes, ending with a team-worst [plus-minus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plus%E2%80%93minus_\(sports\) "Plus–minus (sports)") value of –24.
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| [NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV") |
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| April 22 7:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mil-vs-ind-0042400132) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") 115, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **123** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 30–**40**, **30**–28, 27–**31**, **28**–24 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") 34 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Giannis Antetokounmpo 18 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Antetokounmpo, [Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard") 7 | | **Pts:** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 24 **Rebs:** Pascal Siakam 11 **Asts:** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 12 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–0*** | | |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN **Attendance:** 17,274 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), Sean Wright, Gediminas Petraitis |
Indiana held off a late Milwaukee fourth quarter surge to take a 2–0 lead in the series. The Pacers played another efficient game on offense (48.9% on field goals, 44.4% from beyond the arc) led by [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") (24 points, 11 rebounds), [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") (21 points, 12 assists) [double-double](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-double "Double-double") efforts. [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") led the way for the Bucks with 34 points on 14-of-20 shooting, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists. Milwaukee also received a lift from [Damian Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard"), who was playing in his first game since March 18.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-78)
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| [ESPNU](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPNU "ESPNU")/[NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV") |
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| April 25 8:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-mil-0042400133) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 101, **[Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks")** **117** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 26–26, **31**–21, 18–**39**, 26–**31** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 28 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton"), [Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 7 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Tyrese Haliburton 10 | | **Pts:** [Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo"), [Trent Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Trent_Jr. "Gary Trent Jr.") 37 each **Rebs:** Giannis Antetokounmpo 12 **Asts:** Antetokounmpo, [Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Porter_Jr. "Kevin Porter Jr.") 6 each |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–1*** | | |
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| [Fiserv Forum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiserv_Forum "Fiserv Forum"), [Milwaukee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee "Milwaukee"), WI **Attendance:** 17,942 **Referees:** Marc Davis, Ed Malloy, Justin Van Duyne |
Milwaukee dominated the game in the second half and cut Indiana's series lead to 2–1. [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") and [Gary Trent Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Trent_Jr. "Gary Trent Jr.") each scored 37 points, with the latter also making a franchise-record nine three-pointers. [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") had 28 points and [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") scored 18 for the Pacers. [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") finished with 14 points and 10 assists.
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 27 9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-mil-0042400134) |
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **129**, [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") 103 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **30**–24, **33**–28, **38**–32, **28**–19 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") 23 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Tyrese Haliburton 15 | | **Pts:** [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") 28 **Rebs:** Giannis Antetokounmpo 15 **Asts:** Antetokounmpo, [Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Porter_Jr. "Kevin Porter Jr.") 6 each |
| ***Indiana leads series, 3–1*** | | |
| |
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| [Fiserv Forum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiserv_Forum "Fiserv Forum"), [Milwaukee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee "Milwaukee"), WI **Attendance:** 17,855 **Referees:** [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), Mark Lindsay, Karl Lane |
The Pacers shot 60% from the field and 46% from three to take a commanding 3–1 series lead. Eight Pacers players scored 12 points or more, led by [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") (23 points, 4 blocks), [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") (20 points), and [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") (17 points, 15 assists). [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") continued to carry Milwaukee, with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists; however, only two other Bucks players scored 10 points or more. [Damian Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard") tore his [Achilles tendon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles_tendon "Achilles tendon") in the first quarter of the game, ending his season.
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| [NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV") |
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| April 29 6:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mil-vs-ind-0042400135) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") 118, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **119** (OT) | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **30**–13, 17–**28**, 28–**34**, 28–28, **[Overtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_\(sports\)#Basketball "Overtime (sports)"):** 15–**16** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Gary Trent Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Trent_Jr. "Gary Trent Jr.") 33 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") 20 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Giannis Antetokounmpo 13 | | **Pts:** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 26 **Rebs:** [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 12 **Asts:** Tyrese Haliburton 9 |
| ***Indiana wins series, 4–1*** | | |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN **Attendance:** 17,274 **Referees:** David Guthrie, Courtney Kirkland, Brian Forte |
The Bucks' season ended in stunning fashion, blowing a 4-point lead with 60 seconds in the fourth quarter and a 7-point lead with 45 seconds in overtime. [Gary Trent Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Trent_Jr. "Gary Trent Jr.") took over for Milwaukee in overtime, scoring 12 points in overtime (all from three), but his fumble and turnover out of bounds gave the ball to Indiana with 10.1 seconds left. From there, a [Tyrese Halliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Halliburton "Tyrese Halliburton") crossover and layup over [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") gave the Pacers the 119–118 lead with 1.1 seconds left. With no more timeouts, the Bucks could not advance the ball and a Trent Jr. half court heave was not close, thus giving the Pacers the win and series victory. Postgame, two incidents occurred: between Antetokounmpo and Tyrese Haliburton’s father, and between Antetokounmpo and [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin").[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-79)
| Milwaukee won 3–1 in the regular-season series |
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| November 22, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-mil-0022400029) |
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| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 117, **[Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks")** **129** |
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| [Fiserv Forum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiserv_Forum "Fiserv Forum"), [Milwaukee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee "Milwaukee"), WI |
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| December 31, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mil-vs-ind-0022400450) |
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| **Milwaukee Bucks** **120**, Indiana Pacers 112 |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN |
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| March 11, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mil-vs-ind-0022400942) |
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| Milwaukee Bucks 114, **Indiana Pacers** **115** |
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| Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
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| March 15, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-mil-0022400972) |
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| Indiana Pacers 119, **Milwaukee Bucks** **126** |
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| Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI |
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams and a rematch of the [previous season's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs "2024 NBA playoffs") first round matchup, with the Pacers winning the first three meetings.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-80)
| Indiana leads 3–0 in all-time playoff series |
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| 1999 |
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| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **3**, [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") 0 |
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| [1999 Eastern Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(7\)_Milwaukee_Bucks "1999 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2000 |
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| **Indiana Pacers** **3**, Milwaukee Bucks 2 |
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| [2000 Eastern Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(8\)_Milwaukee_Bucks "2000 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2024 |
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| Milwaukee Bucks 2, **Indiana Pacers** **4** |
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| [2024 Eastern Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Milwaukee_Bucks_vs._\(6\)_Indiana_Pacers "2024 NBA playoffs") |
### Western Conference first round
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=23 "Edit section: Western Conference first round")\]
#### (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=24 "Edit section: (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies")\]
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| April 20 1:00 p.m. (12:00 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mem-vs-okc-0042400141) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") 80, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **131** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 20–**32**, 16–**36**, 27–**44**, 17–**19** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Bagley III](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Bagley_III "Marvin Bagley III"), [Morant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant "Ja Morant") 17 each **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Zach Edey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Edey "Zach Edey") 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Morant, [Pippen Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotty_Pippen_Jr. "Scotty Pippen Jr.") 4 each | | **Pts:** [Aaron Wiggins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Wiggins "Aaron Wiggins") 21 **Rebs:** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 10 **Asts:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 6 |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), [Nick Buchert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Buchert "Nick Buchert"), [JB DeRosa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JB_DeRosa "JB DeRosa") |
The Thunder won by a heavy landslide, outscoring the Grizzlies in every quarter, as they secured a 51-point win following a 32-point lead at halftime. This was the largest-ever point differential in Game 1 of an NBA playoff series and the fifth largest in any playoff game.[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-81) Six Oklahoma City players scored double-digit points, while [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") played 23 minutes and scored 15 points, his lowest-scoring game of the season.[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-82) [Desmond Bane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Bane "Desmond Bane") emerged from the game with the ignominy of being the first NBA player in the 21st century to have a [plus-minus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plus%E2%80%93minus_\(sports\) "Plus–minus (sports)") lower than -50, with -51.[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-83)
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 22 7:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mem-vs-okc-0042400142) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") 99, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **118** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 17–**32**, 35–**38**, **27**–20, 20–**28** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jaren Jackson Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaren_Jackson_Jr. "Jaren Jackson Jr.") 26 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Desmond Bane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Bane "Desmond Bane") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Ja Morant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant "Ja Morant") 6 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 27 **Rebs:** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 11 **Asts:** Gilgeous-Alexander, [Jal. Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 5 each |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 2–0*** | | |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** John Goble, Brian Forte, John Butler |
Fresh off their blowout victory in Game 1, the Thunder dominate yet again in Game 2 to take a commanding 2–0 series lead. The Thunder opened the game with a 9–0 run, and never trailed throughout the game. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") led the Thunder with 27 points, while [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") added 24 points, and [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") put up a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double. For the Grizzlies, [Jaren Jackson Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaren_Jackson_Jr. "Jaren Jackson Jr.") scored 26 points, and [Ja Morant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant "Ja Morant") added 23 points, both in a losing effort. For the second straight game, Memphis was held to under 100 points, and was scoreless in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter.
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 24 9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-mem-0042400143) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **114**, [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") 108 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 29–**40**, 22–**37**, **36**–18, **27**–13 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8 | | **Pts:** [Scotty Pippen Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotty_Pippen_Jr. "Scotty Pippen Jr.") 28 **Rebs:** [Desmond Bane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Bane "Desmond Bane") 8 **Asts:** [Morant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant "Ja Morant"), Pippen Jr. 5 each |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 3–0*** | | |
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| [FedExForum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FedExForum "FedExForum"), [Memphis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis,_Tennessee "Memphis, Tennessee"), TN **Attendance:** 16,849 **Referees:** Josh Tiven, Mitchell Ervin, Kevin Cutler |
After trailing 51–77 at halftime, the Thunder came back from a 29-point deficit to move on the verge of a sweep. It tied a record for the second largest comeback in an NBA playoff history, only behind the April 15, 2019, game between the [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") and the [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") (31 points). [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") led the Thunder with 31 points, while [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") added 26 points, and [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") scored 23 of his 24 points in the second half. [Scotty Pippen Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotty_Pippen_Jr. "Scotty Pippen Jr.") led the Grizzlies with 28 points. [Ja Morant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant "Ja Morant") had 15 points and five assists, but left the game early after a hip injury; on the play, Morant attempted to jump over [Luguentz Dort](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luguentz_Dort "Luguentz Dort") on a contested dunk attempt.
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 26 3:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-mem-0042400144) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **117**, [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") 115 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **34**–31, 26–**28**, **28**–26, 29–**30** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 38 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6 | | **Pts:** [Scotty Pippen Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotty_Pippen_Jr. "Scotty Pippen Jr.") 30 **Rebs:** Scotty Pippen Jr. 11 **Asts:** [Desmond Bane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Bane "Desmond Bane") 5 |
| ***Oklahoma City wins series, 4–0*** | | |
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| [FedExForum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FedExForum "FedExForum"), [Memphis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis,_Tennessee "Memphis, Tennessee"), TN **Attendance:** 16,667 **Referees:** James Capers, Pat Fraher, Brent Barnaky |
Oklahoma City advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after a close 117–115 Game 4 victory. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") scored 38 points on 13-of-24 shooting and 11-of-13 from the free throw line, while [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") added 23 points on 10-of-21 shooting. Joining them in double figures for the Thunder were [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") (11 points, 12 rebounds), [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") (11 points), and [Aaron Wiggins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Wiggins "Aaron Wiggins") (11 points) off the bench. With no [Ja Morant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant "Ja Morant") due to injury, Memphis received big contributions from role-players [Scotty Pippen Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotty_Pippen_Jr. "Scotty Pippen Jr.") (30 points, 11 rebounds, but 5 turnovers) and [Santi Aldama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santi_Aldama "Santi Aldama") (23 points, 9 rebounds, 9-of-13 shooting). [Desmond Bane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Bane "Desmond Bane") added 23 points, but also had 5 turnovers. Overall, Memphis turned the ball over 21 times. With the Thunder's victory, it extended their win streak over the Grizzlies to 12 games.
| Oklahoma City won 4–0 in the regular-season series |
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| December 29, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mem-vs-okc-0022400440) |
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| [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") 106, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **130** |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK |
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| February 8, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-mem-0022400746) |
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| **Oklahoma City Thunder** **125**, Memphis Grizzlies 112 |
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| [FedExForum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FedExForum "FedExForum"), [Memphis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis,_Tennessee "Memphis, Tennessee"), TN |
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| March 5, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-mem-0022400895) |
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| **Oklahoma City Thunder** **120**, Memphis Grizzlies 103 |
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| FedExForum, Memphis, TN |
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| March 27, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mem-vs-okc-0022401064) |
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| Memphis Grizzlies 104, **Oklahoma City Thunder** **125** |
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| Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since [2014](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_NBA_playoffs "2014 NBA playoffs"), with the Thunder winning two of the first three meetings.[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-84)
| Oklahoma City leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series |
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| 2011 |
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| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **4**, [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") 3 |
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| [2011 Western Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_vs._\(8\)_Memphis_Grizzlies "2011 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2013 |
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| Oklahoma City Thunder 1, **Memphis Grizzlies** **4** |
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| [2013 Western Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_vs._\(5\)_Memphis_Grizzlies "2013 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2014 |
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| **Oklahoma City Thunder** **4**, Memphis Grizzlies 3 |
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| [2014 Western Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_vs._\(7\)_Memphis_Grizzlies "2014 NBA playoffs") |
#### (2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=25 "Edit section: (2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors")\]
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 20 9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-hou-0042400151) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **95**, [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") 85 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 18–**21**, **29**–13, 22–**26**, **26**–25 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Brandin Podziemski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandin_Podziemski "Brandin Podziemski") 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") 6 | | **Pts:** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 26 **Rebs:** [Steven Adams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Adams "Steven Adams") 12 **Asts:** [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") 7 |
| ***Golden State leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [Toyota Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Center "Toyota Center"), [Houston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston "Houston"), TX **Attendance:** 18,055 **Referees:** James Capers, Ben Taylor, Gediminas Petraitis |
Despite a late rally in the 4th quarter from Houston, Golden State took lead early in the 2nd quarter and never relinquished it in a 95–85 victory. They were led by their dynamic duo of [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") (25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) and [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") (31 points, 6 rebounds, 5 three-point makes). Houston, playing in their first postseason game since [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs"), were held to the lowest scoring output of the season. Houston’s [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") had 26 points, which included a [poster dunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posterized "Posterized") on [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green") in the 1st quarter, and 9 rebounds. This was the Warriors' first road playoff win since Game 7 of the first round against [Sacramento](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_Kings "Sacramento Kings") in [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_NBA_playoffs "2023 NBA playoffs").[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-85) Warriors head coach [Steve Kerr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Kerr "Steve Kerr") became the seventh head coach to win 100 playoff games, tying [Larry Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Brown_\(basketball\) "Larry Brown (basketball)") for sixth place in the list.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 23 9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-hou-0042400152) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 94, **[Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets")** **109** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 18–**28**, 28–**32**, 25–**27**, **23**–22 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 20 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Curry, [Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green") 5 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Stephen Curry 9 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Green "Jalen Green") 38 **Rebs:** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 16 **Asts:** Alperen Şengün 7 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
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| [Toyota Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Center "Toyota Center"), [Houston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston "Houston"), TX **Attendance:** 18,055 **Referees:** David Guthrie, Courtney Kirkland, Sean Corbin |
Houston never trailed in this game, producing a dominant 109–94 win to even the series. [Jalen Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Green "Jalen Green") made 8 3-pointers, finishing with 38 points, 6 assists and 3 steals. [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") came up with a double-double, notching 17 points and 16 rebounds, while [Tari Eason](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tari_Eason "Tari Eason") came off the bench to score 14 points on 6-of-9 field goal shooting. Nobody on the Warriors scored over 20 points, with [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") scoring exactly 20, along with 9 assists and 5 rebounds, but also 6 turnovers. [Moses Moody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Moody "Moses Moody") and [Quinten Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinten_Post "Quinten Post") each added 12 points. [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") exited the game with 2:28 remaining in the 1st quarter, after sustaining a heavy fall while trying to get a defensive rebound. He was later diagnosed with a pelvic contusion.
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| April 26 8:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/hou-vs-gsw-0042400153) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") 93, **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **104** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **22**–18, 27–**28**, 22–**23**, 22–**35** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") 17 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jalen Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Green "Jalen Green") 5 | | **Pts:** [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 36 **Rebs:** [Quinten Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinten_Post "Quinten Post") 12 **Asts:** Stephen Curry 9 |
| ***Golden State leads series, 2–1*** | | |
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| [Chase Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Center "Chase Center"), [San Francisco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco "San Francisco"), CA **Attendance:** 18,064 **Referees:** James Williams, Kevin Scott, Curtis Blair |
After being limited to below 100 points for two straight games, Golden State finally got past that mark with a 104–93 victory over Houston. [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") led the Warriors in the absence of co-star [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler"), tallying 36 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield") had 17 points off the bench with five 3-pointers as the Warriors won their sixth straight Game 3 in the opening round. [Gary Payton II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Payton_II "Gary Payton II") scored 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. Like Game 1, it was another inefficient game for the Rockets on offense, shooting just 39% from the floor. [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet")'s shooting struggles continued, as he is now shooting 11-41 and 6-29 from three for the series.[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-86) With the win, Warriors head coach [Steve Kerr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Kerr "Steve Kerr") officially earned his 101st playoff win, passing [Larry Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Brown_\(basketball\) "Larry Brown (basketball)") for the 6th place on the NBA's all-time playoff victories as head coach.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 28 10:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/hou-vs-gsw-0042400154) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") 106, **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **109** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 26–**28**, **31**–22, 23–**32**, 26–**27** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Alperen Şengün 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") 6 | | **Pts:** [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") 27 **Rebs:** [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green") 8 **Asts:** Jimmy Butler 6 |
| ***Golden State leads series, 3–1*** | | |
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| [Chase Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Center "Chase Center"), [San Francisco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco "San Francisco"), CA **Attendance:** 18,064 **Referees:** John Goble, Bill Kennedy, Pat Fraher |
Coming off an injury in Game 2, [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") returned and put up 27 points, leading the Warriors in a 109-106 victory over Houston. [Brandin Podziemski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandin_Podziemski "Brandin Podziemski") started, putting up 26 points, ahead of [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") and [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield"), who continued his good form with 15 points off the bench. The Rockets, spearheaded by [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") with 31 points and 10 rebounds, lagged behind the Warriors in the first, third, and fourth quarters as they only made 61.3% of their free throws at 19–31. [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") made a return to shooting form as he added 25 points while going 8–11 from the three-point line. In the fourth quarter, it was a tight game as the Warriors slightly edged Houston at 107–106 with 13 seconds left; Butler ultimately made two free throw shots to take the Warriors home.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 30 7:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-hou-0042400155) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 116, **[Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets")** **131** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 24–**40**, 25–**36**, 31–31, **36**–24 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Moses Moody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Moody "Moses Moody") 25 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Moses Moody 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 7 | | **Pts:** [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") 26 **Rebs:** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 9 **Asts:** Alperen Şengün 9 |
| ***Golden State leads series, 3–2*** | | |
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| [Toyota Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Center "Toyota Center"), [Houston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston "Houston"), TX **Attendance:** 18,055 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), Sean Wright, [Nick Buchert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Buchert "Nick Buchert") |
The Rockets kept their season alive with a blowout win in Game 5 at home. [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") scored 26 points on 8-of-13 shooting to lead the Rockets, while [Amen Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen_Thompson "Amen Thompson") had a breakout performance with 25 points on 8-of-12 shooting, 5 steals, 3 blocks. [Dillon Brooks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dillon_Brooks "Dillon Brooks") also added 24 points in the 131–116 win. Overall, the Rockets shot 55% from beyond the arc. Warriors coach [Steve Kerr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Kerr "Steve Kerr") threw in the towel early with the game out of hand. A layup by VanVleet midway through the third quarter made it 93–64, and Kerr called a timeout and cleared his bench. The Warriors' reserves got the lead to just a 14-point deficit, but it never got any closer than that.
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| May 2 9:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/hou-vs-gsw-0042400156) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets")** **115**, [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 107 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **25**–21, **28**–27, 33–**36**, **29**–23 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") 29 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Fred VanVleet 8 | | **Pts:** [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 29 **Rebs:** [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") 9 **Asts:** Jimmy Butler 8 |
| ***Series tied, 3–3*** | | |
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| [Chase Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Center "Chase Center"), [San Francisco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco "San Francisco"), CA **Attendance:** 18,064 **Referees:** James Capers, Mitchell Ervin, [JB DeRosa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JB_DeRosa "JB DeRosa") |
[Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") had 29 points, eight assists and eight rebounds, [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") contributed 21 points and 14 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets kept their season alive once again by beating the Golden State Warriors, 115–107. The Warriors only trailed by two points entering the fourth quarter, but they went cold, missing 13 straight shots between [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green")'s basket with 10:12 left and a 3-pointer by [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") at the 3:35 mark. Throughout the second half, the Warriors utilized the [Hack-a-Shaq](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack-a-Shaq "Hack-a-Shaq") strategy on [Steven Adams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Adams "Steven Adams"), resulting in 16 free throw attempts by Adams, of which he made 9.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 4 8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-hou-0042400157) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **103**, [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") 89 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **23**–19, **28**–20, 19–**23**, **33**–27 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield") 33 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler"), Curry 7 each | | **Pts:** [Amen Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen_Thompson "Amen Thompson") 24 **Rebs:** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 14 **Asts:** Alperen Şengün 5 |
| ***Golden State wins series, 4–3*** | | |
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| [Toyota Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Center "Toyota Center"), [Houston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston "Houston"), TX **Attendance:** 18,055 **Referees:** [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), James Williams, Kevin Scott |
Further information: [List of NBA game sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_game_sevens "List of NBA game sevens")
Led by [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield")'s 33 points, including a record-tying nine three-pointers, the Warriors prevented the Rockets from becoming the first team to [overcome a 3–1 series deficit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_teams_that_have_overcome_3%E2%80%931_series_deficits "List of teams that have overcome 3–1 series deficits") since the [2019–20 Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Denver_Nuggets_season "2019–20 Denver Nuggets season"). [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry"), who played in his second game seven in three years, added a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, while also scoring 14 of his points in the fourth quarter. During the first half, Hield scored 22 points and six three-pointers, being 9 of 11 from 3-point range. [Amen Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen_Thompson "Amen Thompson") led the Rockets with 24 points, but [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") was limited to 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting. With the victory, the Warriors become the second 7-seed in three seasons to eliminate a 2-seed in the first round, after the [2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers season"). They also remain undefeated in the playoffs over the Rockets, moving up to 5–0, with all series victories coming during Stephen Curry and [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green")'s tenure with the team. Per ESPN, this is the 4th series in NBA history to go a full seven games, and have both teams score an identical number of points.[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-87)
| Golden State won 3–2 in the regular-season series |
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| November 2, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-hou-0022400144) |
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| **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **127**, [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") 121 (OT) |
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| [Toyota Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Center "Toyota Center"), [Houston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston "Houston"), TX |
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| December 5, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/hou-vs-gsw-0022400332) |
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| Houston Rockets 93, **Golden State Warriors** **99** |
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| [Chase Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Center "Chase Center"), [San Francisco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco "San Francisco"), CA |
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| December 11, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-hou-0022401204) |
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| Golden State Warriors 90, **Houston Rockets** **91** |
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| Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
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| February 13, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-hou-0022400784) |
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| **Golden State Warriors** **105**, Houston Rockets 98 |
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| Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
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| April 6, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/hou-vs-gsw-0022401143) |
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| **Houston Rockets** **106**, Golden State Warriors 96 |
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| Chase Center, San Francisco, CA |
This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_NBA_playoffs "2019 NBA playoffs"), with the Warriors winning the first four meetings.[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-88)
| Golden State leads 4–0 in all-time playoff series |
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| 2015 |
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| **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **4**, [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") 1 |
| |
| [2015 Western Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Golden_State_Warriors_vs._\(2\)_Houston_Rockets "2015 NBA playoffs") |
| |
| 2016 |
| |
| **Golden State Warriors** **4**, Houston Rockets 1 |
| |
| [2016 Western Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Golden_State_Warriors_vs._\(8\)_Houston_Rockets "2016 NBA playoffs") |
| |
| 2018 |
| |
| Houston Rockets 3, **Golden State Warriors** **4** |
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| [2018 Western Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Houston_Rockets_vs._\(2\)_Golden_State_Warriors "2018 NBA playoffs") |
| |
| 2019 |
| |
| **Golden State Warriors** **4**, Houston Rockets 2 |
| |
| [2019 Western Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Golden_State_Warriors_vs._\(4\)_Houston_Rockets "2019 NBA playoffs") |
#### (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=26 "Edit section: (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves")\]
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| April 19 8:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-lal-0042400161) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **117**, [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") 95 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 21–**28**, **38**–20, **35**–30, **23**–17 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") 25 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Jaden McDaniels 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 9 | | **Pts:** [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") 37 **Rebs:** Luka Dončić 8 **Asts:** [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James"), [Reaves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Reaves "Austin Reaves") 3 each |
| ***Minnesota leads series, 1–0*** | | |
| |
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| [Crypto.com Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypto.com_Arena "Crypto.com Arena"), [Los Angeles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles "Los Angeles"), CA **Attendance:** 18,997 **Referees:** Marc Davis, [Tyler Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Ford_\(basketball\) "Tyler Ford (basketball)"), Brian Forte |
The Timberwolves cruised to a win against the Lakers in the opening game of the series, dominating from the second quarter onwards. [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") recorded a near-triple-double stat line of 22 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists, despite making only 8 of his 22 field goal attempts. [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") added 25 points and 9 rebounds, while [Naz Reid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naz_Reid "Naz Reid") came off the bench to score 23 points on 6-of-9 3-point shooting. In his Lakers playoff debut, [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") carried the team with 37 points and 8 rebounds but finished with just one assist. None of his teammates scored above 20, although [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") came close with 19, along with 5 rebounds and 3 blocks, as the home team endured a night of bad shooting, going 33-of-83 overall.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 22 10:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-lal-0042400162) |
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 85, **[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers")** **94** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 15–**34**, **28**–24, 22–**23**, **20**–13 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 27 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** *three players* 6 each[\[e\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-89) **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Julius Randle 6 | | **Pts:** [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") 31 **Rebs:** Luka Dončić 12 **Asts:** Luka Dončić 9 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
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| [Crypto.com Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypto.com_Arena "Crypto.com Arena"), [Los Angeles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles "Los Angeles"), CA **Attendance:** 18,997 **Referees:** James Capers, Ben Taylor, Justin Van Duyne |
While the game got within single-digits in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles rode a 34–15 first quarter and never gave up the lead to tie the series on their home floor. [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") led Los Angeles in scoring with 31 points on 9-of-20 shooting with 12 rebounds and 9 assists, while [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") chipped in with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") led the Timberwolves in scoring with 27 points, while [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") scored 25, including a [poster dunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posterized "Posterized") on [Jaxson Hayes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaxson_Hayes "Jaxson Hayes") in the beginning of the third quarter.[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-90)[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-91) However, no other player on the Timberwolves reached double figures in scoring, with the team shooting just 20% from 3-point range following their 21 made 3-pointers in Game 1.
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| April 25 9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-min-0042400163) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") 104, **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **116** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 26–**32**, **32**–22, 26–**32**, 20–**30** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 38 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** LeBron James 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") 8 | | **Pts:** [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") 30 **Rebs:** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 8 **Asts:** Anthony Edwards 8 |
| ***Minnesota leads series, 2–1*** | | |
| |
|---|
| [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN **Attendance:** 19,312 **Referees:** [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), Mark Lindsay, Gediminas Petraitis |
After trailing by just four points at halftime, the Timberwolves outscored Lakers 62–46 in the second half, including a 13–1 run in the closing four-and-a-half minutes, to spoil a 38-point, 10-rebound performance from [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James"). [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") led the Timberwolves with 30 points, while [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") added 29, including a dagger 3-pointer to seal the Timberwolves' 2–1 series lead. For the Lakers, [Austin Reaves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Reaves "Austin Reaves") scored 20 points and 7 rebounds, while [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić"), who was reportedly sick, added 17 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists.
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| April 27 3:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
| |
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| [Preview](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-min-0042400164) |
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") 113, **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **116** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **32**–28, 26–**33**, **36**–23, 19–**32** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") 38 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** LeBron James 8 | | **Pts:** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 43 **Rebs:** [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") 11 **Asts:** Anthony Edwards 6 |
| ***Minnesota leads series, 3–1*** | | |
| |
|---|
| [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN **Attendance:** 19,289 **Referees:** Josh Tiven, Mitchell Ervin, Sean Corbin |
[Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") converted a three-point play with 39.5 seconds left to take the lead and stole the ensuing inbounds pass from [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James"), leading a late game rally by the Timberwolves for a 116–113 win over the Lakers that put them on the brink of advancing. [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)"), who had 43 points to lead Minnesota in scoring, drew a foul on James during a drive to the lane with 10 seconds left and hit both free throws to put them up three. On the last possession of the game, [Austin Reaves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Reaves "Austin Reaves") missed a three that would have tied the game. LeBron James had 27 points and 12 rebounds for his 144th career double-double in the playoffs, surpassing [Wilt Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") for the third-most in history behind [Tim Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") (164) and [Magic Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") (157). James also went 15 for 18 from the free-throw line and had multiple excellent defensive stops in the fourth quarter, but did not score in the quarter, the first time he went scoreless in a fourth quarter since 2017. [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") bounced back from a stomach bug in Game 3, with 38 points on 13-for-28 shooting. [Rui Hachimura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rui_Hachimura "Rui Hachimura") played his best game of the series thus far with 23 points, while Austin Reaves scored all 16 of his points in the second half. [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") added 25 points and McDaniels had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Wolves, who trailed for much of the second half before the late game surge. The game was also notable for Lakers coach [JJ Redick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JJ_Redick "JJ Redick") playing a five-man combo of Reaves, Dončić, [Dorian Finney-Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorian_Finney-Smith "Dorian Finney-Smith"), James, and Hachimura the whole second half, the first coach in the play-by-play era to play five players for an entire half in the playoffs.[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-92)
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 30 10:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-lal-0042400165) |
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **103**, [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") 96 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **31**–22, **28**–27, 22–**31**, **22**–16 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") 27 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Rudy Gobert 24 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 8 | | **Pts:** [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") 28 **Rebs:** *three players* 7 each[\[f\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-93) **Asts:** Luka Dončić 9 |
| ***Minnesota wins series, 4–1*** | | |
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|---|
| [Crypto.com Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypto.com_Arena "Crypto.com Arena"), [Los Angeles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles "Los Angeles"), CA **Attendance:** 18,997 **Referees:** John Goble, James Williams, Ray Acosta |
Minnesota completed the series upset over the Los Angeles Lakers, behind [Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert")’s personal playoff highs with 27 points and 24 rebounds (9 offensive), against a center-less Lakers line-up. Minnesota won the game despite shooting 7-for-47 from three. This was the first time in franchise history the Lakers have lost in the first round when they were a 3-seed or better. Per [OptaSTATS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opta_Sports "Opta Sports"), just 16.9% of the Lakers' points in the series came in the fourth quarter (85 of 502), which is now the lowest percentage by any team in any playoff series in NBA history.[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-94)
| Series tied 2–2 in the regular-season series |
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| October 22, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-lal-0022400062) |
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| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 103, **[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers")** **110** |
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| [Crypto.com Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypto.com_Arena "Crypto.com Arena"), [Los Angeles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles "Los Angeles"), CA |
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| December 2, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-min-0022400318) |
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| Los Angeles Lakers 80, **Minnesota Timberwolves** **109** |
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| [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN |
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| December 13, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-min-0022401210) |
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| Los Angeles Lakers 87, **Minnesota Timberwolves** **97** |
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| Target Center, Minneapolis, MN |
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| February 27, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-lal-0022400849) |
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| Minnesota Timberwolves 102, **Los Angeles Lakers** **111** |
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| Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_playoffs "2004 NBA playoffs"), with the Lakers winning the first two meetings.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-95)
| LA Lakers lead 2–0 in all-time playoff series |
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| 2003 |
| |
| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 2, **[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers")** **4** |
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| [2003 Western Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Minnesota_Timberwolves_vs._\(5\)_Los_Angeles_Lakers "2003 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2004 |
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| Minnesota Timberwolves 2, **Los Angeles Lakers** **4** |
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| [2004 Western Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Minnesota_Timberwolves_vs._\(2\)_Los_Angeles_Lakers "2004 NBA playoffs") |
#### (4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=27 "Edit section: (4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers")\]
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| April 19 3:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lac-vs-den-0042400171) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") 110, **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **112** (OT) | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **35**–27, 18–**22**, 22–**23**, 23–**26**, **[Overtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_\(sports\)#Basketball "Overtime (sports)"):** 12–**14** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 32 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** James Harden 11 | | **Pts:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 29 **Rebs:** Jokić, [Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") 9 each **Asts:** Nikola Jokić 12 |
| ***Denver leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO **Attendance:** 19,973 **Referees:** James Williams, Kevin Scott, Mark Lindsay |
Falling into a 15-point deficit halfway through the second quarter, Denver rallied and ultimately prevailed in overtime. [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") once again showed his dominance, racking up 29 points, 9 rebounds and 12 assists, one rebound shy of a triple-double. [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, while [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") added another 25 points, including 6 in overtime, and 8 rebounds. The Clippers had two players with a double-double, with [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") scoring 32 and dishing out 11 assists, while [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") logged 21 points and 13 rebounds. [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") contributed 22 points, but also had 7 turnovers. With 10 seconds left in overtime and the Nuggets up by 3, Clippers had an inbound opportunity, but [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") made a key defensive play to force a turnover, sealing the victory over his former team.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 21 10:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lac-vs-den-0042400172) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers")** **105**, [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 102 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 25–**31**, **30**–21, 23–**24**, **27**–26 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 39 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 7 | | **Pts:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 26 **Rebs:** [Michael Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.") 15 **Asts:** Nikola Jokić 10 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
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| [Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO **Attendance:** 19,989 **Referees:** Marc Davis, [Tyler Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Ford_\(basketball\) "Tyler Ford (basketball)"), Ed Malloy |
[Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") scored 39 points on 15-of-19 shooting as the Los Angeles Clippers evened their first-round playoff series against the Nuggets. It was another thrilling game that saw 18 lead changes and 12 ties. Despite the win, the Clippers saw no one, aside from Leonard, score over 20, with [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") going just 7-of-17 on field goals, finishing with 18 points. [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") notched another double-double, with 16 points and 12 rebounds. For the Nuggets, [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") achieved his first triple-double of the postseason, tallying 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists (but also 7 turnovers). [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") added 23 points for the Nuggets, who also got a bounce-back game from [Michael Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.") (15 points and 15 rebounds) after his 3-point performance in Game 1.
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| [NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV") |
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| April 24 10:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-lac-0042400173) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 83, **[Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers")** **117** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 28–**35**, 19–**30**, 23–**25**, 13–**27** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić"), [Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") 23 each **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 13 | | **Pts:** [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 21 **Rebs:** Kawhi Leonard 11 **Asts:** [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 9 |
| ***LA Clippers lead series, 2–1*** | | |
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| [Intuit Dome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuit_Dome "Intuit Dome"), [Inglewood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inglewood,_California "Inglewood, California"), CA **Attendance:** 17,927 **Referees:** James Capers, Ben Taylor, Ray Acosta |
In Game 3, the Clippers had a 23–2 run that lasted through the first and second quarters that helped them take a commanding lead and ultimately win the game. This run included a stretch where the Clippers made 14 of their 28 three-pointers. The Clippers win was a balanced effort, with Kawhi Leonard finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists; [Norman Powell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Powell "Norman Powell") broke out of a mini-slump with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting; [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") scored 20 points to go along with 9 rebounds; [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") had 19 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds; and [Nicolas Batum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Batum "Nicolas Batum") provided 12 points off the bench with 4 three-point makes. In the defeat, [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") had another playoff [triple double](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_double "Triple double"), with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists on 9-of-14 shooting. [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") added 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting. This was the first playoff game at [Intuit Dome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuit_Dome "Intuit Dome").[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-96)
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 26 6:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-lac-0042400174) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **101**, [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") 99 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **27**–22, 23–**26**, **35**–17, 16–**34** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 36 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 21 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 8 | | **Pts:** [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 24 **Rebs:** [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") 12 **Asts:** [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 11 |
| ***Series tied, 2–2*** | | |
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| [Intuit Dome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuit_Dome "Intuit Dome"), [Inglewood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inglewood,_California "Inglewood, California"), CA **Attendance:** 17,927 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), Sean Wright, [Nick Buchert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Buchert "Nick Buchert") |
The Nuggets evened the series at 2–2, behind 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 8 assists from [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") and a game-winning, buzzer-beating dunk from [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon"). The Nuggets led the game by a slim two points at halftime, which eventually became a 85–65 lead entering the fourth quarter. The Clippers tried to erase a 22-point deficit, outscoring the Nuggets with a 32–9 run to take a 97–96 lead with one minute and eleven seconds left in regulation, with [Bogdan Bogdanović](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogdan_Bogdanovi%C4%87_\(basketball\) "Bogdan Bogdanović (basketball)")'s offensive rebound and basket. A three-point play from Jokić gave the Nuggets a 99–97 lead, before [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") tied the game with exactly eight seconds remaining. Gordon dunked the missed three-pointer from Jokić to seal the victory; officials concluded that the ball came out of Gordon's hands before the red light came out, thus resulting in a Nuggets victory. According to the NBA, it was the first known game-winning buzzer-beater putback dunk in NBA playoff history.[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-97)
[Michael Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.") and [Christian Braun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Braun "Christian Braun") each scored 17 points for the Nuggets. [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") was the leading scorer for the Clippers with 24 points; [Norman Powell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Powell "Norman Powell") added 22.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| April 29 10:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lac-vs-den-0042400175) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") 115, **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **131** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 23–**35**, **36**–32, 24–**32**, 32–32 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") 27 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Kawhi Leonard 11 | | **Pts:** [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") 43 **Rebs:** [Christian Braun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Braun "Christian Braun") 12 **Asts:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 12 |
| ***Denver leads series, 3–2*** | | |
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| [Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO **Attendance:** 20,005 **Referees:** Josh Tiven, Mitchell Ervin, Karl Lane |
[Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") exploded for 43 points on 17-of-26 shooting and 8-of-14 beyond the arc, as Denver took a 3-2 series lead at their home floor. [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") returned after missing Game 4 with an injury and gave the team 21 points off the bench. [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") provided 23 points, while [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") notched his third triple double of the series. As a team, the Nuggets shot 52% from three. [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") scored 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting, a playoff career-high for the Clippers center. [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") scored 20 points, hauled 11 rebounds, and was one assist short of a triple double. This was the Clippers first back-to-back losses since they lost three straight from March 2–5.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 1 10:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-lac-0042400176) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 105, **[Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers")** **111** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **28**–25, 29–**33**, 22–**32**, **26**–21 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 25 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jokić, [Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") 8 each | | **Pts:** [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 28 **Rebs:** [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 10 **Asts:** James Harden 8 |
| ***Series tied, 3–3*** | | |
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| [Intuit Dome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuit_Dome "Intuit Dome"), [Inglewood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inglewood,_California "Inglewood, California"), CA **Attendance:** 17,927 **Referees:** David Guthrie, [Tyler Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Ford_\(basketball\) "Tyler Ford (basketball)"), [Curtis Blair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Blair "Curtis Blair") |
A balanced effort from [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") (28 points and eight assists), [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") (27 points and 10 rebounds) and [Norman Powell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Powell "Norman Powell") (24 points, 11 in the third quarter) helped the Clippers force a pivotal Game 7 in their series with the Nuggets. Los Angeles led by 15 with less than six minutes to play, but Denver made an 11–2 run to trim the Clippers’ lead to 107–101, but [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") missed a layup and Powell buried a 3-pointer with 1:47 left to put the Clippers back up 9. [Nicolas Batum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Batum "Nicolas Batum") would also continue his excellent series on defense with 3 steals and 2 blocks on [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić"). Leading the Nuggets was Jokić, who scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half, and [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray"), who finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Nuggets are looking to atone for their Game 7 upset loss at home from [last year's playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Denver_Nuggets_vs._\(3\)_Minnesota_Timberwolves "2024 NBA playoffs") against the [Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2023–24 Minnesota Timberwolves season"), while the Clippers are looking to avenge their Game 7 defeat by the [Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Denver_Nuggets_season "2019–20 Denver Nuggets season") from the [2020 Western Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Los_Angeles_Clippers_vs._\(3\)_Denver_Nuggets "2020 NBA playoffs").
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 3 7:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lac-vs-den-0042400177) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") 101, **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **120** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **26**–21, 21–**37**, 19–**35**, **35**–27 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 22 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 13 | | **Pts:** [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") 22 **Rebs:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 10 **Asts:** Nikola Jokić 8 |
| ***Denver wins series, 4–3*** | | |
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| [Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO **Attendance:** 19,995 **Referees:** Marc Davis, Courtney Kirkland, Ben Taylor |
Further information: [List of NBA game sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_game_sevens "List of NBA game sevens")
A dominant 37–21 second quarter and a 35–19 third quarter was enough for the Nuggets to defeat the Clippers and advance to the Western Conference semifinals for the sixth time in seven seasons. The Nuggets led by as many as 35 and had six players in double figures in scoring ([Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray"), [Braun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Braun "Christian Braun"), [Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr."), [Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon"), [Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić"), and [Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook")); Westbrook also added 5 steals. [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") was the only Clipper to score over 20 points, as he scored 22 on 6-of-13 shooting. This was [Tyronn Lue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyronn_Lue "Tyronn Lue")'s first Game 7 loss as a head coach, after going 4–0 prior to this game. After winning 18 of their last 21 regular season games and two of the first three in this series, the Clippers lost three of their last four games.
| Series tied 2–2 in the regular-season series |
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| October 26, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lac-vs-den-0022400087) |
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| **[Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers")** **109**, [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 104 |
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| [Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO |
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| December 1, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-lac-0022400314) |
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| Denver Nuggets 122, **Los Angeles Clippers** **126** |
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| [Intuit Dome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuit_Dome "Intuit Dome"), [Inglewood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inglewood,_California "Inglewood, California"), CA |
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| December 13, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lac-vs-den-0022401213) |
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| Los Angeles Clippers 98, **Denver Nuggets** **120** |
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| Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
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| January 8, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lac-vs-den-0022400515) |
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| Los Angeles Clippers 103, **Denver Nuggets** **126** |
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| Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs"), with each team winning one series.[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-98)
| Series tied 1–1 in all-time playoff series |
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| 2006 |
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| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 1, **[Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers")** **4** |
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| [2006 Western Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Denver_Nuggets_vs._\(6\)_Los_Angeles_Clippers "2006 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2020 |
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| Los Angeles Clippers 3, **Denver Nuggets** **4** |
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| [2020 Western Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Los_Angeles_Clippers_vs._\(3\)_Denver_Nuggets "2020 NBA playoffs") |
## Conference semifinals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=28 "Edit section: Conference semifinals")\]
*Note: Times are [EDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Time_Zone "Eastern Time Zone") ([UTC−4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%E2%88%9204:00 "UTC−04:00")) as listed by the NBA. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.*
### Eastern Conference semifinals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=29 "Edit section: Eastern Conference semifinals")\]
#### (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Indiana Pacers
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=30 "Edit section: (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Indiana Pacers")\]
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 4 6:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-cle-0042400201) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **121**, [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 112 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **36**–25, 28–**33**, 28–**32**, **29**–22 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") 23 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 13 | | **Pts:** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 33 **Rebs:** [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley") 10 **Asts:** [Ty Jerome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Jerome "Ty Jerome") 8 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [Rocket Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Arena "Rocket Arena"), [Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland "Cleveland"), OH **Attendance:** 19,432 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), Sean Wright, Gediminas Petraitis |
The Pacers stunned the top-seeded Cavaliers in Game 1, fighting off a late Cleveland rally to win 121–112. All five Indiana starters scored in double figures; [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") led the scoring with 23 points on 5-of-6 3-point shooting. [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") notched a double-double with 22 points and 13 assists, along with 3 blocks. [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") and [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") had 17 points apiece, while [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") tallied 13 points and 11 rebounds. On the other hand, [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") led the Cavaliers with 33 points and broke [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan")’s NBA playoff record with his eighth straight game of at least 30 points in a series opener, albeit making only 1 of his 11 3-point attempts. [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley"), the newly crowned [Defensive Player of the Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Defensive_Player_of_the_Year "NBA Defensive Player of the Year"), added 20 points and 10 rebounds. [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") remained absent for the third straight playoff game due to a sprained left big toe.
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT")/[TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TruTV "TruTV") |
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| May 6 7:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-cle-0042400202) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **120**, [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 119 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 15–**32**, **35**–29, 34–**37**, **36**–21 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith"), [Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") 23 each **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") 13 | | **Pts:** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 48 **Rebs:** [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") 12 **Asts:** Donovan Mitchell 9 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–0*** | | |
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| [Rocket Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Arena "Rocket Arena"), [Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland "Cleveland"), OH **Attendance:** 19,432 **Referees:** [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), David Guthrie, [Nick Buchert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Buchert "Nick Buchert") |
Despite trailing by 20 points in the 3rd quarter, the Pacers stormed back and won Game 2 on a game-winning three by [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton"), taking a 2–0 series lead. Indiana once again had six players score 10+ points, with 23 from [Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") and [Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") while Haliburton and [Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") scored 19 each. [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") led the way for Cleveland in the absence of [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") and [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley"), scoring a playoff-high 48 points along with 9 assists. This was the second time this postseason the Pacers came back from 7 points or more with a minute or less in regulation. Coincidentally, this was also nearly the 30 year anniversary of [Reggie Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Miller "Reggie Miller")'s 8 points in 9 seconds comeback against the [Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_New_York_Knicks_season "1994–95 New York Knicks season") in Game 1 of the ECSF in [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(3\)_New_York_Knicks "1995 NBA playoffs").[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-99)
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| May 9 7:30 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/0042400203) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers")** **126**, [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 104 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 32–32, **34**–13, 31–**34**, **29**–25 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 43 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Max Strus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Strus "Max Strus") 7 | | **Pts:** [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") 23 **Rebs:** [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 7 **Asts:** [T. J. McConnell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._J._McConnell "T. J. McConnell") 7 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–1*** | | |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN **Attendance:** 17,274 **Referees:** Marc Davis, Josh Tiven, [Bill Kennedy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Kennedy_\(referee\) "Bill Kennedy (referee)") |
[Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") became the first Cavs player since [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") in [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_playoffs "2016 NBA playoffs") to score 40 points in back-to-back playoff games, as Cleveland got back in the series with a road blowout win over the Pacers in Game 3. [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") led the Pacers with 23 points. [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") had 18, and [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") finished with just four points and five assists in his first career home loss in a postseason game he's appeared. [Defensive Player of the Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Defensive_Player_of_the_Year "NBA Defensive Player of the Year") [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley"), All-Star guard [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland"), and key backup [De'Andre Hunter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De%27Andre_Hunter "De'Andre Hunter") all suited up for Cleveland after missing Game 2. [Max Strus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Strus "Max Strus") made four 3-pointers and finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Three other Cleveland players also scored in double figures on a night the Cavs led by as much as 26, never trailed, and managed to protect their late lead when the Pacers cut the deficit to 11 early in the fourth.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 11 8:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-ind-0042400204) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 109, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **129** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 23–**38**, 16–**42**, **38**–29, **32**–20 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") 21 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Strus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Strus "Max Strus"), [Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tristan_Thompson "Tristan Thompson") 6 each **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Darius Garland 6 | | **Pts:** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 21 **Rebs:** [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") 7 **Asts:** [T. J. McConnell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._J._McConnell "T. J. McConnell") 8 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 3–1*** | | |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN **Attendance:** 17,274 **Referees:** John Goble, Kevin Scott, [Curtis Blair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Blair "Curtis Blair") |
Indiana struck back with a dominant offensive performance, tying playoff records with a 41-point lead at halftime and taking a commanding 3–1 series lead over Cleveland. Despite the ejection of [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin"), the Pacers dominated the Cavaliers in the first half, shooting 60% from the field while holding Cleveland to 8 made shots; Indiana led 80–39 at the half, closing the half with a 19–2 run, culminating with [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith")'s buzzer-beating midrange jumper. [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") led the scoring for the Pacers with 21 points on 9/10 shooting, while [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") put up 20 points and 7 rebounds, while [Obi Toppin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_Toppin "Obi Toppin") added 20 points off the bench. [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") led the Cavaliers with 21 points and 6 assists, while [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") exited after the first half with an apparent ankle injury during warm-ups. The Cavaliers' 70–49 second half was not enough to win, and they ended up on the brink of elimination.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 13 7:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-cle-0042400205) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **114**, [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 105 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 19–**31**, **33**–25, **33**–20, 29–29 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Tyrese Haliburton 8 | | **Pts:** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 35 **Rebs:** [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley") 11 **Asts:** [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") 3 |
| ***Indiana wins series, 4–1*** | | |
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| [Rocket Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Arena "Rocket Arena"), [Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland "Cleveland"), OH **Attendance:** 19,432 **Referees:** James Capers, Ben Taylor, Mark Lindsay |
The Pacers advanced to their second straight Conference Finals after a crucial upset over the Cavaliers. [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") led the Pacers with 31 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") added 25 in the road win. [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell"), who played through a sprained ankle from Game 4, led the Cavaliers with 35 points in a losing effort, but shot only 8-for-25 from the floor. [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley") tallied a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cavaliers opened the game with a dominant 31–19 first quarter and led by as many as 19 points before the Pacers cut the lead to 56–52 at halftime, with Haliburton making all but one of his six three-pointers in the second quarter. The Pacers used a 17–2 run to take an 85–76 lead at the end of the third quarter, and never trailed in the fourth, while fending off a late rally from the Cavaliers and scoring eight of the game's final 10 points, to seal the comeback victory. The Cavaliers struggled to keep up, being 9-for-35 from the three-point range, with Mitchell and [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") scoring only a combined 12 three-pointers on 41 attempted shots.
With the win, the Pacers advance to back-to-back Conference Finals for the first time since [2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_NBA_playoffs "2013 NBA playoffs") and [2014](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_NBA_playoffs "2014 NBA playoffs"). They also became the first team to reach consecutive Conference Finals series as a 4-seed or lower. For the first time since [2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NBA_playoffs "2005 NBA playoffs"), they won three games in a playoff series as the road team. For the first time in franchise history, the Cavaliers lost three home games in a playoff series. Notably, Cleveland went 0-5 at [Rocket Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Arena "Rocket Arena") against the Pacers throughout the regular season and playoffs, going 36-5 against every other opponent, with all 5 losses being attributed to unique teams.
| Indiana won 3–1 in the regular-season series |
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| January 12, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-cle-0022400543) |
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| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **108**, [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 93 |
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| [Rocket Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Arena "Rocket Arena"), [Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland "Cleveland"), OH |
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| January 14, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-ind-0022400554) |
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| **Cleveland Cavaliers** **127**, Indiana Pacers 117 |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN |
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| April 10, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-ind-0022401168) |
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| Cleveland Cavaliers 112, **Indiana Pacers** **114** |
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| Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
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| April 13, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-cle-0022401189) |
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| **Indiana Pacers** **126**, Cleveland Cavaliers 118 (2OT) |
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| Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH |
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with Cleveland winning two of the past three.[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-100)
| Cleveland leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series |
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| 1998 |
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| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **3**, [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 1 |
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| [1998 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(6\)_Cleveland_Cavaliers "1998 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2017 |
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| **Cleveland Cavaliers** **4**, Indiana Pacers 0 |
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| [2017 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Cleveland_Cavaliers_vs._\(7\)_Indiana_Pacers "2017 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2018 |
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| **Cleveland Cavaliers** **4**, Indiana Pacers 3 |
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| [2018 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Cleveland_Cavaliers_vs._\(5\)_Indiana_Pacers "2018 NBA playoffs") |
#### (2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) New York Knicks
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=31 "Edit section: (2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) New York Knicks")\]
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 5 7:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-bos-0042400211) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **108**, [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 105 (OT) | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 25–**26**, 20–**35**, **30**–23, **25**–16, **[Overtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_\(sports\)#Basketball "Overtime (sports)"):** **8**–5 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby"), [Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 29 each **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges") 7 | | **Pts:** [Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown"), [Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 23 each **Rebs:** Jayson Tatum 16 **Asts:** Jayson Tatum 6 |
| ***New York leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden"), [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston "Boston"), MA **Attendance:** 19,156 **Referees:** Marc Davis, Ben Taylor, [JB DeRosa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JB_DeRosa "JB DeRosa") |
After trailing by 20 points midway through the 3rd quarter, the Knicks would slowly rally from the deficit and re-take the lead in the 4th quarter. With the score tied 100–100, [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson"), who had previously hit two back-to-back 3s, missed a potential game-winning layup, which sent the game to overtime. In the OT, [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges") had 2 crucial steals, including the game-winning strip from [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") to give New York a 108–105 victory and a 1–0 series lead. Brunson and [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") both scored 29 points, whereas [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") and [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") combined for 46 points, but shot 14-43 from the field, including 5-25 from 3-point range. The Celtics also set an NBA playoff record for the most missed 3-pointers in a single game with 45, shooting 15-60 from 3-point range overall.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 7 7:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-bos-0042400212) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **91**, [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 90 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 13–**24**, **28**–26, 20–**23**, **30**–17 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 23 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 17 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 7 | | **Pts:** [Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown"), [White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") 20 each **Rebs:** [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 14 **Asts:** *three players* 5 each[\[g\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-101) |
| ***New York leads series, 2–0*** | | |
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| [TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden"), [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston "Boston"), MA **Attendance:** 19,156 **Referees:** James Capers, Kevin Scott, Mark Lindsay |
The Knicks made history as the only team to come back from 20-point deficits in back-to-back playoff games, as they took a commanding 2–0 series lead in Game 2. [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") only scored 17 points for New York, but made two free throws with 12.7 seconds left to give his team the 91–90 lead. On the last possession of the game, [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") then couldn't get to the rim and [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges") moved in to bat the ball away and recover it, securing his 2nd game-ending steal in as many games. Bridges also scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter. [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") had 23 points and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") finished with 21 points and 17 rebounds for the Knicks. The Celtics, who led by 20 points multiple times in the game, had another off night shooting the three, going 10-for-40. [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") and [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") scored 20 points apiece, while star forward Jayson Tatum was limited to 13 points on 5-for-19 shooting for the Celtics. [Kristaps Porziņģis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristaps_Porzi%C5%86%C4%A3is "Kristaps Porziņģis") did not start after sitting out the second half of Game 1 with an illness. He came off the bench for just the fifth time in his NBA career and finished with eight points and four rebounds in 14 minutes. In the fourth quarter, the Celtics went eight minutes without a field goal made. The Knicks improved to 5–0 on the road in these playoffs, with each of their wins coming by 3 points or less.
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| May 10 3:30 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-nyk-0042400213) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **115**, [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 93 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **36**–20, **35**–26, **25**–24, 19–**23** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Payton Pritchard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payton_Pritchard "Payton Pritchard") 23 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Horford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Horford "Al Horford"), [Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 9 each **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jayson Tatum 7 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 27 **Rebs:** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 15 **Asts:** Jalen Brunson 7 |
| ***New York leads series, 2–1*** | | |
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| [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY **Attendance:** 19,812 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), Courtney Kirkland, Justin Van Duyne |
In the most expensive Knicks playoff game in [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden") history,[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-102) the Celtics managed to avoid a 3–0 deficit on the road with a 115–93 rout of the Knicks, never trailing and dominating the game throughout all 4 quarters, leading by as many as 31 points. The Celtics started off the 1st quarter 36–20 and never looked back, as they finally had an efficient game from beyond the arc (50%, 20-40 shooting). [Payton Pritchard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payton_Pritchard "Payton Pritchard") led Boston with 23 points to lead Boston in scoring, and [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") led New York with 27 points and 7 assists. [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") had a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds, but had an inefficient shooting just 5-18 from the field. With this loss, this also resulted in home teams in the Eastern Conference semifinals having a 0–6 record at home in the semifinals so far.
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| May 12 7:30 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-nyk-0042400214) |
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 113, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **121** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **39**–28, 23–23, 23–**37**, 28–**33** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 42 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Jayson Tatum 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Horford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Horford "Al Horford"), Tatum 4 each | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 39 **Rebs:** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 11 **Asts:** Jalen Brunson 12 |
| ***New York leads series, 3–1*** | | |
| |
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| [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY **Attendance:** 19,812 **Referees:** [Scott Foster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Foster_\(basketball\) "Scott Foster (basketball)"), James Williams, Mitchell Ervin |
Following a rough Game 3, the Knicks broke their losing streak against the Celtics in [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden") as they rallied for a 121–113 win. Despite the Knicks trailing by 14 in the 3rd quarter, [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") scored 18 of his 39 points in the 3rd to retake the lead. In the dominant bounce-back effort, the trio of [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges"), [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") and [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") combined for 66 points. The Knicks also trailed by 11 at halftime, as they outscored Boston 70–51 in the 2nd half, including a 37–23 run in the 3rd quarter. In the losing effort, [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") had 42 points with 7 made 3-pointers, but would leave the game with 3 minutes remaining with a severe non-contact injury. Forced to take Tatum out, Boston head coach [Joe Mazzulla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Mazzulla "Joe Mazzulla") used his final timeout, sealing the Knicks' victory. A day later, an MRI revealed that Tatum had suffered an [Achilles tendon rupture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles_tendon_rupture "Achilles tendon rupture"), effectively ending his season and putting question into his availability for the 2025–26 season.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 14 7:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-bos-0042400215) |
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|---|---|---|
| [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 102, **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **127** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **32**–30, 27–**29**, 17–**32**, 26–**36** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Mitchell Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitchell_Robinson "Mitchell Robinson") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 6 | | **Pts:** [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") 34 **Rebs:** [Luke Kornet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Kornet "Luke Kornet") 9 **Asts:** [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") 12 |
| ***New York leads series, 3–2*** | | |
| |
|---|
| [TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden"), [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston "Boston"), MA **Attendance:** 19,156 **Referees:** [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), Josh Tiven, Brian Forte |
The Celtics connected on 22 3-pointers to post their first home victory of the series and keep their season alive in a 127-102 rout. [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") had 34 points, including seven 3-pointers, [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") added 26 points and 12 assists, and [Payton Pritchard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payton_Pritchard "Payton Pritchard") scored 17 points and five 3-pointers. [Luke Kornet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Kornet "Luke Kornet") finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks. He started the second half for [Kristaps Porzingis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristaps_Porzingis "Kristaps Porzingis"), who played just 12 minutes. [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") led the Knicks with 24 points despite briefly leaving the game late in the first quarter to close a bloody gash over his eye after he took an inadvertent elbow. [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") added 22 points before fouling out with 7:19 to play in the game.
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| May 16 8:00 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-nyk-0042400216) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 81, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **119** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 20–**26**, 17–**38**, 20–**28**, 24–**27** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") 20 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Jaylen Brown 6 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jaylen Brown 6 | | **Pts:** [Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby"), [Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 23 each **Rebs:** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 12 **Asts:** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 11 |
| ***New York wins series, 4–2*** | | |
| |
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| [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY **Attendance:** 19,812 **Referees:** James Capers, [Tyler Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Ford_\(basketball\) "Tyler Ford (basketball)"), Ed Malloy |
Back at [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), the Knicks blew out the Celtics to clinch their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. The Knicks set the tone early, expanding their lead to 27 at halftime, expanding to as much as 41 in the 3rd quarter. Jaylen Brown led the way for Boston with 20 points, but fouled out in the 3rd quarter, also finishing with 7 turnovers. For the Knicks, 4 players scored over 20 points ([Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson"), [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges"), [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns")) in the 119–81 win; [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") also had the Knicks third ever playoff triple-double and first since [1972](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_NBA_playoffs "1972 NBA playoffs"). It was the Knicks first time clinching a playoff series at home since the [1999 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(8\)_New_York_Knicks "1999 NBA playoffs"). With Boston's loss, and the Nuggets' loss to the Thunder in Game 7 just a few days later, this would mark the 7th straight NBA season with a unique champion, and the 6th straight year in which the defending champions failed to advance past the conference semifinals.
| Boston won 4–0 in the regular-season series |
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| October 22, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-bos-0022400061) |
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| [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 109, **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **132** |
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| [TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden"), [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston "Boston"), MA |
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| February 8, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-nyk-0022400748) |
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| **Boston Celtics** **131**, New York Knicks 104 |
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| [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY |
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| February 23, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-bos-0022400811) |
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| New York Knicks 105, **Boston Celtics** **118** |
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| TD Garden, Boston, MA |
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| April 8, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-nyk-0022401151) |
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| **Boston Celtics** **119**, New York Knicks 117 (OT) |
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| Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
This was the 16th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning eight of the first 15 meetings.[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-103)
| Boston leads 8–7 in all-time playoff series |
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| 1951 |
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| [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 0, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **2** |
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| [1951 Eastern Division Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1951_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(3\)_New_York_Knicks "1951 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1952 |
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| Boston Celtics 1, **New York Knicks** **2** |
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| [1952 Eastern Division Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1952_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(3\)_New_York_Knicks "1952 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1953 |
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| **New York Knicks** **3**, Boston Celtics 1 |
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| [1953 Eastern Division Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1953_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(3\)_Boston_Celtics "1953 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1954 |
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| New York Knicks 0, **Boston Celtics** **2** |
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| [1954 Eastern Division Round Robin Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1954_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_New_York_Knicks,_\(2\)_Boston_Celtics,_\(3\)_Syracuse_Nationals "1954 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1955 |
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| New York Knicks 1, **Boston Celtics** **2** |
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| [1955 Eastern Division Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1955_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(3\)_Boston_Celtics "1955 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1967 |
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| **Boston Celtics** **3**, New York Knicks 1 |
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| [1967 Eastern Division Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(4\)_New_York_Knicks "1967 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1969 |
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| New York Knicks 2, **Boston Celtics** **4** |
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| [1969 Eastern Division Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(4\)_Boston_Celtics "1969 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1972 |
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| Boston Celtics 1, **New York Knicks** **4** |
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| [1972 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_NBA_playoffs#\(A1\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(A2\)_New_York_Knicks "1972 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1973 |
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| Boston Celtics 3, **New York Knicks** **4** |
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| [1973 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(2\)_New_York_Knicks "1973 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1974 |
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| **Boston Celtics** **4**, New York Knicks 1 |
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| [1974 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1974_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(2\)_New_York_Knicks "1974 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1984 |
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| **Boston Celtics** **4**, New York Knicks 3 |
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| [1984 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(5\)_New_York_Knicks "1984 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1988 |
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| **Boston Celtics** **3**, New York Knicks 1 |
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| [1988 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(8\)_New_York_Knicks "1988 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1990 |
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| Boston Celtics 2, **New York Knicks** **3** |
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| [1990 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(5\)_New_York_Knicks "1990 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2011 |
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| **Boston Celtics** **4**, New York Knicks 0 |
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| [2011 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(6\)_New_York_Knicks "2011 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2013 |
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| **New York Knicks** **4**, Boston Celtics 2 |
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| [2013 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(7\)_Boston_Celtics "2013 NBA playoffs") |
### Western Conference semifinals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=32 "Edit section: Western Conference semifinals")\]
#### (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Denver Nuggets
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=33 "Edit section: (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Denver Nuggets")\]
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 5 9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-okc-0042400221) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **121**, [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 119 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 26–**27**, 24–**33**, **35**–30, **36**–29 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 42 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 22 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jokić, [Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") 6 each | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 33 **Rebs:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 10 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8 |
| ***Denver leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** John Goble, Josh Tiven, Karl Lane |
After spending the vast majority of the second half trailing, the Nuggets orchestrated a massive comeback to win 121–119, stealing homecourt advantage from the Thunder. MVP candidate [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") was once again dominant, dropping an all-rounded stat line of 42 points, 22 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks. [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds. [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") added 21 points and 6 assists, [Christian Braun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Braun "Christian Braun") had 11 points and 13 boards, and former Thunder player [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") contributed 18 points off the bench. In total, the Nuggets had 72 rebounds, the third most in a playoff game since the [ABA–NBA merger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABA%E2%80%93NBA_merger "ABA–NBA merger"). For the top-seeded Thunder, [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") recorded 33 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, finishing 2 assists shy of a triple-double. [Alex Caruso](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Caruso "Alex Caruso"), as a substitute, shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc en route to 20 points. None of the other Thunder players scored above 20. With the Thunder up by 1 with 10 seconds remaining, [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") was awarded 2 free throws, but he missed both; Braun took the rebound and after a cross-court pass from Westbrook, Gordon proved to be Denver's hero by scoring the game-winning three-pointer with 4 seconds left on the clock.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 7 9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-okc-0042400222) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 106, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **149** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 21–**45**, 35–**42**, 20–**37**, **30**–25 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") 19 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 6 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 34 **Rebs:** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 11 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** [Scott Foster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Foster_\(basketball\) "Scott Foster (basketball)"), James Williams, Ed Malloy |
[Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") scored 34 points in three quarters, and the Oklahoma City Thunder set league and team records in a 149–106 rout over the Denver Nuggets to tie the series at 1–1. Oklahoma City set an NBA playoff record for first-half points with 87, surpassing the 86 scored by the [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016%E2%80%9317_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2016–17 Cleveland Cavaliers season") against the [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016%E2%80%9317_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2016–17 Golden State Warriors season") in Game 4 of the [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_Finals "2017 NBA Finals") on June 9, 2017. The 149 points were also the most OKC ever scored in a playoff game. Gilgeous-Alexander made 11 of 13 field goals, all 11 of his free throws, and had eight assists. He led eight players who scored in double figures. [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") could not replicate his dominant performance in Game 1, tallying just 17 points and 8 rebounds before fouling out late in the third quarter.
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| May 9 10:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/0042400223) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 104, **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **113** (OT) | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **28**–22, 28–**29**, 27–**29**, 19–**22**, **[Overtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_\(sports\)#Basketball "Overtime (sports)"):** 2–**11** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 32 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 16 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 7 | | **Pts:** [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") 27 **Rebs:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 16 **Asts:** Jamal Murray 8 |
| ***Denver leads series, 2–1*** | | |
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| [Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO **Attendance:** 19,993 **Referees:** James Capers, Ben Taylor, Ray Acosta |
The Nuggets dominated in overtime to take a 2–1 series lead, while also limiting the Thunder to just two points in that period. [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") led the Nuggets with 27 points, while [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") and [Michael Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.") added 22 and 21, respectively, while also overcoming an off-night for [Nikola Jokic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Jokic "Nikola Jokic"), who scored 20 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists, but missed 17 of his 25 field goals and all 10 three-point attempts, including a potential game winner. [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") scored a game-high 32 points for the Thunder, who came on the road after their 43-point blowout victory in Game 2. [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") added 18 points in a losing effort. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") also scored 18, but struggled throughout the game, missing 15 of his 22 shots, and also missed a potential game-winner that would have given the Thunder a 2–1 series lead.
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| May 11 3:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-den-0042400224) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **92**, [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 87 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **17**–8, 25–**28**, 21–**33**, **29**–18 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 25 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6 | | **Pts:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 27 **Rebs:** [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") 16 **Asts:** Aaron Gordon 6 |
| ***Series tied, 2–2*** | | |
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| [Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO **Attendance:** 19,995 **Referees:** [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), [Tyler Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Ford_\(basketball\) "Tyler Ford (basketball)"), Sean Wright |
[Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") scored nine of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, pulling the top-seeded Thunder from the brink of a 3–1 deficit against Denver in another close game. About 36 hours after an exhausting overtime Game 3 Friday night, the early [Mother’s Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%E2%80%99s_Day "Mother’s Day") tip-off produced an ugly first half that featured a combined 25 points in the first quarter and ended with OKC up 42–36 at halftime. Down by eight points early in the fourth quarter, the Thunder used an 11–0 run fueled by reserves [Cason Wallace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cason_Wallace "Cason Wallace"), who had a pair of 3-pointers, and [Aaron Wiggins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Wiggins "Aaron Wiggins"), who added another, to wrest control; Wallace's second 3-pointer put Oklahoma City ahead for good at 75–73 with 8:35 left in the game. [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") had 27 points and 13 rebounds, but his three assists were a low for this playoff run, and his 4 turnovers gave him 22 assists to go with 23 turnovers in this second-round series.[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-104) [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") added 15 points and 16 rebounds, but also had 4 turnovers.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 13 9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-okc-0042400225) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 105, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **112** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **28**–27, **28**–27, **30**–24, 19–**34** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 44 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 15 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 5 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 31 **Rebs:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 9 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 7 |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 3–2*** | | |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), David Guthrie, [Curtis Blair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Blair "Curtis Blair") |
Oklahoma City overcame a 44-point, 15-rebound night from Denver's star [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") and a 9-point deficit in the middle of the fourth quarter to take a 3–2 lead on their homecourt. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") made 12 of 23 field goals and bounced back from a slow start to lead six players in double figures. One of those six players was [Luguentz Dort](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luguentz_Dort "Luguentz Dort"), who scored three total points in the first three quarters, but hit a trio of 3-pointers in a two-minute span to cut Denver's lead to 92–90 midway through the fourth. [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") scored 28 points, but he made just 10 of 27 shots. No other Denver player scored more than 13 points.[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-105)
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| May 15 8:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-den-0042400226) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 107, **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **119** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 28–**31**, **33**–27, 21–**32**, 25–**29** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 32 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 10 | | **Pts:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 29 **Rebs:** Nikola Jokić 14 **Asts:** Nikola Jokić 8 |
| ***Series tied, 3–3*** | | |
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| [Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO **Attendance:** 19,998 **Referees:** Marc Davis, Kevin Scott, Mitchell Ervin |
Denver played their best full game of the series in a 119–107 victory to force a [Game 7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_seven "Game seven"). [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") scored 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. A sick [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray"), who was listed as “questionable” for the game, added 25 points, and [Christian Braun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Braun "Christian Braun") had a career playoff-best 23 points. The game was tied deep into the third quarter when [Julian Strawther](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Strawther "Julian Strawther") had a pair of threes and a driving layup to gain the momentum during a 10-0 run. Strawther finished with 15 points, all coming in the second half. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") scored 32 points on 11-for-16 shooting and [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds. Denver made their third quarter run when Gilgeous-Alexander was on the bench with foul trouble. [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") dished out 10 assists, but again struggled with his shot, going 3-for-19 for 6 points, including missing a wide open three that would have gotten Oklahoma City within two possessions with 1:35 left in the game. In the series thus far vs. Denver, Williams is shooting just 33% from the floor and 21% on 3-pointers.
The Nuggets go into Game 7 with years worth of experience, as this is their seventh Game 7 since [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%9319_Denver_Nuggets_season "2018–19 Denver Nuggets season"); however, this is their first on the road since their [2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_NBA_playoffs "2012 NBA playoffs") defeat to the [Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2%80%9312_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2011–12 Los Angeles Lakers season"). The Thunder have not played in a Game 7 since losing to the [Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Houston_Rockets_season "2019–20 Houston Rockets season") in the First Round in [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs"). The only two players left from that 2020 Game 7 are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and [Luguentz Dort](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luguentz_Dort "Luguentz Dort").[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-106)
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| May 18 3:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-okc-0042400227) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 93, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **125** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **26**–21, 20–**39**, 26–**37**, 21–**28** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 20 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 7 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 35 **Rebs:** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 11 **Asts:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 7 |
| ***Oklahoma City wins series, 4–3*** | | |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** [Scott Foster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Foster_\(basketball\) "Scott Foster (basketball)"), Josh Tiven, James Williams |
Further information: [List of NBA game sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_game_sevens "List of NBA game sevens")
After a competitive first half, Oklahoma City routed Denver in the second half to advance to their first Western Conference Finals since [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Golden_State_Warriors_vs._\(3\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder "2016 NBA playoffs"). [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") scored 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting, while [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") broke out of his series-long slump with 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Off the bench, [Alex Caruso](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Caruso "Alex Caruso") and [Cason Wallace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cason_Wallace "Cason Wallace") were a +40 and +38, respectively. Caruso particularly played excellent defense on the much taller and bigger [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić"). Denver came into the game battered with [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") hampered due to a Grade 2 [hamstring injury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamstring_injury "Hamstring injury") and [Michael Porter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.")'s shoulder injury.[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-107) Jokić was able to score 20 points, but only took 9 shots and had 5 turnovers. As a team, the Nuggets shot 39% from the floor and 22% from three, compared to the Thunder, who made 49% of the shots from the floor and shot 30% from three.
| Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series |
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| October 24, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-den-0022400075) |
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| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **102**, [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 87 |
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| [Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO |
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| November 6, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-den-0022400177) |
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| Oklahoma City Thunder 122, **Denver Nuggets** **124** |
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| Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
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| March 9, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-okc-0022400920) |
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| Denver Nuggets 103, **Oklahoma City Thunder** **127** |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK |
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| March 10, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-okc-0022400936) |
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| **Denver Nuggets** **140**, Oklahoma City Thunder 127 |
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| Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning two of the past four; the first three series were played when the Thunder were the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics").[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-108)
| Tied 2–2 in all-time playoff series |
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| 1978 |
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| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 2, **[Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics")** **4** |
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| [1978 Western Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Denver_Nuggets_vs._\(4\)_Seattle_SuperSonics "1978 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1988 |
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| **Denver Nuggets** **3**, Seattle SuperSonics 2 |
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| [1988 Western Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Denver_Nuggets_vs._\(7\)_Seattle_SuperSonics "1988 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1994 |
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| Seattle SuperSonics 2, **Denver Nuggets** **3** |
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| [1994 Western Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Seattle_SuperSonics_vs._\(8\)_Denver_Nuggets "1994 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2011 |
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| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **4**, Denver Nuggets 1 |
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| [2011 Western Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_vs._\(5\)_Denver_Nuggets "2011 NBA playoffs") |
#### (6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (7) Golden State Warriors
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=34 "Edit section: (6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (7) Golden State Warriors")\]
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 6 9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-min-0042400231) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **99**, [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 88 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 18–**20**, **26**–11, **36**–29, 19–**28** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jimmy Butler 8 | | **Pts:** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 23 **Rebs:** Anthony Edwards 14 **Asts:** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 6 |
| ***Golden State leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN **Attendance:** 19,223 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), [Bill Kennedy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Kennedy_\(referee\) "Bill Kennedy (referee)"), Sean Corbin |
With [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") sidelined for most of the game with a hamstring injury, [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") and [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield") led the Warriors past the Timberwolves in Game 1. Hield picked up where he left off in the Game 7 win at Houston that finished the first round by scoring 24 points on 5-for-8 shooting from 3-point range. [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") had 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists and [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green") had four first-half 3s on his way to 18 points, as [Steve Kerr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Kerr "Steve Kerr") used 12 players in the game. [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") had 23 points and 14 rebounds after the rough start, finishing 9-for-22 from the floor. [Naz Reid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naz_Reid "Naz Reid") had 19 points and [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") added 16 points for the Wolves. Minnesota finished 5-for-29 from behind the arc and trailed by 23 points late in the third.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 8 8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-min-0042400232) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 93, **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **117** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 15–**29**, 24–**27**, 26–**29**, 28–**32** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jonathan Kuminga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Kuminga "Jonathan Kuminga") 18 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") 7 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Brandin Podziemski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandin_Podziemski "Brandin Podziemski") 6 | | **Pts:** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 24 **Rebs:** [Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)"), [Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") 9 each **Asts:** Julius Randle 11 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
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| [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN **Attendance:** 18,978 **Referees:** [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), [Tyler Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Ford_\(basketball\) "Tyler Ford (basketball)"), Brian Forte |
The Timberwolves, while never trailing in the game, bounced back after their tough Game 1 loss with a 24-point blowout victory to tie the series at 1–1. Minnesota also scored the first 13 points of the game, starting strong with a 29–15 1st quarter. [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") led the Timberwolves with a double-double of 24 points and 11 assists, while [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") added 20 in the victory. The Warriors were without [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry"), who was sidelined due to a left hamstring strain. Despite the Warriors cutting the lead to 7 in the third quarter, they never came close again as Minnesota quickly regained momentum.
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| May 10 8:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-gsw-0042400233) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **102**, [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 97 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 21–21, 19–**21**, 29–**31**, **33**–24 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 36 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 12 | | **Pts:** [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") 33 **Rebs:** [Brandin Podziemski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandin_Podziemski "Brandin Podziemski") 8 **Asts:** Jimmy Butler 7 |
| ***Minnesota leads series, 2–1*** | | |
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| [Chase Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Center "Chase Center"), [San Francisco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco "San Francisco"), CA **Attendance:** 18,064 **Referees:** [Scott Foster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Foster_\(basketball\) "Scott Foster (basketball)"), David Guthrie, Mitchell Ervin |
[Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)")'s 36 points, a triple-double from [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") (24 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds), and a 33–24 fourth quarter propelled the Timberwolves to a 2–1 series lead over the Warriors. Still without [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry"), the Warriors missed all of their five three-point attempts during the first half, but led 42–40 at halftime. [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") led the Warriors with 33 points, while [Jonathan Kuminga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Kuminga "Jonathan Kuminga") scored all of his 30 points off the bench. [Trayce Jackson-Davis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trayce_Jackson-Davis "Trayce Jackson-Davis") was promoted as a starter for the game, though scoring only 11 points. [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green") was fouled out with 4:38 remaining, while attempting to block a shot by [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels").
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| May 12 10:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-gsw-0042400234) |
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **117**, [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 110 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 27–**28**, 31–**32**, **39**–17, 20–**33** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Conley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Conley_Jr. "Mike Conley Jr."), [Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 5 each | | **Pts:** [Jonathan Kuminga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Kuminga "Jonathan Kuminga") 23 **Rebs:** [Kevon Looney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevon_Looney "Kevon Looney") 8 **Asts:** [Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler"), [Moody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Moody "Moses Moody") 3 each |
| ***Minnesota leads series, 3–1*** | | |
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| [Chase Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Center "Chase Center"), [San Francisco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco "San Francisco"), CA **Attendance:** 18,064 **Referees:** Marc Davis, Courtney Kirkland, Pat Fraher |
The Timberwolves dominated the game once again in the second half, outscoring the Warriors 39–17 and making a 17–0 run in the third quarter, to take a commanding 3–1 series lead for the second straight series. [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") and [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") both led the Timberwolves with 31 and 30 points, respectively. [Jonathan Kuminga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Kuminga "Jonathan Kuminga") came off the bench once again and followed up his 30-point Game 3 performance by scoring 23 points in a losing effort, while [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler"), [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green"), and [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield") were all limited to 41 points total. With the win, the Timberwolves are one win away from their second consecutive and third overall Conference Finals appearance. Meanwhile, the Warriors face a 3–1 series deficit after leading 3–1 in the first round against the [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets"), and are on the brink of elimination.
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| [TNT/TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 14 9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-min-0042400235) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 110, **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **121** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 23–**30**, 24–**32**, 25–**31**, **38**–28 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Brandin Podziemski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandin_Podziemski "Brandin Podziemski") 28 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** *three players* 6 each[\[h\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-109) **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler"), [Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green") 6 each | | **Pts:** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 29 **Rebs:** [Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert"), Randle 8 each **Asts:** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 12 |
| ***Minnesota wins series, 4–1*** | | |
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| [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN **Attendance:** 19,395 **Referees:** John Goble, James Williams, Sean Wright |
[Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") continued his excellent form this series, scoring 29 points on 13-for-18 shooting, as the Timberwolves punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a row. [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") added 22 points and a career playoff high 12 assists, with the other Timberwolves starters ([Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert"), [Mike Conley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Conley_Jr. "Mike Conley Jr."), and [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels")) all finishing in double figures, as well as [Donte DiVincenzo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donte_DiVincenzo "Donte DiVincenzo") off the bench. [Brandin Podziemski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandin_Podziemski "Brandin Podziemski") had a playoff career-high 28 points for the Warriors, while [Jonathan Kuminga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Kuminga "Jonathan Kuminga") provided 26 points off the bench in 29 minutes. Including regular season and playoffs, the Timberwolves have won 26 of their last 31 games. For the third time in their history, the Timberwolves advanced to the conference finals; Minnesota has also never lost a series in the second round.
| Golden State won 3–1 in the regular-season series |
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| December 6, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-gsw-0022400338) |
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| **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **107**, [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 90 |
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| [Chase Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Center "Chase Center"), [San Francisco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco "San Francisco"), CA |
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| December 8, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-gsw-0022400355) |
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| Minnesota Timberwolves 106, **Golden State Warriors** **114** |
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| Chase Center, San Francisco, CA |
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| December 21, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-min-0022400383) |
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| **Golden State Warriors** **113**, Minnesota Timberwolves 103 |
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| [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN |
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| January 15, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-min-0022400565) |
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| **Golden State Warriors** **116**, Minnesota Timberwolves 115 |
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| Target Center, Minneapolis, MN |
This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-110)
## Conference finals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=35 "Edit section: Conference finals")\]
Main article: [NBA conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_conference_finals "NBA conference finals")
*Note: Times are [EDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Time_Zone "Eastern Time Zone") ([UTC−4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%E2%88%9204:00 "UTC−04:00")) as listed by the NBA. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.*
### Eastern Conference finals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=36 "Edit section: Eastern Conference finals")\]
#### (3) New York Knicks vs. (4) Indiana Pacers
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=37 "Edit section: (3) New York Knicks vs. (4) Indiana Pacers")\]
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT")/[TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TruTV "TruTV") |
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| May 21 8:00 pm |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-nyk-0042400301) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **138**, [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 135 (OT) | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 34–**36**, 28–**33**, **25**–21, **38**–35, **[Overtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_\(sports\)#Basketball "Overtime (sports)"):** **13**–10 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Obi Toppin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_Toppin "Obi Toppin") 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Tyrese Haliburton 11 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 43 **Rebs:** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 13 **Asts:** Josh Hart 7 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY **Attendance:** 19,812 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), Ben Taylor, Mitchell Ervin |
The Pacers orchestrated their third improbable comeback this playoffs, with a stunning 138–135 comeback win against the Knicks in Game 1. The Knicks led by 14 points with 2:51 minutes left, but [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") kept the Pacers in the game with a flurry of 3-pointers, becoming the first player in NBA history to make six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter of a playoff game.[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-111) Still with a slim lead, [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") and [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") proceeded to go 1-for-2 each at the free throw line with less than 15 seconds left. After Anunoby's free throw make with 7.1 seconds left to put the Knicks up two, [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") dribbled the ball up the court, attacked the rim, dribbled back out toward the 3-point line and fired up a jumper over [Mitchell Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitchell_Robinson "Mitchell Robinson"). The ball bounced high above the shot clock and went in. Haliburton did a choke signal towards the crowd, harking back to Pacers Hall of Famer [Reggie Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Miller "Reggie Miller")'s choke sign in Game 5 of the [1994 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knicks%E2%80%93Pacers_rivalry#1994_Eastern_Conference_finals "Knicks–Pacers rivalry") (Miller was also in attendance at the game for [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TNT_Sports_\(United_States\) "TNT Sports (United States)") doing [color commentary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_commentary "Color commentary")). While the Pacers rushed towards Haliburton in celebration thinking they had won the game, officials reviewed the last play and Haliburton's foot was on the 3-point line, which took the game to overtime; the Pacers outscored the Knicks 20–6 from 2:51 in the fourth quarter until the end of regulation.[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-112)[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-113)
In overtime, the Pacers held a slight three-point edge with 10.1 seconds left; Brunson and Towns missed threes that would have tied the game, thus giving Indiana the win. Haliburton (31 points, 11 assists) and Nesmith (30 points, 8-for-9 from three) starred in the Pacers victory. The Knicks, who had a 99.7% chance of winning the game deep in the fourth quarter,[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-114) were led by Brunson (45 points, 15-for-25 from the floor) and Towns (35 points, 11-for-17 from the floor, 12 rebounds).
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT")/[TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TruTV "TruTV") |
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| May 23 8:00 pm |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-nyk-0042400302) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **114**, [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 109 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 24–**26**, 25–**26**, **32**–29, **33**–28 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 39 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Tyrese Haliburton 11 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 36 **Rebs:** [Mitchell Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitchell_Robinson "Mitchell Robinson") 9 **Asts:** Jalen Brunson 11 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–0*** | | |
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| [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY **Attendance:** 19,812 **Referees:** James Capers, Marc Davis, Kevin Scott |
Following an unbelievable comeback by the Pacers the previous game, neither team led by more than 10 points in Game 2. However, Indiana saw a huge performance by [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam"), who finished with 39 points on 15-23 shooting, including 16 in the 1st quarter. Despite [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") contributing just 14 points on 5-16 shooting, he finished with a near triple-double with 8 rebounds and 11 assists. For New York, [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") led the way with 36 points and 11 assists, but missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer as the Knicks failed to complete a late rally. [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") finished with 20 points and 7 rebounds, but was a team-low -20 in +/- and sat most of the fourth quarter.[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-115) With this win, Indiana also took a 2–0 series lead on the road for the 2nd straight series, improving their road record to 6–1. Meanwhile, the Knicks dropped to a 3–5 record at [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden") in these playoffs.
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT")/[TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TruTV "TruTV") |
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| May 25 8:00 pm |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/0042400303) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **106**, [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 100 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 26–**30**, 19–**28**, **25**–22, **36**–20 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Karl-Anthony Towns 15 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 4 | | **Pts:** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 20 **Rebs:** [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 7 **Asts:** Tyrese Haliburton 6 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–1*** | | |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN **Attendance:** 17,274 **Referees:** [Scott Foster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Foster_\(basketball\) "Scott Foster (basketball)"), Sean Wright, Ed Malloy |
With a looming 3–0 deficit, [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") scored 20 of his 24 points in the final quarter to will the Knicks to a 106–100 come-from-behind win on the road. It was the third time in the postseason where New York overcame a 20-point deficit during a game. The Pacers established their lead early on, expanding it to as much as 20 points in the second quarter before it was cut to 13 by half.[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-:1-116) The Knicks were still trailing by 16 midway through the third quarter and 10 entering the fourth, with [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") in significant foul trouble.[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-:2-117)[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-:1-116) It was there when Towns scored seven quick points to bring New York within three. Brunson made a layup to give the Knicks the lead later on, which was then swapped between New York and Indiana twice before the Knicks pulled away.[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-:2-117)
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT")/[TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TruTV "TruTV") |
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| May 27 8:00 pm |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-ind-0042400304) |
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|---|---|---|
| [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 121, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **130** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 35–**43**, **29**–26, 27–**33**, **30**–28 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jalen Brunson 5 | | **Pts:** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 32 **Rebs:** Tyrese Haliburton 12 **Asts:** Tyrese Haliburton 15 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 3–1*** | | |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN **Attendance:** 17,274 **Referees:** John Goble, David Guthrie, Courtney Kirkland |
With his father, John Haliburton, back in [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse") after a suspension from the NBA following his altercation with [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo"), [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") became the first player to score 30 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists, and no turnovers in a playoff game, since turnovers were first tracked in the [1977–78 NBA season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977%E2%80%9378_NBA_season "1977–78 NBA season") as he carried the Pacers to within a victory of their second trip to the [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals"). [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") scored 31 points, while [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") finished with 22 points, but the Knicks fourth quarter rally fell short. [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") added 30 points while Haliburton had four steals in his second career postseason triple-double. Former Knick [Obi Toppin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_Toppin "Obi Toppin")'s 3-pointer with 46 seconds left put the Pacers up by 10 and sealed the game; it was his first three-point make of the series after going 0-of-6.
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT")/[TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TruTV "TruTV") |
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| May 29 8:00 pm |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-nyk-0042400305) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 94, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **111** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 23–**27**, 22–**29**, 28–**34**, 21–21 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") 23 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Bennedict Mathurin 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 6 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 32 **Rebs:** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 13 **Asts:** [Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges"), Brunson 5 each |
| ***Indiana leads series, 3–2*** | | |
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| [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY **Attendance:** 19,812 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), Josh Tiven, James Williams |
The Knicks won at home for the first time in the series to stave off elimination and force a Game 6 in Indiana. They became the first team during the postseason to keep the Pacers below 100 points in a game in part due an effective, swarming defensive performance which forced 19 turnovers from Indiana. The Knicks were led by [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson"), who scored the first six points for the team and finished with 32 points, and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") who contributed 24 points and 13 rebounds. Coming off a monster Game 4, [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") was limited to 8 points on 2-of-7 made field goals, while [Benedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") scored a team-high 23 points off the bench.[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-118) The game remained close throughout the first half, but a 20–0 run by New York midway through the third quarter allowed them to power through the rest of the game in control.[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-119)
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| [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT") |
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| May 31 8:00 pm |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-ind-0042400306) |
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|---|---|---|
| [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 108, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **125** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 24–**25**, 30–**33**, 23–**34**, 31–**33** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 7 | | **Pts:** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 31 **Rebs:** [Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton"), [Toppin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_Toppin "Obi Toppin") 6 each **Asts:** Tyrese Haliburton 13 |
| ***Indiana wins series, 4–2*** | | |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN **Attendance:** 17,274 **Referees:** James Capers, [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), [Tyler Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Ford_\(basketball\) "Tyler Ford (basketball)") |
After being swept by the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_Boston_Celtics_season "2023–24 Boston Celtics season") in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, the Pacers avenged by dominating the game, particularly in the second half, to clinch their second NBA Finals appearance, after the [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Finals "2000 NBA Finals") loss to the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1999–2000 Los Angeles Lakers season"). The game was close at halftime with the Pacers leading 58-54, but from then on they took full control of the game to win 125-108 and eliminated the Knicks for the 2nd straight year, also their 3rd straight series win over the Knicks. [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") led the team with 31 points, and was named the [NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Eastern_Conference_Finals_MVP "NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP").
This was also the last NBA game televised on TNT. TNT lost broadcast rights to [NBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_NBC_Sports "NBA on NBC Sports") and [Amazon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_Prime_Video "NBA on Prime Video"), but would continue to produce the studio show *[Inside the NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_the_NBA "Inside the NBA")* for ESPN and ABC.
| New York won 2–1 in the regular-season series |
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| October 25, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-nyk-0022400081) |
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| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 98, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **123** |
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| [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY |
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| November 10, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-ind-0022400203) |
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| New York Knicks 121, **Indiana Pacers** **132** |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN |
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| February 11, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-ind-0022400765) |
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| **New York Knicks** **128**, Indiana Pacers 115 |
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| Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
This was the ninth playoff meeting between [these two teams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knicks%E2%80%93Pacers_rivalry "Knicks–Pacers rivalry"), with the Pacers winning five of the first eight meetings.[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-120)
| Indiana leads 5–3 in all-time playoff series |
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| |
| 1993 |
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| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **3**, [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 1 |
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| [1993 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(8\)_Indiana_Pacers "1993 NBA playoffs") |
| |
| 1994 |
| |
| **New York Knicks** **4**, Indiana Pacers 3 |
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| [1994 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(5\)_Indiana_Pacers "1994 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1995 |
| |
| **Indiana Pacers** **4**, New York Knicks 3 |
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| [1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(3\)_New_York_Knicks "1995 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1998 |
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| **Indiana Pacers** **4**, New York Knicks 1 |
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| [1998 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(7\)_New_York_Knicks "1998 NBA playoffs") |
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| 1999 |
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| Indiana Pacers 2, **New York Knicks** **4** |
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| [1999 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(8\)_New_York_Knicks "1999 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2000 |
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| **Indiana Pacers** **4**, New York Knicks 2 |
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| [2000 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(3\)_New_York_Knicks "2000 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2013 |
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| New York Knicks 2, **Indiana Pacers** **4** |
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| [2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(3\)_Indiana_Pacers "2013 NBA playoffs") |
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| 2024 |
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| New York Knicks 3, **Indiana Pacers** **4** |
| |
| [2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(6\)_Indiana_Pacers "2024 NBA playoffs") |
### Western Conference finals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=38 "Edit section: Western Conference finals")\]
#### (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=39 "Edit section: (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves")\]
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| May 20 8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-okc-0042400311) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 88, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **114** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **23**–20, **25**–24, 18–**32**, 22–**38** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 28 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Naz Reid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naz_Reid "Naz Reid") 4 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 31 **Rebs:** [Joe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Joe "Isaiah Joe"), [Jal. Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 8 each **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 9 |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** James Capers, [Tyler Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Ford_\(basketball\) "Tyler Ford (basketball)"), Mark Lindsay |
After their blowout Game 7 victory against the Nuggets, the Thunder dominated the game, particularly in the second half, out scoring the Timberwolves 70–40 throughout the second half. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half. The Thunder took a 10–0 run in the third quarter to take a 66–60 lead, and [Kenrich Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenrich_Williams "Kenrich Williams") came off the bench and hit consecutive three-pointers to extend the Thunder's lead to 71–62, and eventually lead 76–66 heading into the fourth. [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") scored 28 points, but struggled in the second half as he was limited to only eight points.
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| May 22 8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-okc-0042400312) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 103, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **118** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 25–**29**, 25–**29**, 21–**35**, **32**–25 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 32 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Edwards, [Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") 9 each **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Anthony Edwards 6 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 38 **Rebs:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 10 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8 |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 2–0*** | | |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** [Scott Foster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Foster_\(basketball\) "Scott Foster (basketball)"), [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), Pat Fraher |
The Thunder maintained their dominant form from Game 1, winning 118–103 to take a 2–0 series lead over the Timberwolves. OKC once again dominated the third quarter, including a 23–5 run late in the third to take an insurmountable 24-point lead. A day after being announced as [MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Most Valuable Player"), [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") had his way on offense, leading the Thunder with 38 points and 8 assists; [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") (22 points) and [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") (26 points, 10 rebounds) also made significant contributions for OKC. [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") lead Minnesota with 32 points, but shot 1 of 9 from three while [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") was held to only 6 points.
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| May 24 8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-min-0042400313) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 101, **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **143** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 14–**34**, 27–**38**, 29–**35**, 31–**36** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander"), [Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajay_Mitchell "Ajay Mitchell") 14 each **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") 6 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6 | | **Pts:** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 30 **Rebs:** Anthony Edwards 9 **Asts:** Anthony Edwards 6 |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 2–1*** | | |
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| [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN **Attendance:** 19,112 **Referees:** John Goble, Josh Tiven, [Curtis Blair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Blair "Curtis Blair") |
The Timberwolves blew out the Thunder, 143-101, to get their first win of the Western Conference Finals. [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") scored 30 points (5-of-8 for three), nine rebounds and six assists, [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") added 24 points and rookie [Terrence Shannon Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrence_Shannon_Jr. "Terrence Shannon Jr.") had 15 points in 13 minutes. This was the largest win by margin in Wolves playoff history.
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| May 26 8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-min-0042400314) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **128**, [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 126 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **37**–30, **28**–27, 25–**28**, 38–**41** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 40 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 10 | | **Pts:** [Nickeil Alexander-Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickeil_Alexander-Walker "Nickeil Alexander-Walker") 23 **Rebs:** [Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") 9 **Asts:** Alexander-Walker, [Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 6 each |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 3–1*** | | |
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| [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN **Attendance:** 19,250 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), James Williams, [Bill Kennedy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Kennedy_\(referee\) "Bill Kennedy (referee)") |
A 40 point playoff career-high from MVP [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") was enough for Oklahoma City to secure a narrow victory and take a commanding 3–1 series lead in Game 4. [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") scored 34 points on 13-for-24 shooting, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range and [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") added 21 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Gilgeous-Alexander went 12 for 14 from the free-throw line, making a pair with 6.1 seconds left to stretch the lead back to three. The Thunder fouled [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") with 3.5 seconds remaining, who had been struggling all game on 5-13 shooting, and his intentional miss of the second free throw to try to keep possession was tracked down in the corner by Gilgeous-Alexander and flung out of bounds to drain the clock. The Timberwolves were led by [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") (22 points), [Nickeil Alexander-Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickeil_Alexander-Walker "Nickeil Alexander-Walker") (23 points) and [Donte DiVincenzo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donte_DiVincenzo "Donte DiVincenzo") (21 points), with the latter two going 5-for-8 from 3-point range. [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle")'s uneven series continued with just 5 points on 1-for-7 shooting. The end of the game also sparked some controversy, as fans believed the clock should've been reset to at least 0.5 seconds. Instead, the officials put 0.3 seconds left on the clock, and the inbounds pass was stolen by Williams to seal off OKC's victory for good after Minnesota's constant late rallies. In their Conference Finals appearances through 2024-2025, the Timberwolves now had a 1-4 record at home.
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| [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN") |
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| May 28 8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-okc-0042400315) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 94, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **124** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 9–**26**, 23–**39**, **30**–23, 32–**36** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [DiVincenzo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donte_DiVincenzo "Donte DiVincenzo"), [Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 6 each **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Alexander-Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickeil_Alexander-Walker "Nickeil Alexander-Walker"), Randle 3 each | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 34 **Rebs:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 8 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8 |
| ***Oklahoma City wins series, 4–1*** | | |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** James Capers, Marc Davis, Ben Taylor |
In a series defined by blowouts, the Thunder advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since [2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_NBA_Finals "2012 NBA Finals"), with a 124–94 victory. The game was never close as OKC outscored Minnesota 26–9 in the first quarter, just the 2nd time the entire postseason a team has been held to single digits in a quarter, the other being the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, also against the Thunder. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") had another 30-point effort with 34 overall, [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") added 22 points, and [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") finished with 19. OKC moved to 8–1 in the playoffs at home thus far, with their margin of victory in those eight games being 51, 19, 43, 7, 32, 26, 15 and 30.[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-121)
| Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series |
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| December 31, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-okc-0022400452) |
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| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 105, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **113** |
| |
| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK |
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| February 13, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-min-0022400787) |
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| Oklahoma City Thunder 101, **Minnesota Timberwolves** **116** |
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| [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN |
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| February 23, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-min-0022400820) |
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| **Oklahoma City Thunder** **130**, Minnesota Timberwolves 123 |
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| Target Center, Minneapolis, MN |
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| February 24, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-okc-0022400826) |
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| **Minnesota Timberwolves** **131**, Oklahoma City Thunder 128 (OT) |
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| Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Thunder winning the first meeting as the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics").[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-122)
| Oklahoma City leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| |
| 1998 |
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| **[Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics")** **3**, [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 2 |
| |
| [1998 Western Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Seattle_SuperSonics_vs._\(7\)_Minnesota_Timberwolves "1998 NBA playoffs") |
## NBA Finals: (W1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (E4) Indiana Pacers
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=40 "Edit section: NBA Finals: (W1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (E4) Indiana Pacers")\]
Main article: [2025 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_Finals "2025 NBA Finals")
*Note: Times are [EDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Time_Zone "Eastern Time Zone") ([UTC−4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%E2%88%9204:00 "UTC−04:00")) as listed by the NBA. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.*
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| June 5 8:30 p.m. (7:30 pm [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-okc-0042400401) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **111**, [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 110 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 20–**29**, 25–**28**, **31**–28, **35**–25 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 19 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton"), [Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") 6 each | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 38 **Rebs:** [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") 9 **Asts:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 6 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 1–0*** | | |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** John Goble, Marc Davis, David Guthrie |
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| June 8 8:00 pm (7:00 pm [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-okc-0042400402) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 107, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **123** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 20–**26**, 21–**33**, 33–**34**, **33**–30 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 17 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 7 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Haliburton, [McConnell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._J._McConnell "T. J. McConnell") 6 each | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 34 **Rebs:** [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") 8 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), James Williams, Ben Taylor |
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| June 11 8:30 pm |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-ind-0042400403) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 107, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **116** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **32**–24, 28–**40**, **29**–20, 18–**32** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 26 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Caruso](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Caruso "Alex Caruso"), [Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 4 each | | **Pts:** [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") 27 **Rebs:** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 9 **Asts:** Tyrese Haliburton 11 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–1*** | | |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN **Attendance:** 17,274 **Referees:** James Capers, [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), [Tyler Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Ford_\(basketball\) "Tyler Ford (basketball)") |
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| June 13 8:30 p.m. |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/0042400404) |
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|---|---|---|
| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **111**, [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 104 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 34–**35**, 23–**25**, 23–**27**, **31**–17 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 35 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 15 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein"), [Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 3 each | | **Pts:** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 20 **Rebs:** [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 9 **Asts:** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 7 |
| ***Series tied, 2–2*** | | |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN **Attendance:** 17,274 **Referees:** [Scott Foster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Foster_\(basketball\) "Scott Foster (basketball)"), Josh Tiven, Sean Wright |
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| June 16 8:30 p.m. (7:30 pm [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
| |
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| [Preview](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-okc-0042400405) |
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 109, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **120** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 22–**32**, 23–**27**, **34**–28, 30–**33** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 28 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 6 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 40 **Rebs:** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 11 **Asts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 10 |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 3–2*** | | |
| |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** John Goble, Marc Davis, James Williams |
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| June 19 8:30 pm |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-ind-0042400406) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 91, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **108** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 25–**28**, 17–**36**, 18–**26**, **31**–18 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 21 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 6 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Ajay Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajay_Mitchell "Ajay Mitchell") 4 | | **Pts:** [Obi Toppin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_Toppin "Obi Toppin") 20 **Rebs:** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 13 **Asts:** [T. J. McConnell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._J._McConnell "T. J. McConnell") 6 |
| ***Series tied, 3–3*** | | |
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| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN **Attendance:** 17,274 **Referees:** [Zach Zarba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Zarba "Zach Zarba"), [Tony Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Brothers "Tony Brothers"), David Guthrie |
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| [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC") |
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| June 22 8:00 p.m. (7:00 pm [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone")) |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-okc-0042400407) |
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|---|---|---|
| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 91, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **103** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 22–**25**, **26**–22, 20–**34**, **23**–22 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Bennedict Mathurin 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") 6 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 29 **Rebs:** [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") 9 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 12 |
| ***Oklahoma City wins series, 4–3*** | | |
| |
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| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK **Attendance:** 18,203 **Referees:** James Capers, Josh Tiven, Sean Wright |
| Oklahoma City won 2–0 in the regular-season series |
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| December 26, 2024 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-ind-0022400410) |
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| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") **120**, [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 114 |
| |
| [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN |
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| March 29, 2025 |
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| [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-okc-0022401079) |
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| Indiana Pacers 111, **Oklahoma City Thunder** **132** |
| |
| [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK |
This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-123)
## Statistical leaders
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=41 "Edit section: Statistical leaders")\]
| Category | Game high | Average | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Team | High | Player | Team | Avg. | GP | |
| [Points](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)") | [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") | [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") | 48 | [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") | [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") | 33\.0 | 5 |
| [Rebounds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)") | [Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") | [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") | 24 | 15\.4 | 5 | | |
| [Assists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)") | [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") (2×) | [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") | 15 | [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") | [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") | 9\.1 | 7 |
| [Steals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steal_\(basketball\) "Steal (basketball)") | [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") | Cleveland Cavaliers Indiana Pacers | 6 | [Gary Trent Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Trent_Jr. "Gary Trent Jr.") | Milwaukee Bucks | 2\.6 | 5 |
| [Blocks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_\(basketball\) "Block (basketball)") | [Zach Edey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Edey "Zach Edey") [Luke Kornet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Kornet "Luke Kornet") | [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") | 7 | Zach Edey | Memphis Grizzlies | 2\.5 | 4 |
### Total leaders
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=42 "Edit section: Total leaders")\]
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **Points** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") - 688 [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") - 530 [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") - 492 [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") - 472 [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") - 399 **Rebounds** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") - 209 [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") - 199 [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") - 178 [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") - 173 [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") - 158 | **Assists** Tyrese Haliburton - 197 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 150 Jalen Brunson - 126 Nikola Jokić - 112 Jalen Williams - 111 **Steals** [Alex Caruso](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Caruso "Alex Caruso") - 45 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 38 [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") - 36 [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") - 35 Jalen Williams / [Cason Wallace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cason_Wallace "Cason Wallace") - 32 | **Blocks** [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") - 46 Chet Holmgren - 43 OG Anunoby - 22 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 20 [Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") / [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") - 18 **Minutes** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 851 Jalen Williams - 796 Tyrese Haliburton - 772 Pascal Siakam - 771 Andrew Nembhard - 769 |
## Media coverage
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=43 "Edit section: Media coverage")\]
### Television
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=44 "Edit section: Television")\]
This was the final playoffs that games aired nationally across [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC"), [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN"), [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT"), and [NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV") in the United States before both [Amazon Prime Video](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_Prime_Video "NBA on Prime Video") and [NBC Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_NBC "NBA on NBC") replace TNT and NBA TV next season. For the second and final time, [TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TruTV "TruTV") simulcasted TNT games.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-ESPN_round1-1-124)[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-TNT_round-1-1-125) This was also the final year that each team's regional broadcaster were permitted to televise local coverage of first-round games, with the exception of games on ABC.[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-126) In general, during the first two rounds, ABC broadcast Sunday afternoon games, TNT had Sunday through Thursday night games, and ESPN televised Friday night games. NBA TV televised selected Tuesday through Thursday night first-round games, produced by TNT Sports.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-ESPN_round1-1-124)[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-TNT_round-1-1-125)[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-NBATV_round-1-1-127) Additionally this postseason, an NBA TV/[ESPNU](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPNU "ESPNU") simulcast of Game 3 of Indiana–Milwaukee on Friday, April 25 was scheduled to accommodate ABC and [ESPN2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN2 "ESPN2")'s coverage of the [2025 NFL draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NFL_draft "2025 NFL draft"), airing in roughly the same time slot.[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-128) Saturday first-round games were split by ABC, ESPN, and TNT, ABC then aired all the Saturday second round games.[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-129)
As per the alternating rotation, ESPN/ABC had exclusive coverage of the Western Conference finals while TNT had exclusive coverage of the Eastern Conference finals. ABC had exclusive coverage of the NBA Finals for the 23rd straight year.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-ESPN_round1-1-124)
The entire 2025 NBA postseason averaged 6.12 million viewers per game across ESPN and ABC, up 10% from 2024. In addition, the NBA generated a record-breaking 5 billion views across all social media platforms during the NBA Finals, up 215% from 2024.[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-130)
### Streaming
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=45 "Edit section: Streaming")\]
NBA TV games was available on [NBA League Pass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_League_Pass "NBA League Pass") as part of its normal streaming service for that channel. TNT games streamed on [Max](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_\(streaming_service\) "Max (streaming service)").[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-TNT_round-1-1-125)
[ESPN+](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN%2B "ESPN+") also streamed game 7 of the NBA Finals alongside ABC.[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-131)
## Sponsorship
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=46 "Edit section: Sponsorship")\]
NBA has continued its sponsorship agreement with [Google](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google "Google") since 2022, with [Google Pixel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Pixel "Google Pixel") serving as first presenting partner of the Playoffs from 2022 through 2024. Beginning with this season, it will now be rebranded as "2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google," giving an expansion of sponsorship for other Google brands, outside of Pixel. As part of an multi-year agreement with Google, this sponsorship provides the logo branding inside the venues and in official digital properties on-court, as well as commercial inventory during [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN_on_ABC "ESPN on ABC"), [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN"), [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT"), and [NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV")'s telecasts of the playoff games.[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-132)
## Notes
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=47 "Edit section: Notes")\]
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-18)** The [2020 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs") are not counted as all games were played at [a neutral site](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_Bubble "2020 NBA Bubble").
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-31)** The other players were [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") (four times) and [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") (1971).
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-70)** Brown, Holiday, and [Horford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Horford "Al Horford")
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-72)** Cunningham, [Duren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Duren "Jalen Duren"), Harris, and [Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ausar_Thompson "Ausar Thompson")
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-89)** [Conley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Conley_Jr. "Mike Conley Jr."), [Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)"), and [Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert")
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-93)** Dončić, [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James"), and [Vanderbilt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarred_Vanderbilt "Jarred Vanderbilt")
7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-101)** [Holiday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jrue_Holiday "Jrue Holiday"), Tatum, and White
8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-109)** Butler, Green, and Podziemski
## References
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=48 "Edit section: References")\]
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Grant, Shawn (April 5, 2025). ["SOURCE SPORTS: Pistons Clinch Playoff Spot, Complete One of NBA's Biggest Turnarounds"](https://thesource.com/2025/04/05/source-sports-pistons-clinch-playoff-spot-complete-one-of-nbas-biggest-turnarounds/). Retrieved April 18, 2025. "Detroit currently holds the No. 5 seed in the East, while the outcome also locks the Orlando Magic into the East Play-In Tournament, ensuring they'll finish between seventh and tenth."
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Staff, The Athletic NBA (May 29, 2025). ["NBA playoffs results and takeaways: Thunder earn trip to NBA Finals with rout of Wolves"](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6389628/2025/05/28/thunder-timberwolves-game-5-shai-gilgeous-alexander-results-takeaways/). *The New York Times*. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
114. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-122)**
["Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Head-to-Head in the NBA Playoffs – All-Time"](https://www.landofbasketball.com/head_to_head_gl/thunder_vs_timberwolves_game_log_pl.htm). landofbasketball.com. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
115. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-123)**
["Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers Head-to-Head in the NBA Playoffs – All-Time"](https://www.landofbasketball.com/head_to_head_gl/thunders_vs_pacers_game_log_pl.htm). landofbasketball.com. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
116. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-ESPN_round1-1_124-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-ESPN_round1-1_124-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-ESPN_round1-1_124-2)
["2025 NBA Playoffs Presented by Google Tip Off with Six Games on ESPN and ABC This Weekend"](https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2025/04/2025-nba-playoffs-presented-by-google-tip-off-with-six-games-on-espn-and-abc-this-weekend/). *ESPN Press Room* (Press release). April 16, 2025. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
117. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-TNT_round-1-1_125-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-TNT_round-1-1_125-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-TNT_round-1-1_125-2)
["NBA on TNT to Exclusively Present Eastern Conference 2025 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament Finale – Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks – Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m. ET"](https://press.wbd.com/us/media-release/nba-tnt-exclusively-present-eastern-conference-2025-sofi-nba-play-tournament-finale). *wbd.com* (Press release). April 17, 2025. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
118. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-126)**
["National Priority: NBA moving first-round games off local TV"](https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/04/18/national-priority-nba-moving-first-round-games-off-local-tv/). *Sports Business Journal*. April 18, 2025. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
119. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-NBATV_round-1-1_127-0)**
["NBA TV's 2025 NBA Playoffs First Round Coverage Presented by AT\&T to Tip Off with Milwaukee Bucks Visiting Indiana Pacers, First Round Game 2, on Tuesday, April 22, at 7 p.m. ET"](https://press.wbd.com/us/media-release/nba-tvs-2025-nba-playoffs-first-round-coverage-presented-att-tip-milwaukee-bucks). *wbd.com* (Press release). April 17, 2025. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
120. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-128)**
["ESPNU is getting an NBA playoff game?"](https://awfulannouncing.com/nba/espnu-is-getting-an-nba-playoff-game.html). *Awful Announcing*. April 18, 2025. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
121. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-129)**
["2025 NBA Playoffs: Full schedule"](https://www.nba.com/news/2025-nba-playoffs-schedule). *NBA.com*. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
122. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-130)**
["Game 7 on ABC delivers most-watched NBA Finals game in 6 years"](https://www.nba.com/news/nba-finals-game-7-2025-most-watched-six-years). *NBA.com*. June 23, 2025.
123. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-131)**
Rajan, Ronce (June 20, 2025). ["ESPN NBA Full Court Press: A New NBA Champion Will Be Crowned Sunday on ABC as the Oklahoma City Thunder Host the Indiana Pacers in the First NBA Finals Game 7 in Nine Years"](https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2025/06/espn-nba-full-court-press-a-new-nba-champion-will-be-crowned-sunday-on-abc-as-the-oklahoma-city-thunder-host-the-indiana-pacers-in-the-first-nba-finals-game-7-in-nine-years/). *ESPN Press Room U.S*. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
124. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-132)**
["NBA reaches deal to make Google Pixel first presenting partner of NBA playoffs"](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4194329/2021/10/18/nba-reaches-deal-to-make-google-pixel-first-presenting-partner-of-nba-playoffs/). *TheAthletic.com*. October 18, 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221224182327/https://theathletic.com/news/nba-reaches-deal-to-make-google-pixel-first-presenting-partner-of-nba-playoffs/vdNiFbAdZ5JR/) from the original on December 24, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
## External links
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=49 "Edit section: External links")\]
- [Sports portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Sports "Portal:Sports")
- [Basketball – Reference.com's 2025 Playoffs section](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2025.html)
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:NBA_playoffs "Template:NBA playoffs") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:NBA_playoffs "Template talk:NBA playoffs") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:NBA_playoffs "Special:EditPage/Template:NBA playoffs")[NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs "NBA playoffs") | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [List of playoff series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_playoff_series "List of NBA playoff series") [Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_conference_finals "NBA conference finals") [Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals") [60 Greatest Playoff Moments](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_60_Greatest_Playoff_Moments "NBA 60 Greatest Playoff Moments") [Game sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_game_sevens "List of NBA game sevens") [Streaks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_franchise_postseason_streaks "List of NBA franchise postseason streaks") [Droughts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_franchise_postseason_droughts "List of NBA franchise postseason droughts") [Records](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_postseason_records "List of NBA postseason records") [Scoring Leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_career_playoff_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association career playoff scoring leaders") [Assists Leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_career_playoff_assists_leaders "List of National Basketball Association career playoff assists leaders") [3 Pt Leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_career_playoff_3-point_scoring_leaders "List of National Basketball Association career playoff 3-point scoring leaders") [Rebound Leaders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_career_playoff_rebounding_leaders "List of National Basketball Association career playoff rebounding leaders") | | | | | | | | | |
| 1940s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | [1947](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_BAA_playoffs "1947 BAA playoffs") | [1948](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_BAA_playoffs "1948 BAA playoffs") | [1949](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1949_BAA_playoffs "1949 BAA playoffs") |
| 1950s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [1950](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950_NBA_playoffs "1950 NBA playoffs") | [1951](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1951_NBA_playoffs "1951 NBA playoffs") | [1952](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1952_NBA_playoffs "1952 NBA playoffs") | [1953](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1953_NBA_playoffs "1953 NBA playoffs") | [1954](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1954_NBA_playoffs "1954 NBA playoffs") | [1955](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1955_NBA_playoffs "1955 NBA playoffs") | [1956](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1956_NBA_playoffs "1956 NBA playoffs") | [1957](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1957_NBA_playoffs "1957 NBA playoffs") | [1958](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1958_NBA_playoffs "1958 NBA playoffs") | [1959](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1959_NBA_playoffs "1959 NBA playoffs") |
| 1960s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [1960](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1960_NBA_playoffs "1960 NBA playoffs") | [1961](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1961_NBA_playoffs "1961 NBA playoffs") | [1962](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1962_NBA_playoffs "1962 NBA playoffs") | [1963](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963_NBA_playoffs "1963 NBA playoffs") | [1964](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964_NBA_playoffs "1964 NBA playoffs") | [1965](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1965_NBA_playoffs "1965 NBA playoffs") | [1966](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1966_NBA_playoffs "1966 NBA playoffs") | [1967](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_NBA_playoffs "1967 NBA playoffs") | [1968](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_NBA_playoffs "1968 NBA playoffs") | [1969](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_NBA_playoffs "1969 NBA playoffs") |
| 1970s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [1970](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1970_NBA_playoffs "1970 NBA playoffs") | [1971](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1971_NBA_playoffs "1971 NBA playoffs") | [1972](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_NBA_playoffs "1972 NBA playoffs") | [1973](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_NBA_playoffs "1973 NBA playoffs") | [1974](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1974_NBA_playoffs "1974 NBA playoffs") | [1975](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1975_NBA_playoffs "1975 NBA playoffs") | [1976](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_NBA_playoffs "1976 NBA playoffs") | [1977](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977_NBA_playoffs "1977 NBA playoffs") | [1978](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_NBA_playoffs "1978 NBA playoffs") | [1979](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1979_NBA_playoffs "1979 NBA playoffs") |
| 1980s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [1980](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_NBA_playoffs "1980 NBA playoffs") | [1981](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1981_NBA_playoffs "1981 NBA playoffs") | [1982](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982_NBA_playoffs "1982 NBA playoffs") | [1983](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_NBA_playoffs "1983 NBA playoffs") | [1984](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_NBA_playoffs "1984 NBA playoffs") | [1985](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1985_NBA_playoffs "1985 NBA playoffs") | [1986](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_NBA_playoffs "1986 NBA playoffs") | [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_NBA_playoffs "1987 NBA playoffs") | [1988](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_NBA_playoffs "1988 NBA playoffs") | [1989](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_NBA_playoffs "1989 NBA playoffs") |
| 1990s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [1990](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_NBA_playoffs "1990 NBA playoffs") | [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_NBA_playoffs "1991 NBA playoffs") | [1992](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_NBA_playoffs "1992 NBA playoffs") | [1993](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_NBA_playoffs "1993 NBA playoffs") | [1994](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_NBA_playoffs "1994 NBA playoffs") | [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_NBA_playoffs "1995 NBA playoffs") | [1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NBA_playoffs "1996 NBA playoffs") | [1997](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_NBA_playoffs "1997 NBA playoffs") | [1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs "1998 NBA playoffs") | [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs "1999 NBA playoffs") |
| 2000s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_playoffs "2000 NBA playoffs") | [2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_playoffs "2001 NBA playoffs") | [2002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_playoffs "2002 NBA playoffs") | [2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_playoffs "2003 NBA playoffs") | [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_playoffs "2004 NBA playoffs") | [2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NBA_playoffs "2005 NBA playoffs") | [2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NBA_playoffs "2006 NBA playoffs") | [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NBA_playoffs "2007 NBA playoffs") | [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_playoffs "2008 NBA playoffs") | [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_playoffs "2009 NBA playoffs") |
| 2010s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_playoffs "2010 NBA playoffs") | [2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_playoffs "2011 NBA playoffs") | [2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_NBA_playoffs "2012 NBA playoffs") | [2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_NBA_playoffs "2013 NBA playoffs") | [2014](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_NBA_playoffs "2014 NBA playoffs") | [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_NBA_playoffs "2015 NBA playoffs") | [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_playoffs "2016 NBA playoffs") | [2017](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_playoffs "2017 NBA playoffs") | [2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_NBA_playoffs "2018 NBA playoffs") | [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_NBA_playoffs "2019 NBA playoffs") |
| 2020s | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs") | [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NBA_playoffs "2021 NBA playoffs") | [2022](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_NBA_playoffs "2022 NBA playoffs") | [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_NBA_playoffs "2023 NBA playoffs") | [2024](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs "2024 NBA playoffs") | [2025]() | [2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NBA_playoffs "2026 NBA playoffs") | | | |
| See also: [WNBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WNBA_playoffs "WNBA playoffs") | | | | | | | | | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:2024%E2%80%9325_NBA_season_by_team "Template:2024–25 NBA season by team") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:2024%E2%80%9325_NBA_season_by_team "Template talk:2024–25 NBA season by team") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:2024%E2%80%9325_NBA_season_by_team "Special:EditPage/Template:2024–25 NBA season by team")[2024–25 NBA season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_NBA_season "2024–25 NBA season") by team | |
|---|---|
| [Draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_draft "2024 NBA draft") [Summer League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_Summer_League "2024 NBA Summer League") [NBA Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_Cup "2024 NBA Cup") [Championship game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_Cup_championship_game "2024 NBA Cup championship game") [All-Star Game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_All-Star_Game "2025 NBA All-Star Game") [Play-in Tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_play-in_tournament "2025 NBA play-in tournament") [Playoffs]() [Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_Finals "2025 NBA Finals") [Transactions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2024%E2%80%9325_NBA_season_transactions "List of 2024–25 NBA season transactions") [G League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_NBA_G_League_season "2024–25 NBA G League season") | |
| [Eastern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Conference_\(NBA\) "Eastern Conference (NBA)") | |
| | |
| [Atlantic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Division_\(NBA\) "Atlantic Division (NBA)") | [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Boston_Celtics_season "2024–25 Boston Celtics season") [Brooklyn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Brooklyn_Nets_season "2024–25 Brooklyn Nets season") [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_York_Knicks_season "2024–25 New York Knicks season") [Philadelphia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Philadelphia_76ers_season "2024–25 Philadelphia 76ers season") [Toronto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Toronto_Raptors_season "2024–25 Toronto Raptors season") |
| [Central](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Division_\(NBA\) "Central Division (NBA)") | [Chicago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Chicago_Bulls_season "2024–25 Chicago Bulls season") [Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season") [Detroit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Detroit_Pistons_season "2024–25 Detroit Pistons season") *[Indiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Indiana_Pacers_season "2024–25 Indiana Pacers season")* [Milwaukee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "2024–25 Milwaukee Bucks season") |
| [Southeast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Division_\(NBA\) "Southeast Division (NBA)") | [Atlanta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2024–25 Atlanta Hawks season") [Charlotte](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Charlotte_Hornets_season "2024–25 Charlotte Hornets season") [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season") [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Orlando_Magic_season "2024–25 Orlando Magic season") [Washington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Washington_Wizards_season "2024–25 Washington Wizards season") |
| [Western](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Conference_\(NBA\) "Western Conference (NBA)") | |
| | |
| [Northwest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwest_Division_\(NBA\) "Northwest Division (NBA)") | [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Denver_Nuggets_season "2024–25 Denver Nuggets season") [Minnesota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2024–25 Minnesota Timberwolves season") **[Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder season")** [Portland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2024–25 Portland Trail Blazers season") [Utah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Utah_Jazz_season "2024–25 Utah Jazz season") |
| [Pacific](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Division_\(NBA\) "Pacific Division (NBA)") | [Golden State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season") [L.A. Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Clippers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Clippers season") [L.A. Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Lakers season") [Phoenix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Phoenix_Suns_season "2024–25 Phoenix Suns season") [Sacramento](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Sacramento_Kings_season "2024–25 Sacramento Kings season") |
| [Southwest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Division_\(NBA\) "Southwest Division (NBA)") | [Dallas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2024–25 Dallas Mavericks season") [Houston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Houston_Rockets_season "2024–25 Houston Rockets season") [Memphis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2024–25 Memphis Grizzlies season") [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_Orleans_Pelicans_season "2024–25 New Orleans Pelicans season") [San Antonio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2024–25 San Antonio Spurs season") |
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2025 NBA playoffs
5 languages
[Add topic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs) |
| Readable Markdown | | | |
|---|---|
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2025_NBA_playoffs_logo.jpeg) | |
| Tournament details | |
| Dates | April 19 – June 22, 2025 |
| Season | [2024–25](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_NBA_season "2024–25 NBA season") |
| Teams | 16 |
| Final positions | |
| Champions | [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder season") (2nd title) |
| Runners-up | [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Indiana_Pacers_season "2024–25 Indiana Pacers season") |
| Semifinalists | [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2024–25 Minnesota Timberwolves season") [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_York_Knicks_season "2024–25 New York Knicks season") |
| ← [2024](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs "2024 NBA playoffs") [2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NBA_playoffs "2026 NBA playoffs") → | |
The **2025 NBA playoffs** was the [postseason tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_playoffs "NBA playoffs") of the [National Basketball Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association")'s (NBA) [2024–25 season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_NBA_season "2024–25 NBA season"). The [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder"), led by the reigning [MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Most Valuable Player") and scoring leader [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander"), finished the season with a league-best 68–14 record, giving them the first [seed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_\(sports\) "Seed (sports)") in the [Western Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Conference_\(NBA\) "Western Conference (NBA)"). The [Eastern Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Conference_\(NBA\) "Eastern Conference (NBA)")'s best record was held by the [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers"), who finished with a 64–18 record under their star [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell"). The defending champion [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics"), with their [scoring duo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jays_\(Boston_Celtics\) "Jays (Boston Celtics)") of [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") and [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown"), clinched the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 61–21. The Thunder, Cavaliers, and Celtics were widely seen as the championship contenders heading into the playoffs. The tournament began on April 19 after the conclusion of the [play-ins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament").
In the first round, the Cavaliers [swept](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweep_\(sports\) "Sweep (sports)") the eighth-seeded [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat"), who had just made it through the play-in. The Celtics defeated the seventh-seeded [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") in five games, while the third-seeded [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks"), led by [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns"), took six games to dispatch the sixth-seeded [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons"). The fourth-seeded [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers"), with [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton"), defeated the [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo")\-led [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks"), the fifth seed, in five games after Haliburton's game-winning shot in game 5. The Western Conference saw the Thunder sweep the [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies"), while the seventh-seeded [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") defeated the second-seeded [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") in [seven games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_game_sevens "List of NBA game sevens"). The sixth-seeded [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves"), led by [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)"), overcame the [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić")\-led [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") in five games, and the [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić")\-led fourth-seeded [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") defeated the fifth seed, the [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers"), in seven games.
The second round, the conference semifinals, saw Haliburton's Pacers [upset](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upset_\(sports\) "Upset (sports)") Mitchell's Cavaliers in five games, while the Knicks unexpectedly defeated the Celtics in six games after Tatum suffered an [Achilles tendon rupture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles_tendon_rupture "Achilles tendon rupture"). The Thunder–Nuggets series went to seven games, with the Thunder prevailing, and the Timberwolves defeated the Warriors in five games after Golden State's star [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") had an injury. In the [Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_conference_finals#Eastern_Conference_finals "NBA conference finals"), the Pacers unexpectedly triumphed over their [rival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knicks%E2%80%93Pacers_rivalry "Knicks–Pacers rivalry") Knicks in six games, while the [Western Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Conference_Finals "Western Conference Finals") saw the Thunder defeat the Timberwolves in five games.
The [2025 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_Finals "2025 NBA Finals") was expected to be an easy victory for the Thunder, who had won 18 more games than the Pacers, but at the end of the first six games, the series was tied 3–3, requiring a decisive [game seven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_Finals#Game_7 "2025 NBA Finals"), the first in the Finals since [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_7_of_the_2016_NBA_Finals "Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals"). The Thunder won the game 103–91 after Haliburton tore his [Achilles tendon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles_tendon "Achilles tendon") in the first quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander was named [Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_MVP "NBA Finals MVP") after averaging 30 [points per game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Points_per_game "Points per game") (ppg) during the playoffs. The Thunder's championship was their first since [1979](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1979_NBA_Finals "1979 NBA Finals"), when they were known as the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics"). The Pacers' postseason run, which included five 15-point [comebacks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comeback_\(sports\) "Comeback (sports)") and four game-tying or game-winning shots by Haliburton, is considered one of the most surprising in NBA history.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-1)
### Updates to postseason appearances
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=2 "Edit section: Updates to postseason appearances")\]
- The [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder season") entered the playoffs with the best record in the Western Conference for the second consecutive season and also finished with their [best regular-season record in franchise history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_teams_by_single_season_win_percentage "List of NBA teams by single season win percentage"). They also won the [Maurice Podoloff Trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Podoloff_Trophy "Maurice Podoloff Trophy") for clinching the best record in the NBA for the first time in franchise history.
- The [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season") entered the playoffs for the third consecutive season and also clinched the number one seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2015–16 Cleveland Cavaliers season"), and the first time without [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") on their roster.
- The [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Boston_Celtics_season "2024–25 Boston Celtics season") entered the playoffs for the eleventh consecutive season, the longest such streak in the NBA.
- The [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "2024–25 Milwaukee Bucks season") entered the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season.
- The [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Denver_Nuggets_season "2024–25 Denver Nuggets season") entered the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season.
- The [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season") entered the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. They also became the first 10-seed to advance from the [play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament") into the playoffs.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-:0-2)
- The [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2024–25 Minnesota Timberwolves season") entered the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
- The [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_York_Knicks_season "2024–25 New York Knicks season"), [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Lakers season"), and [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Clippers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Clippers season") entered the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
- The [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Indiana_Pacers_season "2024–25 Indiana Pacers season") and [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Orlando_Magic_season "2024–25 Orlando Magic season") entered the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
- The [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season") returned to the playoffs after losing in the [play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament") the previous year.
- The [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2024–25 Memphis Grizzlies season") returned to the playoffs after missing the postseason the previous year.
- The [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Houston_Rockets_season "2024–25 Houston Rockets season") entered the playoffs for the first time since [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs").
- The [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Detroit_Pistons_season "2024–25 Detroit Pistons season") entered the playoffs for the first time since [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_NBA_playoffs "2019 NBA playoffs").
- The [New Orleans Pelicans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_Orleans_Pelicans_season "2024–25 New Orleans Pelicans season") and [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2024–25 Dallas Mavericks season") missed the playoffs after making the postseason the previous year.
- The [Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Phoenix_Suns_season "2024–25 Phoenix Suns season") missed the playoffs for the first time since [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs").
- The [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Philadelphia_76ers_season "2024–25 Philadelphia 76ers season") missed the playoffs for the first time since [2017](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_playoffs "2017 NBA playoffs").
- The [Brooklyn Nets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Brooklyn_Nets_season "2024–25 Brooklyn Nets season"), [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Sacramento_Kings_season "2024–25 Sacramento Kings season"), and [Atlanta Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2024–25 Atlanta Hawks season") missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
- The [Utah Jazz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Utah_Jazz_season "2024–25 Utah Jazz season"), [Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Toronto_Raptors_season "2024–25 Toronto Raptors season"), and [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Chicago_Bulls_season "2024–25 Chicago Bulls season") missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
- The [Washington Wizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Washington_Wizards_season "2024–25 Washington Wizards season") and [Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "2024–25 Portland Trail Blazers season") missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
- The [San Antonio Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "2024–25 San Antonio Spurs season") missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.
- The [Charlotte Hornets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Charlotte_Hornets_season "2024–25 Charlotte Hornets season") missed the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season, currently the longest active playoff drought in the NBA.
- The [Atlanta Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2024–25 Atlanta Hawks season") competed in the play-in tournament for the fourth consecutive season.
- The [Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Chicago_Bulls_season "2024–25 Chicago Bulls season") and [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season") competed in the play-in tournament for the third consecutive season.
- The [Sacramento Kings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Sacramento_Kings_season "2024–25 Sacramento Kings season") and [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season") competed in the play-in tournament for the second consecutive season.
- The [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2024–25 Memphis Grizzlies season") competed in the play-in tournament for the first time since [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NBA_playoffs "2021 NBA playoffs").
- The [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Orlando_Magic_season "2024–25 Orlando Magic season") and [Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2024–25 Dallas Mavericks season") competed in the play-in tournament for the first time in franchise history.
### Notable occurrences
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=4 "Edit section: Notable occurrences")\]
- With their overtime road victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the No. 8 seed game, the Miami Heat became the first-ever 10-seed to advance from the play-in to the playoffs.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-:0-2)
- The Dallas Mavericks became the first team since the [2019–20 Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2019–20 Golden State Warriors season") to miss the playoffs after reaching the [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals") the previous season.
- The Thunder's 51-point victory against the Grizzlies was the largest margin of victory in a Game 1 in NBA history.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-3)
- The Pistons' Game 2 victory over the Knicks was their first playoff win since [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_playoffs "2008 NBA playoffs"), ending a 15-game postseason losing streak, the longest in NBA history.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-4) The Pistons, however, now own the record for the most consecutive home defeats in playoffs history at 10 straight with their three home losses in the first round.
- The Cavaliers made 11 three-pointers in the second quarter of their Game 2 victory over the Heat, setting a postseason record.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-5)
- The Thunder overcame a 26-point halftime deficit in their Game 3 victory over the Grizzlies, the largest such comeback in NBA postseason history.
- With the Thunder sweeping the Grizzlies, this marks the 49th straight playoffs where a sweep occurred; the last time this did not happen was in [1976](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_NBA_playoffs "1976 NBA playoffs").
- The Cavaliers' 55-point victory over the Heat in Game 4 was the largest series-clinching win in NBA history.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-espn.com-6)
- The Cavaliers' 122-point differential in their series against the Heat was the largest in NBA history.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-espn.com-6)
- By defeating the Lakers, the Timberwolves won a playoff series in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history.
- After losing to the Timberwolves, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round as a third seed or higher for the first time in franchise history.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-7)
- The Knicks–Pistons series was the second playoff series in NBA history to feature four consecutive games decided by 3 or fewer points.
- The Nuggets–Clippers series was the first of the 2025 playoffs to have a Game 7, making it the 26th consecutive NBA postseason to feature a Game 7. The last time a Game 7 did not occur in the playoffs was [1999](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs "1999 NBA playoffs"). This was the 154th game 7 in NBA playoffs history.
- With the Rockets forcing a Game 7 against the Warriors, this is the first playoffs since [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs") to feature two Game 7's in the first round.
- This is the third postseason where LeBron James was eliminated in the first round.
- The seventh-seeded Warriors defeated the second-seeded Houston in seven games, marking the seventh instance in NBA history of a 7th-seeded team defeating a 2nd-seeded team in the first round, following previous instances in [1987](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_NBA_playoffs "1987 NBA playoffs"), [1989](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_NBA_playoffs "1989 NBA playoffs"), [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_NBA_playoffs "1991 NBA playoffs"), [1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs "1998 NBA playoffs"), [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_playoffs "2010 NBA playoffs"), and [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_NBA_playoffs "2023 NBA playoffs"). Additionally, this was only the third time and the second time in three seasons that such an upset occurred in a best-of-seven series, as well as the first time it occurred in seven games and the second time it occurred within the maximum number of games ([1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs "1998 NBA playoffs")).
- The Warriors became the first team to defeat the second-seed team three times as the seventh-seeded team, following previous instances in [1989](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_NBA_playoffs "1989 NBA playoffs") and [1991](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_NBA_playoffs "1991 NBA playoffs").
### Conference semifinals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=6 "Edit section: Conference semifinals")\]
- In the Eastern Conference, the same teams from the previous playoffs represent the final four teams this year. However, the match-ups are different, with the Cavaliers playing the Pacers and the Celtics facing the Knicks. [Last year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs#Eastern_Conference_semifinals "2024 NBA playoffs") it was the [Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_Boston_Celtics_season "2023–24 Boston Celtics season") facing the [Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2023–24 Cleveland Cavaliers season") and the [Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_New_York_Knicks_season "2023–24 New York Knicks season") versus the [Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_Indiana_Pacers_season "2023–24 Indiana Pacers season").
- The Western Conference Semifinals match-up between Oklahoma City and Denver features the top two MVP favorites in [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") and [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić"). The last time this occurred was in the [2017 first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Houston_Rockets_vs._\(6\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder "2017 NBA playoffs") when [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden")'s Rockets defeated [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook")'s Thunder in five games. Westbrook won the MVP that season, while Harden finished a close second.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-8)
- This is just the third time in NBA history a sixth seed is facing a seventh seed in the Conference Semifinals. The other times this occurred were in the [1987 WCSF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_NBA_playoffs#Western_Conference_semifinals "1987 NBA playoffs") between the [Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986%E2%80%9387_Houston_Rockets_season "1986–87 Houston Rockets season") (6) vs [SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986%E2%80%9387_Seattle_SuperSonics_season "1986–87 Seattle SuperSonics season") (7) and the [2023 WCSF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_NBA_playoffs#\(6\)_Golden_State_Warriors_vs._\(7\)_Los_Angeles_Lakers "2023 NBA playoffs") between the [Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2022–23 Golden State Warriors season") (6) vs [Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers season") (7).
- In Game 1 against the Knicks, the Celtics set the NBA playoff record for most missed 3-point shots in a game (45).
- With his Game 1 game-winner, [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") became the first player in the play-by-play era (since 1996–97) to hit a game-winning shot in the final five seconds of a game on the road multiple times in a single playoff run.
- All four Game 1's of the Conference Semifinals were won by the road team, the first time this has happened in NBA history.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-9)
- In Game 1 and 2 in their series vs. the Celtics, the Knicks were the first team to comeback from 20 points or more in back-to-back playoff games in NBA history. In addition, the Celtics were the first team to blow back-to-back 20 point leads in the playoffs.
- The Cavaliers and the Celtics became the first teams since the [1992–93 Phoenix Suns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992%E2%80%9393_Phoenix_Suns_season "1992–93 Phoenix Suns season") to trail 0–2 before the conference finals as a 60-win team.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-10)
- The Thunder scored 87 points in the first half of Game 2 against the Nuggets, setting an NBA playoff record for most points scored in a first half, and tying the NBA playoff record for points in a half set by the Milwaukee Bucks in the [1978 WCSF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Denver_Nuggets_vs._\(6\)_Milwaukee_Bucks "1978 NBA playoffs").[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-11)
- The Pacers led by 41 points at halftime of Game 4 against the Cavaliers, tying the playoff record set by Cleveland in Game 2 of the [2017 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_playoffs#Eastern_Conference_finals "2017 NBA playoffs").[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-12)
- The Cavaliers were the first Eastern Conference team to win [62 games or more](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_teams_by_single_season_win_percentage "List of NBA teams by single season win percentage") and not make the Eastern Conference Finals.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-13)
- With the Cavaliers and Celtics both eliminated, this marked the first time since [2007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NBA_playoffs "2007 NBA playoffs") that two 60-win teams failed to reach the conference finals.
- The elimination of the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") guarantees that there would be a 7th different NBA champion in the last 7 years, the first time this has happened in NBA history.
- The Nuggets-Thunder series was the second-most lopsided series to go seven games in NBA history, following the [Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Boston_Celtics_season "2007–08 Boston Celtics season")\-[Hawks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2007–08 Atlanta Hawks season") first round series in [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_playoffs "2008 NBA playoffs").[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-14)
- With the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") losing to the [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") in the preceding conference semifinals, this was the sixth straight conference finals without the defending NBA champions.
- Neither the [first-seeded team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season") nor the [second-seeded team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Boston_Celtics_season "2024–25 Boston Celtics season") made the [Eastern Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Conference_finals "NBA Conference finals") for the first time since [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NBA_playoffs "2021 NBA playoffs").
- The conference finals featured teams that had a chance to win their first championship or hadn't won a championship in over four decades:
- The New York Knicks last won the NBA championship in [1973](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_NBA_Finals "1973 NBA Finals").
- The Oklahoma City Thunder last won the NBA championship in [1979](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1979_NBA_Finals "1979 NBA Finals") when they were still known as the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics").
- The Indiana Pacers have never won an NBA championship since joining the league in the [ABA-NBA merger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABA-NBA_merger "ABA-NBA merger") in [1976](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976%E2%80%9377_Indiana_Pacers_season "1976–77 Indiana Pacers season").
- The Minnesota Timberwolves have never won an NBA championship or advanced to the NBA Finals since joining the league as an expansion team in [1989](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989%E2%80%9390_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "1989–90 Minnesota Timberwolves season").
- This is the first Western Conference Finals since 1996 to not feature a team from [California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California "California") or [Texas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas "Texas").
- In Game 1 against the Knicks, the Pacers became the first team since play-by-play records began in 1998 to win after trailing by 9+ points in the final minute of a playoff game. Also in the game, [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") became the first player in NBA history to make six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter of a playoff game.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-15)
- Oklahoma City surpassed the [2019 Toronto Raptors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%9319_Toronto_Raptors_season "2018–19 Toronto Raptors season")' +79 turnover differential for largest in a single-playoff in NBA postseason history. It took Toronto 24 games to accomplish this feat, while Oklahoma City surpassed this mark in their 12th game.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-16)
- In Game 4, [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") became the first player in NBA playoff history to record 30 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds with no turnovers in a game.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-17)
- For the first time since [2015](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_NBA_playoffs "2015 NBA playoffs"), both the Eastern Conference champions and the Western Conference champions clinched their NBA Finals berth on their home court.[\[a\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-18)
- The Thunder are the youngest team to make the NBA Finals since the [1977 Portland Trail Blazers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976%E2%80%9377_Portland_Trail_Blazers_season "1976–77 Portland Trail Blazers season").[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-19)
- This is the first NBA Finals without a luxury tax team since the [salary cap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salary_cap "Salary cap") era began in 2002.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-20)
- The 18 game difference in wins between the Thunder and Pacers is the largest among NBA Finals participants since the [1981 Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1981_NBA_Finals "1981 NBA Finals") between the 62-win [Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980%E2%80%9381_Boston_Celtics_season "1980–81 Boston Celtics season") and 40-win [Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980%E2%80%9381_Houston_Rockets_season "1980–81 Houston Rockets season").[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-21)
- The Pacers in Game 1 joined the [1999 Spurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%9399_San_Antonio_Spurs_season "1998–99 San Antonio Spurs season") in Game 2 of the [Western Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_San_Antonio_Spurs_vs._\(2\)_Portland_Trail_Blazers "1999 NBA playoffs") and the [2002 Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season") in Game 4 of the [Western Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Sacramento_Kings_vs._\(3\)_Los_Angeles_Lakers "2002 NBA playoffs") as teams to win a playoff game despite leading for only 20 seconds or less.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-22)
- Indiana also tied the [1992 Chicago Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991%E2%80%9392_Chicago_Bulls_season "1991–92 Chicago Bulls season") in [Game 6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_NBA_Finals#Game_6 "1992 NBA Finals") and the [2011 Dallas Mavericks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%9311_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2010–11 Dallas Mavericks season") in [Game 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_Finals#Game_2 "2011 NBA Finals") for the largest NBA Finals fourth quarter comeback.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-23)
- [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton")'s go-ahead shot with 0.3 seconds left marked the latest game winner in an NBA Finals game since [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan")'s buzzer-beating shot in Game 1 of the [1997 Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_NBA_Finals "1997 NBA Finals").[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-24)
- [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") (72 points) surpassed [Allen Iverson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson "Allen Iverson") (71 points, [2001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_NBA_Finals "2001 NBA Finals")) for the most combined points scored in a player's first two Finals games.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-25)
- In [Game 5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_Finals#Game_5 "2025 NBA Finals"), [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") became the third-youngest player since the [ABA–NBA merger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABA%E2%80%93NBA_merger "ABA–NBA merger") to score at least 40 points in a Finals game.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-26)
- Jalen Williams and [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") joined [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") and [Kyrie Irving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrie_Irving "Kyrie Irving") as the only teammates since 1980 to finish a Finals game with 40+ points for one and 30+ points for the other.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-27)
- In Game 6, the Pacers became the first team in NBA history with eight players to score at least 200 points in a single playoffs.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-28)
- This featured the first NBA Finals [Game 7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_game_sevens "List of NBA game sevens") since [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_Finals "2016 NBA Finals").
- Oklahoma City was the first team to score 100 points or more in an NBA Finals Game 7 since the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987-88_Los_Angeles_Lakers "1987-88 Los Angeles Lakers") and [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987%E2%80%9388_Detroit_Pistons_season "1987–88 Detroit Pistons season") scored over the century mark in the [1988 NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_NBA_Finals "1988 NBA Finals").[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-29)
- The Thunder moved to 19–2 after a defeat in both the regular season and playoffs, surpassing the [1986–87 Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986%E2%80%9387_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1986–87 Los Angeles Lakers season") for the best winning percentage in NBA history after loss in a season.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-30)
- [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") became the fourth player to win the [league scoring title](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_annual_scoring_leaders "List of NBA annual scoring leaders") along with regular season and [Finals MVPs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Finals Most Valuable Player") in one season, and the first since [Shaquille O'Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_O%27Neal "Shaquille O'Neal") of the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") in 2000.[\[b\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-31)[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-32) He was also the first player since [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") in [2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_NBA_season "2013 NBA season") to win a [regular season MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Most Valuable Player") and Finals MVP in the same season.
Eight teams from each conference participate in the playoffs. The top six teams in each conference, based on [winning percentage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winning_percentage "Winning percentage"), directly qualify for the playoffs; the [seeding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_\(sports\) "Seed (sports)") order of those teams is also based on winning percentage. If two or more teams had the same record, standard NBA tiebreaker rules are used.
The NBA Board of Governors adopted a format starting in [2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NBA_playoffs "2021 NBA playoffs") to have a [play-in tournament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_play-in_tournament "NBA play-in tournament") involving the teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference. The 7th-place team and 8th-place team participate in a "double-chance" game, with the winner advancing to the playoffs as the 7-seed. The loser then plays the winner of the elimination game between the 9th-place and 10th-place teams to determine the playoff's 8-seed. The NBA's regular playoff format then proceeds as normal. Furthermore, the winner of the match between the loser of the 7/8 game and the winner of the 9/10 game always plays on day 2 of the NBA playoffs to allow that team at least a day of rest.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-33)
Each conference's bracket is fixed with no reseeding. All rounds are a best-of-seven series; a series ends when one team wins four games, and that team advances to the next round. All rounds, including the NBA Finals, are in a 2–2–1–1–1 format with regards to hosting.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-34) In the conference playoffs, home-court advantage goes to the higher-seeded team (number one being the highest). For the NBA Finals, home-court advantage goes to the team with the better regular season record, and, if needed, ties are broken based on head-to-head record, followed by inter-conference record.
On March 5, 2025, the [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season") became the first team to clinch a playoff spot.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-Cavaliersclinch-35) While noted in the below tables, division titles have no bearing on seeding.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-36)
*Seeds 7 and 8 in each conference were determined via the first-stage play-in tournament, held April 15–18.*
| Seed | Team | Record | Clinched | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play-in berth | Playoff berth | Division title | Best record in conference | Best record in NBA | | | |
| 1 | [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season") | 64–18 | — | March 5[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-Cavaliersclinch-35) | March 11[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-37) | April 8[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-38) | — |
| 2 | [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Boston_Celtics_season "2024–25 Boston Celtics season") | 61–21 | — | March 14[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-39) | March 29[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-40) | — | — |
| 3 | [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_York_Knicks_season "2024–25 New York Knicks season") | 51–31 | — | March 27[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-41) | — | — | — |
| 4 | [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Indiana_Pacers_season "2024–25 Indiana Pacers season") | 50–32 | — | April 1[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-42) | — | — | — |
| 5 | [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "2024–25 Milwaukee Bucks season") | 48–34 | — | April 5[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-BucksHawks-43) | — | — | — |
| 6 | [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Detroit_Pistons_season "2024–25 Detroit Pistons season") | 44–38 | — | April 4[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-44) | — | — | — |
| 7 | [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Orlando_Magic_season "2024–25 Orlando Magic season") | 41–41 | April 4[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-45) | April 15[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-46) | April 9[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-47) | — | — |
| 8 | [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season") | 37–45 | April 3[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-48) | April 18[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-49) | — | — | — |
[Atlanta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2024–25 Atlanta Hawks season") (40–42) and [Chicago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Chicago_Bulls_season "2024–25 Chicago Bulls season") (39–43) also secured play-in berths but did not advance to the playoffs.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-50)[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-51)
| Seed | Team | Record | Clinched | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play-in berth | Playoff berth | Division title | Best record in conference | Best record in NBA | | | |
| 1 | [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder season") | 68–14 | — | March 12[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-52) | March 19[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-53) | March 20[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-54) | April 9[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-55) |
| 2 | [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Houston_Rockets_season "2024–25 Houston Rockets season") | 52–30 | — | April 2[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-56) | April 2[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-57) | — | — |
| 3 | [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Lakers season") | 50–32 | — | April 9[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-58) | April 11[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-59) | — | — |
| 4 | [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Denver_Nuggets_season "2024–25 Denver Nuggets season") | 50–32 | — | April 13[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-60) | — | — | — |
| 5 | [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Clippers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Clippers season") | 50–32 | — | April 13[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-ClippersWarriors-61) | — | — | — |
| 6 | [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2024–25 Minnesota Timberwolves season") | 49–33 | — | April 13[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-62) | — | — | — |
| 7 | [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season") | 48–34 | April 13[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-ClippersWarriors-61) | April 15[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-63) | — | — | — |
| 8 | [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2024–25 Memphis Grizzlies season") | 48–34 | April 11[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-64) | April 18[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-65) | — | — | — |
[Sacramento](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Sacramento_Kings_season "2024–25 Sacramento Kings season") (40–42) and [Dallas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2024–25 Dallas Mavericks season") (39–43) also secured play-in berths but did not advance to the playoffs.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-66)[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-67)
### Play-in tournament brackets
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=13 "Edit section: Play-in tournament brackets")\]
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | **Play-in games** | | | **No. 8 seed game** | | | **Final seeds** | | | | |
| | **7** | ***[Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Orlando_Magic_season "2024–25 Orlando Magic season")**\** | **120** | | 7 | Orlando\* | No. 7 seed | | | | |
| | 8 | [Atlanta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Atlanta_Hawks_season "2024–25 Atlanta Hawks season") | 95 | | | | | | 10 | Miami | No. 8 seed |
| | | 8 | *Atlanta* | 114 | | | | | | | |
| | | | **10** | **Miami** | **123** ([OT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_\(sports\)#Basketball "Overtime (sports)")) | | | | | | |
| | 9 | *[Chicago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Chicago_Bulls_season "2024–25 Chicago Bulls season")* | 90 | | | | | | | | |
| | **10** | **[Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season")** | **109** | | | | | | | | |
**Bold** Game winner
*Italic* Team with home-court advantage
*\** Division winner
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | **Play-in games** | | | **No. 8 seed game** | | | **Final seeds** | | | | |
| | **7** | ***[Golden State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season")*** | **121** | | 7 | Golden State | No. 7 seed | | | | |
| | 8 | [Memphis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2024–25 Memphis Grizzlies season") | 116 | | | | | | 8 | Memphis | No. 8 seed |
| | | **8** | ***Memphis*** | **120** | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10 | Dallas | 106 | | | | | | |
| | 9 | *[Sacramento](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Sacramento_Kings_season "2024–25 Sacramento Kings season")* | 106 | | | | | | | | |
| | **10** | **[Dallas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Dallas_Mavericks_season "2024–25 Dallas Mavericks season")** | **120** | | | | | | | | |
**Bold** Game winner
*Italic* Team with home-court advantage
*\** Division winner
Teams in **bold** advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its conference, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. The division champions are marked by an asterisk. Teams with home court advantage, the higher seeded team, are shown in *italics*.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | [First round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#First_round_2) | | | [Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Conference_semifinals_2) | | | [Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#Conference_finals_2) | | | [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_Finals "2025 NBA Finals") | |
| | **E1** | ***[Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2024–25 Cleveland Cavaliers season")***\* | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | E8 | [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Miami_Heat_season "2024–25 Miami Heat season") | 0 | | | | | | | | |
| | | E1 | *Cleveland*\* | 1 | | | | | | | |
| | | | **E4** | **Indiana** | **4** | | | | | | |
| | **E4** | ***[Indiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Indiana_Pacers_season "2024–25 Indiana Pacers season")*** | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | E5 | [Milwaukee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Milwaukee_Bucks_season "2024–25 Milwaukee Bucks season") | 1 | | | | | | | | |
| | | **E4** | **Indiana** | **4** | | | | | | | |
| | **[Eastern Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Conference_\(NBA\) "Eastern Conference (NBA)")** | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | E3 | *New York* | 2 | | | | | | |
| | **E3** | ***[New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_New_York_Knicks_season "2024–25 New York Knicks season")*** | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | E6 | [Detroit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Detroit_Pistons_season "2024–25 Detroit Pistons season") | 2 | | | | | | | | |
| | | **E3** | **New York** | **4** | | | | | | | |
| | | | E2 | *Boston*\* | 2 | | | | | | |
| | **E2** | ***[Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Boston_Celtics_season "2024–25 Boston Celtics season")***\* | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | E7 | [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Orlando_Magic_season "2024–25 Orlando Magic season")\* | 1 | | | | | | | | |
| | | E4 | Indiana | 3 | | | | | | | |
| | | | **W1** | ***Oklahoma City***\* | **4** | | | | | | |
| | **W1** | ***[Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_season "2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder season")***\* | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | W8 | [Memphis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Memphis_Grizzlies_season "2024–25 Memphis Grizzlies season") | 0 | | | | | | | | |
| | | **W1** | ***Oklahoma City***\* | **4** | | | | | | | |
| | | | W4 | Denver | 3 | | | | | | |
| | **W4** | ***[Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Denver_Nuggets_season "2024–25 Denver Nuggets season")*** | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | W5 | [LA Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Clippers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Clippers season") | 3 | | | | | | | | |
| | | **W1** | ***Oklahoma City***\* | **4** | | | | | | | |
| | **[Western Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Conference_\(NBA\) "Western Conference (NBA)")** | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | W6 | Minnesota | 1 | | | | | | |
| | W3 | *[LA Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2024–25 Los Angeles Lakers season")*\* | 1 | | | | | | | | |
| | **W6** | **[Minnesota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2024–25 Minnesota Timberwolves season")** | **4** | | | | | | | | |
| | | **W6** | ***Minnesota*** | **4** | | | | | | | |
| | | | W7 | Golden State | 1 | | | | | | |
| | W2 | *[Houston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Houston_Rockets_season "2024–25 Houston Rockets season")*\* | 3 | | | | | | | | |
| | **W7** | **[Golden State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2024–25 Golden State Warriors season")** | **4** | | | | | | | | |
*Note: Times are [EDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Time_Zone "Eastern Time Zone") ([UTC−4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%E2%88%9204:00 "UTC−04:00")) as listed by the NBA. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.*
### Eastern Conference first round
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=18 "Edit section: Eastern Conference first round")\]
#### (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=19 "Edit section: (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat")\]
April 20
7:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") 100, **[Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers")** **121** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 24–**31**, 30–**31**, 25–25, 21–**34** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Bam Adebayo 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Davion Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davion_Mitchell "Davion Mitchell") 9 | | **Pts:** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 30 **Rebs:** [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") 11 **Asts:** [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") 5 |
| ***Cleveland leads series, 1–0*** | | |
[Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") scored 30 points as the top-seeded Cavaliers cruised to a 121–100 victory in the series opener. Mitchell also tallied four steals, [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") finished with 27 points, and [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") notched a double-double for Cleveland. Although the Heat tried to rally in the second half, Cavaliers guard [Ty Jerome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Jerome "Ty Jerome") came off the bench and scored 28 points in his playoff debut, including 16 points (6-of-7 shooting) in the fourth quarter to keep Miami at bay. [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo") and [Tyler Herro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Herro "Tyler Herro") both finished with over 20 points for the Heat, while reserve guard [Davion Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davion_Mitchell "Davion Mitchell") shot 8-of-12 and dished out a game-high nine assists.
April 23
7:30 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") 112, **[Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers")** **121** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 24–**25**, 27–**43**, **29**–25, **32**–28 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Tyler Herro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Herro "Tyler Herro") 33 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo") 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Bam Adebayo 9 | | **Pts:** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 30 **Rebs:** [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") 8 **Asts:** [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") 9 |
| ***Cleveland leads series, 2–0*** | | |
Cleveland fought off a late Miami rally, securing victory and establishing a 2–0 series advantage. [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") had another 30-point performance, including 7 3-pointers, while also logging 6 rebounds and 6 assists. [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") added 21 points and 9 assists, whereas [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley") contributed 20 points and 6 rebounds. [Tyler Herro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyler_Herro "Tyler Herro") carried the Heat on scoring, notching 33 points and dishing out 5 assists. [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo") tallied 11 points, 14 rebounds and 9 assists, finishing one assist shy of a triple-double. [Haywood Highsmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haywood_Highsmith "Haywood Highsmith") came off the bench and shot 5-of-6 from beyond the arc en route to 17 points, as the Heat conceded 121 points for the second game in a row.
April 26
1:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers")** **124**, [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") 87 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **33**–20, **29**–22, **26**–22, **36**–23 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") 22 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Jarrett Allen 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Ty Jerome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Jerome "Ty Jerome") 11 | | **Pts:** [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo") 22 **Rebs:** Bam Adebayo 9 **Asts:** [Davion Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davion_Mitchell "Davion Mitchell") 5 |
| ***Cleveland leads series, 3–0*** | | |
Cleveland rolled to a 124–87 victory to take a commanding 3–0 series lead. It was a balanced team effort for the Cavaliers — [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") scored 22 points, [De'Andre Hunter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De%27Andre_Hunter "De'Andre Hunter") added 21 points, defensive player of the year [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley") added 19 points, and [Max Strus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Strus "Max Strus") contributed 18 points. [Ty Jerome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Jerome "Ty Jerome") had 13 points and 11 assists in 22 minutes — he was +33. This was the Heat's worst playoff loss in franchise history, which only lasted one game after Game 4's blowout loss. The Cavs took control with a 33–5 run early, outrebounded Miami 46–29, and outscored the Heat 60–30 in the paint.
April 28
7:30 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers")** **138**, [Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat") 83 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **43**–17, **29**–16, **39**–30, **27**–20 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 22 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jerome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Jerome "Ty Jerome"), Mitchell 5 each | | **Pts:** [Nikola Jović](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Jovi%C4%87 "Nikola Jović") 24 **Rebs:** [Bam Adebayo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Adebayo "Bam Adebayo") 12 **Asts:** [Davion Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davion_Mitchell "Davion Mitchell") 5 |
| ***Cleveland wins series, 4–0*** | | |
Cleveland advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second straight season after a 55 point victory, the fourth-biggest playoff win ever. Cleveland won the series by a combined 122 points, one more than the previous record for series margin set by Denver over New Orleans in [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_playoffs "2009 NBA playoffs").[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-68) Miami was also the first team ever to lose by 30+ points in the playoffs in back-to-back games. All-star point guard [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") missed the final two games of the series for the Cavs with a toe injury.
The series also marked the Cavaliers' first-ever playoff series sweep in franchise history without [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") on the roster.
| Cleveland won 2–1 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| December 8, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-mia-0022400351) [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 113, **[Miami Heat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Heat "Miami Heat")** **122** [Kaseya Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaseya_Center "Kaseya Center"), [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami"), FL January 29, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-mia-0022400667) **Cleveland Cavaliers** **126**, Miami Heat 106 Kaseya Center, Miami, FL March 5, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mia-vs-cle-0022400893) Miami Heat 107, **Cleveland Cavaliers** **112** [Rocket Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Arena "Rocket Arena"), [Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland "Cleveland"), OH |
This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-69)
#### (2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=20 "Edit section: (2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic")\]
April 20
3:30 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") 86, **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **103** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 18–**26**, **31**–22, 18–**30**, 19–**25** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") 36 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Wendell Carter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Carter_Jr. "Wendell Carter Jr.") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner") 5 | | **Pts:** [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") 30 **Rebs:** [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 14 **Asts:** [Jrue Holiday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jrue_Holiday "Jrue Holiday") 5 |
| ***Boston leads series, 1–0*** | | |
After Orlando held a slim 1-point lead at halftime, Boston dominated the second half, winning 103–86 at home. [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") was the main contributor for the Celtics on offense, knocking down 7 3-pointers en route to 30 points. [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") notched a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, albeit going 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. [Payton Pritchard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payton_Pritchard "Payton Pritchard") added 19 points on 75% field goal percentage as a substitute. For the Magic, [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") scored a game-high 36 points, while also logging 11 rebounds. [Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner") finished with 25 points and 5 assists, while [Wendell Carter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Carter_Jr. "Wendell Carter Jr.") grabbed 13 boards.
April 23
7:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") 100, **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **109** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 21–**23**, 26–**27**, 24–**31**, **29**–28 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") 32 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Paolo Banchero 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Paolo Banchero 7 | | **Pts:** [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") 36 **Rebs:** *three players* 10 each[\[c\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-70) **Asts:** [Jrue Holiday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jrue_Holiday "Jrue Holiday") 6 |
| ***Boston leads series, 2–0*** | | |
[TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden"), [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston "Boston"), MA
**Attendance:** 19,156
**Referees:** James Williams, Ed Malloy, Brent Barnaky
The defending champions secured 2–0 series lead with a 109–100 victory in Game 2. [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") led the way for the Celtics, logging 36 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. [Kristaps Porziņģis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristaps_Porzi%C5%86%C4%A3is "Kristaps Porziņģis") (who had to shortly leave the game after an accidental elbow to the forehead by [Goga Bitadze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goga_Bitadze "Goga Bitadze") in the last seconds of the third quarter) notched 20 points and 10 rebounds. [Al Horford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Horford "Al Horford") also grabbed 10 boards, as the Celtics outrebounded their opponents 46–34. The Magic were again reliant on [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") and [Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner"), with the former contributing 32 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, while the latter scored 25 points. [Wendell Carter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Carter_Jr. "Wendell Carter Jr.") added 16 points and 8 rebounds, as Orlando were limited to no more than 100 points for the second consecutive game. Boston's star forward [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") did not play in the game due to a wrist injury suffered in Game 1; it was the first playoff game he missed in his career.
April 25
7:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 93, **[Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic")** **95** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 27–**31**, **32**–18, 11–**24**, **23**–22 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 36 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Jayson Tatum 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") 5 | | **Pts:** [Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner") 32 **Rebs:** [Wendell Carter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Carter_Jr. "Wendell Carter Jr.") 12 **Asts:** Franz Wagner 8 |
| ***Boston leads series, 2–1*** | | |
[Kia Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Center "Kia Center"), [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida"), FL
**Attendance:** 18,967
**Referees:** David Guthrie, Courtney Kirkland, Tre Maddox
[Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner") (32 points on 11-of-27 shooting, 7 rebounds, 8 assists) and [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") (29 points on 10-of-25 shooting) efforts were enough for the Magic to outlast the Celtics in a close Game 3 victory. A returning [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") scored 36 points and had 9 rebounds, but committed 7 turnovers, while co-star [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") also had 6 turnovers. Altogether, the Celtics committed 20 turnovers in the game. After a stellar Game 2, [Kristaps Porziņģis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristaps_Porzi%C5%86%C4%A3is "Kristaps Porziņģis") (with his head bandage after the elbow to the forehead in Game 2) scored just 7 points on 3-of-10 shooting, with a team-worst -16 [plus-minus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plus%E2%80%93minus_\(sports\) "Plus–minus (sports)"). In the fourth quarter, the duo of Wagner and Banchero scored 18 of the Magic's 22 points.
April 27
7:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **107**, [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") 98 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **32**–29, **21**–19, 26–**27**, **28**–23 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 37 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Jayson Tatum 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") 7 | | **Pts:** [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") 31 **Rebs:** [Wendell Carter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Carter_Jr. "Wendell Carter Jr.") 11 **Asts:** [Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner") 7 |
| ***Boston leads series, 3–1*** | | |
[Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") scored 37 points and pulled down 14 rebounds and [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") added 21 points and 11 rebounds, as the Boston Celtics took a 3–1 lead over the Orlando Magic in Game 4. [Kristaps Porziņģis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristaps_Porzi%C5%86%C4%A3is "Kristaps Porziņģis") scored 19 points, including a dunk of his own missed layup that put Boston ahead for good with 3:58 left. [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") led Orlando with 31 points.
April 29
8:30 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic") 89, **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **120** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **27**–23, 22–**24**, 13–**36**, 27–**37** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Franz Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Wagner "Franz Wagner") 25 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Wendell Carter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Carter_Jr. "Wendell Carter Jr.") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") 6 | | **Pts:** [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 35 **Rebs:** Jayson Tatum 8 **Asts:** Jayson Tatum 10 |
| ***Boston wins series, 4–1*** | | |
The Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals behind [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum")'s 35 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds effort. The game was tied at 53 when Magic star [Paolo Banchero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Banchero "Paolo Banchero") went to the bench with five fouls early in the third quarter. When he came back into the game at the start of the fourth quarter, the Celtics were up 83–62 and they never looked back, cruising to a 120–89 win.
| Orlando won 2–1 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| December 23, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-orl-0022400393) [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 104, **[Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic")** **108** [Kia Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Center "Kia Center"), [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida"), FL January 17, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/orl-vs-bos-0022400577) Orlando Magic 94, **Boston Celtics** **121** [TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden"), [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston "Boston"), MA April 9, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-orl-0022401156) Boston Celtics 76, **Orlando Magic** **96** Kia Center, Orlando, FL |
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_playoffs "2010 NBA playoffs"), with the Magic winning two of the first three meetings.[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-71)
| Orlando leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| 1995 **[Orlando Magic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Magic "Orlando Magic")** **3**, [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 1 [1995 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Orlando_Magic_vs._\(8\)_Boston_Celtics "1995 NBA playoffs") 2009 Boston Celtics 3, **Orlando Magic** **4** [2009 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(3\)_Orlando_Magic "2009 NBA playoffs") 2010 Orlando Magic 2, **Boston Celtics** **4** [2010 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Orlando_Magic_vs._\(4\)_Boston_Celtics "2010 NBA playoffs") |
#### (3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=21 "Edit section: (3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons")\]
April 19
6:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") 112, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **123** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 27–27, 28–**30**, **36**–26, 21–**40** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Tobias Harris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobias_Harris "Tobias Harris") 25 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** *four players* 6 each[\[d\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-72) **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") 12 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 34 **Rebs:** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 11 **Asts:** Jalen Brunson 8 |
| ***New York leads series, 1–0*** | | |
After three tightly contested quarters, New York strung together a 21–0 run in the fourth, propelling them to a 123–112 victory over Detroit. [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") led the scoring for the Knicks, finishing with 34 points, along with 8 assists. [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") put up an all-rounded performance, logging 23 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks, while [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") added another 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals. For the Pistons, [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") scored 21 and dished out 12 assists in his playoff debut, whereas [Tobias Harris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobias_Harris "Tobias Harris") shot 80% from beyond the arc en route to 25 points. [Malik Beasley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malik_Beasley "Malik Beasley") came off the bench and made 6 3-pointers, contributing 20 points, as Detroit were denied their first playoff win since [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(2\)_Detroit_Pistons "2008 NBA playoffs").
April 21
7:30 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons")** **100**, [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 94 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **25**–18, 30–**31**, **20**–18, 25–**27** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") 33 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Duren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Duren "Jalen Duren"), [Harris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobias_Harris "Tobias Harris") 13 each **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Cunningham, [Schröder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Schr%C3%B6der "Dennis Schröder") 3 each | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 37 **Rebs:** [Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart"), [Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitchell_Robinson "Mitchell Robinson") 7 each **Asts:** Jalen Brunson 7 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
In just his second playoff game, Pistons' star [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") led his team to a victory with 33 points on 11-of-21 shooting and 12 rebounds performance. Detroit led for most of the game, but a late 4th quarter New York rally was halted by a [Dennis Schröder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Schr%C3%B6der "Dennis Schröder") (who had 20 pts off the bench) three-point shot with 55.1 seconds to break the tie and give Detroit the eventual win. [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") had another 30-point effort with 37 in total, as well as 7 assists. With the victory, Detroit ended an NBA record 15-game playoff losing streak, which spanned 17 years.[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-73)
April 24
7:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **118**, [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") 116 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **33**–27, **33**–26, 27–**30**, 25–**33** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson"), Hart 9 each | | **Pts:** [Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham"), [Hardaway Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hardaway_Jr. "Tim Hardaway Jr.") 24 each **Rebs:** [Duren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Duren "Jalen Duren"), [Reed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Reed_\(basketball\) "Paul Reed (basketball)") 8 each **Asts:** Cade Cunningham 11 |
| ***New York leads series, 2–1*** | | |
[Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") (30 points, 11-of-13 from free throws) and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") (31 points, 10-of-18 shooting, 4 three-point makes) starred in a close Game 3 victory to take a 2-1 series. Towns was aggressive early and Jalen Brunson was effective late. Towns scored 11 of his 31 points in the first quarter while Brunson had 12 of his 30 in the fourth. In addition, [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") scored 22 points and [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges") added 20 points for the Knicks. Detroit's [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") scored 24 points and had 11 assists, but missed 15-of-25 shots and had six turnovers. [Tim Hardaway Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hardaway_Jr. "Tim Hardaway Jr.") had 24 points, making a career playoff-high seven 3-pointers. [Dennis Schroder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Schroder "Dennis Schroder") scored 18 points off the bench and [Jalen Duren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Duren "Jalen Duren") had 16 for the Pistons. The Pistons pulled within one point twice in the third, but the Knicks went on another surge to take a 10-point lead into the final quarter and the cushion was comfortable enough to hold off Detroit's attempts to rally.[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-74)
April 27
1:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **94**, [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") 93 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **29**–19, 21–**24**, 14–**28**, **30**–22 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 32 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jalen Brunson 11 | | **Pts:** [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") 25 **Rebs:** [Jalen Duren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Duren "Jalen Duren") 17 **Asts:** Cade Cunningham 10 |
| ***New York leads series, 3–1*** | | |
[Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") (32 points, 11 assists, and 13-of-26 shooting) and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") (27 points, 9 rebounds, and 10-of-23 shooting) would again star for the Knicks in a thrilling Game 4 victory. The game was close throughout and a Karl-Anthony Towns go-ahead 3-pointer with 46.6 seconds left would ultimately be the difference. Game 4 was a physical game with few whistles as seen on the last possession of the game. On the play, [Tim Hardaway Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hardaway_Jr. "Tim Hardaway Jr.") shot a 3-pointer just before the buzzer and drew contact from New York’s [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") that wasn’t called a foul. David Guthrie, the crew chief for the game, said afterward that the officials made a mistake. “After postgame review, we observed that Hart makes body contact that is more than marginal to Hardaway Jr. and a foul should have been called,” Guthrie said. Had the foul been called, Hardaway would have gone to the foul line for three free throws that could have given Detroit the lead and win.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-75)
In addition, the Pistons have lost nine straight home playoff games since [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Detroit_Pistons_season "2007–08 Detroit Pistons season"), tying an NBA record set by [Philadelphia 76ers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_76ers "Philadelphia 76ers") from 1968 to 1971. [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") finished with the Pistons first playoff triple double since [Isiah Thomas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isiah_Thomas "Isiah Thomas") in 1989.
April 29
7:30 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons")** **106**, [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 103 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 22–**23**, 27–27, **28**–24, 29–29 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Jalen Duren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Duren "Jalen Duren") 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Cade Cunningham 8 | | **Pts:** [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") 19 **Rebs:** [Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitchell_Robinson "Mitchell Robinson"), [Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 11 each **Asts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 7 |
| ***New York leads series, 3–2*** | | |
The Pistons spoiled the Knicks chance to clinch their first playoff series victory at [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden") since the [1999 conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs#Eastern_Conference_finals "1999 NBA playoffs"), with a 106–103 win. [Ausar Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ausar_Thompson "Ausar Thompson")’s athleticism was on full display on offense (22 points in 28 minutes, mostly in the paint) and defense (2 blocks and holding [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") to an off shooting night). [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") led the Pistons in scoring again with 24 points, plus 8 rebounds and assists. [Tobias Harris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobias_Harris "Tobias Harris") had 17 points, 8 rebounds, and made three 3-pointers. In defeat, six Knicks were in double figures in scoring.
May 1
7:30 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **116**, [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") 113 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **37**–23, 22–**38**, **37**–24, 20–**28** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 40 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 15 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jalen Brunson 7 | | **Pts:** [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") 23 **Rebs:** Cade Cunningham 7 **Asts:** [Dennis Schröder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Schr%C3%B6der "Dennis Schröder") 9 |
| ***New York wins series, 4–2*** | | |
[Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson")'s game-winning 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left finished off the Pistons in another hard-fought playoff game in this series. Detroit did not get a shot off to potentially tie the game and send it to overtime because [Malik Beasley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malik_Beasley "Malik Beasley") fumbled a pass with 0.4 second left. With 2:35 left, Brunson and the Knicks went on a 11–1 run to seal to the game, 116–113. Brunson scored 40 points, [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges") had 25 points, and [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") added 22 for the Knicks. [Cade Cunningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cade_Cunningham "Cade Cunningham") had 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, but went 0-for-8 on 3-pointers. The Pistons as a team were just 9-for-24 from three. Jalen Duren scored 21 points on 6-of-9 shooting and 9-of-10 from the free thrown line. The Pistons now own the record for most consecutive playoff home losses, with 10. The final average margin for the series was 4.3, which was the lowest in a series of 5+ games in 25 years.[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-76)
| Detroit won 3–1 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| November 1, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-det-0022400134) **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **128**, [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") 98 [Little Caesars Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Caesars_Arena "Little Caesars Arena"), [Detroit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit "Detroit"), MI December 7, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/det-vs-nyk-0022400343) **Detroit Pistons** **120**, New York Knicks 111 [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY January 13, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/det-vs-nyk-0022400549) **Detroit Pistons** **124**, New York Knicks 119 Madison Square Garden, New York, NY April 10, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-det-0022401167) New York Knicks 106, **Detroit Pistons** **115** Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI |
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since [1992](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_NBA_playoffs "1992 NBA playoffs"), with the Knicks winning two of the first three meetings.[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-77)
| New York leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| 1984 [Detroit Pistons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Pistons "Detroit Pistons") 2, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **3** [1984 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Detroit_Pistons_vs._\(5\)_New_York_Knicks "1984 NBA playoffs") 1990 **Detroit Pistons** **4**, New York Knicks 1 [1990 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Detroit_Pistons_vs._\(5\)_New_York_Knicks "1990 NBA playoffs") 1992 **New York Knicks** **3**, Detroit Pistons 2 [1992 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(5\)_Detroit_Pistons "1992 NBA playoffs") |
#### (4) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=22 "Edit section: (4) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks")\]
April 19
1:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") 98, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **117** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 25–**33**, 18–**34**, **33**–26, 22–**24** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") 36 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Giannis Antetokounmpo 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Kevin Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Porter_Jr. "Kevin Porter Jr.") 5 | | **Pts:** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 25 **Rebs:** [Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton"), Siakam 7 each **Asts:** Tyrese Haliburton 12 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 1–0*** | | |
Leading by as much as 28 points, Indiana cruised to a 117–98 win over their [Central Division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Division_\(NBA\) "Central Division (NBA)") rivals. [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") scored 25 and grabbed 7 rebounds for the Pacers, while [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") added 19 points on 4-of-6 3-point shooting. [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") notched a double-double of 10 points and 12 assists, albeit missing all 7 of his 3-point attempts. The Bucks, without [Damian Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard"), were heavily reliant on [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") for scoring. Antetokounmpo logged 36 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort. Notably, [Kyle Kuzma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Kuzma "Kyle Kuzma"), as a starter, recorded a stat line of 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks and 2 fouls in 21 minutes, ending with a team-worst [plus-minus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plus%E2%80%93minus_\(sports\) "Plus–minus (sports)") value of –24.
April 22
7:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") 115, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **123** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 30–**40**, **30**–28, 27–**31**, **28**–24 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") 34 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Giannis Antetokounmpo 18 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Antetokounmpo, [Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard") 7 | | **Pts:** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 24 **Rebs:** Pascal Siakam 11 **Asts:** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 12 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–0*** | | |
Indiana held off a late Milwaukee fourth quarter surge to take a 2–0 lead in the series. The Pacers played another efficient game on offense (48.9% on field goals, 44.4% from beyond the arc) led by [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") (24 points, 11 rebounds), [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") (21 points, 12 assists) [double-double](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-double "Double-double") efforts. [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") led the way for the Bucks with 34 points on 14-of-20 shooting, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists. Milwaukee also received a lift from [Damian Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard"), who was playing in his first game since March 18.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-78)
April 25
8:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 101, **[Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks")** **117** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 26–26, **31**–21, 18–**39**, 26–**31** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 28 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton"), [Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 7 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Tyrese Haliburton 10 | | **Pts:** [Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo"), [Trent Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Trent_Jr. "Gary Trent Jr.") 37 each **Rebs:** Giannis Antetokounmpo 12 **Asts:** Antetokounmpo, [Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Porter_Jr. "Kevin Porter Jr.") 6 each |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–1*** | | |
Milwaukee dominated the game in the second half and cut Indiana's series lead to 2–1. [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") and [Gary Trent Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Trent_Jr. "Gary Trent Jr.") each scored 37 points, with the latter also making a franchise-record nine three-pointers. [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") had 28 points and [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") scored 18 for the Pacers. [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") finished with 14 points and 10 assists.
April 27
9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **129**, [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") 103 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **30**–24, **33**–28, **38**–32, **28**–19 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") 23 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Tyrese Haliburton 15 | | **Pts:** [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") 28 **Rebs:** Giannis Antetokounmpo 15 **Asts:** Antetokounmpo, [Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Porter_Jr. "Kevin Porter Jr.") 6 each |
| ***Indiana leads series, 3–1*** | | |
The Pacers shot 60% from the field and 46% from three to take a commanding 3–1 series lead. Eight Pacers players scored 12 points or more, led by [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") (23 points, 4 blocks), [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") (20 points), and [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") (17 points, 15 assists). [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") continued to carry Milwaukee, with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists; however, only two other Bucks players scored 10 points or more. [Damian Lillard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damian_Lillard "Damian Lillard") tore his [Achilles tendon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles_tendon "Achilles tendon") in the first quarter of the game, ending his season.
April 29
6:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") 118, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **119** (OT) | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **30**–13, 17–**28**, 28–**34**, 28–28, **[Overtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_\(sports\)#Basketball "Overtime (sports)"):** 15–**16** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Gary Trent Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Trent_Jr. "Gary Trent Jr.") 33 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") 20 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Giannis Antetokounmpo 13 | | **Pts:** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 26 **Rebs:** [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 12 **Asts:** Tyrese Haliburton 9 |
| ***Indiana wins series, 4–1*** | | |
The Bucks' season ended in stunning fashion, blowing a 4-point lead with 60 seconds in the fourth quarter and a 7-point lead with 45 seconds in overtime. [Gary Trent Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Trent_Jr. "Gary Trent Jr.") took over for Milwaukee in overtime, scoring 12 points in overtime (all from three), but his fumble and turnover out of bounds gave the ball to Indiana with 10.1 seconds left. From there, a [Tyrese Halliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Halliburton "Tyrese Halliburton") crossover and layup over [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") gave the Pacers the 119–118 lead with 1.1 seconds left. With no more timeouts, the Bucks could not advance the ball and a Trent Jr. half court heave was not close, thus giving the Pacers the win and series victory. Postgame, two incidents occurred: between Antetokounmpo and Tyrese Haliburton’s father, and between Antetokounmpo and [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin").[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-79)
| Milwaukee won 3–1 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| November 22, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-mil-0022400029) [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 117, **[Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks")** **129** [Fiserv Forum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiserv_Forum "Fiserv Forum"), [Milwaukee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee "Milwaukee"), WI December 31, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mil-vs-ind-0022400450) **Milwaukee Bucks** **120**, Indiana Pacers 112 [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN March 11, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mil-vs-ind-0022400942) Milwaukee Bucks 114, **Indiana Pacers** **115** Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN March 15, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-mil-0022400972) Indiana Pacers 119, **Milwaukee Bucks** **126** Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI |
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams and a rematch of the [previous season's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs "2024 NBA playoffs") first round matchup, with the Pacers winning the first three meetings.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-80)
| Indiana leads 3–0 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| 1999 **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **3**, [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") 0 [1999 Eastern Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(7\)_Milwaukee_Bucks "1999 NBA playoffs") 2000 **Indiana Pacers** **3**, Milwaukee Bucks 2 [2000 Eastern Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(8\)_Milwaukee_Bucks "2000 NBA playoffs") 2024 Milwaukee Bucks 2, **Indiana Pacers** **4** [2024 Eastern Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Milwaukee_Bucks_vs._\(6\)_Indiana_Pacers "2024 NBA playoffs") |
### Western Conference first round
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=23 "Edit section: Western Conference first round")\]
#### (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=24 "Edit section: (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies")\]
April 20
1:00 p.m. (12:00 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") 80, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **131** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 20–**32**, 16–**36**, 27–**44**, 17–**19** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Bagley III](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Bagley_III "Marvin Bagley III"), [Morant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant "Ja Morant") 17 each **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Zach Edey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Edey "Zach Edey") 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Morant, [Pippen Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotty_Pippen_Jr. "Scotty Pippen Jr.") 4 each | | **Pts:** [Aaron Wiggins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Wiggins "Aaron Wiggins") 21 **Rebs:** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 10 **Asts:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 6 |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 1–0*** | | |
The Thunder won by a heavy landslide, outscoring the Grizzlies in every quarter, as they secured a 51-point win following a 32-point lead at halftime. This was the largest-ever point differential in Game 1 of an NBA playoff series and the fifth largest in any playoff game.[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-81) Six Oklahoma City players scored double-digit points, while [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") played 23 minutes and scored 15 points, his lowest-scoring game of the season.[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-82) [Desmond Bane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Bane "Desmond Bane") emerged from the game with the ignominy of being the first NBA player in the 21st century to have a [plus-minus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plus%E2%80%93minus_\(sports\) "Plus–minus (sports)") lower than -50, with -51.[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-83)
April 22
7:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") 99, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **118** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 17–**32**, 35–**38**, **27**–20, 20–**28** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jaren Jackson Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaren_Jackson_Jr. "Jaren Jackson Jr.") 26 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Desmond Bane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Bane "Desmond Bane") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Ja Morant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant "Ja Morant") 6 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 27 **Rebs:** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 11 **Asts:** Gilgeous-Alexander, [Jal. Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 5 each |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 2–0*** | | |
Fresh off their blowout victory in Game 1, the Thunder dominate yet again in Game 2 to take a commanding 2–0 series lead. The Thunder opened the game with a 9–0 run, and never trailed throughout the game. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") led the Thunder with 27 points, while [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") added 24 points, and [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") put up a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double. For the Grizzlies, [Jaren Jackson Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaren_Jackson_Jr. "Jaren Jackson Jr.") scored 26 points, and [Ja Morant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant "Ja Morant") added 23 points, both in a losing effort. For the second straight game, Memphis was held to under 100 points, and was scoreless in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter.
April 24
9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **114**, [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") 108 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 29–**40**, 22–**37**, **36**–18, **27**–13 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8 | | **Pts:** [Scotty Pippen Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotty_Pippen_Jr. "Scotty Pippen Jr.") 28 **Rebs:** [Desmond Bane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Bane "Desmond Bane") 8 **Asts:** [Morant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant "Ja Morant"), Pippen Jr. 5 each |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 3–0*** | | |
[FedExForum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FedExForum "FedExForum"), [Memphis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis,_Tennessee "Memphis, Tennessee"), TN
**Attendance:** 16,849
**Referees:** Josh Tiven, Mitchell Ervin, Kevin Cutler
After trailing 51–77 at halftime, the Thunder came back from a 29-point deficit to move on the verge of a sweep. It tied a record for the second largest comeback in an NBA playoff history, only behind the April 15, 2019, game between the [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") and the [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") (31 points). [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") led the Thunder with 31 points, while [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") added 26 points, and [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") scored 23 of his 24 points in the second half. [Scotty Pippen Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotty_Pippen_Jr. "Scotty Pippen Jr.") led the Grizzlies with 28 points. [Ja Morant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant "Ja Morant") had 15 points and five assists, but left the game early after a hip injury; on the play, Morant attempted to jump over [Luguentz Dort](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luguentz_Dort "Luguentz Dort") on a contested dunk attempt.
April 26
3:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **117**, [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") 115 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **34**–31, 26–**28**, **28**–26, 29–**30** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 38 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6 | | **Pts:** [Scotty Pippen Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotty_Pippen_Jr. "Scotty Pippen Jr.") 30 **Rebs:** Scotty Pippen Jr. 11 **Asts:** [Desmond Bane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Bane "Desmond Bane") 5 |
| ***Oklahoma City wins series, 4–0*** | | |
[FedExForum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FedExForum "FedExForum"), [Memphis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis,_Tennessee "Memphis, Tennessee"), TN
**Attendance:** 16,667
**Referees:** James Capers, Pat Fraher, Brent Barnaky
Oklahoma City advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after a close 117–115 Game 4 victory. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") scored 38 points on 13-of-24 shooting and 11-of-13 from the free throw line, while [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") added 23 points on 10-of-21 shooting. Joining them in double figures for the Thunder were [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") (11 points, 12 rebounds), [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") (11 points), and [Aaron Wiggins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Wiggins "Aaron Wiggins") (11 points) off the bench. With no [Ja Morant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ja_Morant "Ja Morant") due to injury, Memphis received big contributions from role-players [Scotty Pippen Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotty_Pippen_Jr. "Scotty Pippen Jr.") (30 points, 11 rebounds, but 5 turnovers) and [Santi Aldama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santi_Aldama "Santi Aldama") (23 points, 9 rebounds, 9-of-13 shooting). [Desmond Bane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Bane "Desmond Bane") added 23 points, but also had 5 turnovers. Overall, Memphis turned the ball over 21 times. With the Thunder's victory, it extended their win streak over the Grizzlies to 12 games.
| Oklahoma City won 4–0 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| December 29, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mem-vs-okc-0022400440) [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") 106, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **130** [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK February 8, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-mem-0022400746) **Oklahoma City Thunder** **125**, Memphis Grizzlies 112 [FedExForum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FedExForum "FedExForum"), [Memphis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis,_Tennessee "Memphis, Tennessee"), TN March 5, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-mem-0022400895) **Oklahoma City Thunder** **120**, Memphis Grizzlies 103 FedExForum, Memphis, TN March 27, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/mem-vs-okc-0022401064) Memphis Grizzlies 104, **Oklahoma City Thunder** **125** Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since [2014](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_NBA_playoffs "2014 NBA playoffs"), with the Thunder winning two of the first three meetings.[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-84)
| Oklahoma City leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| 2011 **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **4**, [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") 3 [2011 Western Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_vs._\(8\)_Memphis_Grizzlies "2011 NBA playoffs") 2013 Oklahoma City Thunder 1, **Memphis Grizzlies** **4** [2013 Western Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_vs._\(5\)_Memphis_Grizzlies "2013 NBA playoffs") 2014 **Oklahoma City Thunder** **4**, Memphis Grizzlies 3 [2014 Western Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_vs._\(7\)_Memphis_Grizzlies "2014 NBA playoffs") |
#### (2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=25 "Edit section: (2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors")\]
April 20
9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **95**, [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") 85 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 18–**21**, **29**–13, 22–**26**, **26**–25 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Brandin Podziemski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandin_Podziemski "Brandin Podziemski") 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") 6 | | **Pts:** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 26 **Rebs:** [Steven Adams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Adams "Steven Adams") 12 **Asts:** [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") 7 |
| ***Golden State leads series, 1–0*** | | |
Despite a late rally in the 4th quarter from Houston, Golden State took lead early in the 2nd quarter and never relinquished it in a 95–85 victory. They were led by their dynamic duo of [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") (25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) and [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") (31 points, 6 rebounds, 5 three-point makes). Houston, playing in their first postseason game since [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs"), were held to the lowest scoring output of the season. Houston’s [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") had 26 points, which included a [poster dunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posterized "Posterized") on [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green") in the 1st quarter, and 9 rebounds. This was the Warriors' first road playoff win since Game 7 of the first round against [Sacramento](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_Kings "Sacramento Kings") in [2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_NBA_playoffs "2023 NBA playoffs").[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-85) Warriors head coach [Steve Kerr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Kerr "Steve Kerr") became the seventh head coach to win 100 playoff games, tying [Larry Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Brown_\(basketball\) "Larry Brown (basketball)") for sixth place in the list.
April 23
9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 94, **[Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets")** **109** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 18–**28**, 28–**32**, 25–**27**, **23**–22 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 20 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Curry, [Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green") 5 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Stephen Curry 9 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Green "Jalen Green") 38 **Rebs:** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 16 **Asts:** Alperen Şengün 7 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
Houston never trailed in this game, producing a dominant 109–94 win to even the series. [Jalen Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Green "Jalen Green") made 8 3-pointers, finishing with 38 points, 6 assists and 3 steals. [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") came up with a double-double, notching 17 points and 16 rebounds, while [Tari Eason](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tari_Eason "Tari Eason") came off the bench to score 14 points on 6-of-9 field goal shooting. Nobody on the Warriors scored over 20 points, with [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") scoring exactly 20, along with 9 assists and 5 rebounds, but also 6 turnovers. [Moses Moody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Moody "Moses Moody") and [Quinten Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinten_Post "Quinten Post") each added 12 points. [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") exited the game with 2:28 remaining in the 1st quarter, after sustaining a heavy fall while trying to get a defensive rebound. He was later diagnosed with a pelvic contusion.
April 26
8:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") 93, **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **104** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **22**–18, 27–**28**, 22–**23**, 22–**35** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") 17 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jalen Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Green "Jalen Green") 5 | | **Pts:** [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 36 **Rebs:** [Quinten Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinten_Post "Quinten Post") 12 **Asts:** Stephen Curry 9 |
| ***Golden State leads series, 2–1*** | | |
After being limited to below 100 points for two straight games, Golden State finally got past that mark with a 104–93 victory over Houston. [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") led the Warriors in the absence of co-star [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler"), tallying 36 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield") had 17 points off the bench with five 3-pointers as the Warriors won their sixth straight Game 3 in the opening round. [Gary Payton II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Payton_II "Gary Payton II") scored 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. Like Game 1, it was another inefficient game for the Rockets on offense, shooting just 39% from the floor. [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet")'s shooting struggles continued, as he is now shooting 11-41 and 6-29 from three for the series.[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-86) With the win, Warriors head coach [Steve Kerr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Kerr "Steve Kerr") officially earned his 101st playoff win, passing [Larry Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Brown_\(basketball\) "Larry Brown (basketball)") for the 6th place on the NBA's all-time playoff victories as head coach.
April 28
10:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") 106, **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **109** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 26–**28**, **31**–22, 23–**32**, 26–**27** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Alperen Şengün 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") 6 | | **Pts:** [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") 27 **Rebs:** [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green") 8 **Asts:** Jimmy Butler 6 |
| ***Golden State leads series, 3–1*** | | |
Coming off an injury in Game 2, [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") returned and put up 27 points, leading the Warriors in a 109-106 victory over Houston. [Brandin Podziemski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandin_Podziemski "Brandin Podziemski") started, putting up 26 points, ahead of [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") and [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield"), who continued his good form with 15 points off the bench. The Rockets, spearheaded by [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") with 31 points and 10 rebounds, lagged behind the Warriors in the first, third, and fourth quarters as they only made 61.3% of their free throws at 19–31. [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") made a return to shooting form as he added 25 points while going 8–11 from the three-point line. In the fourth quarter, it was a tight game as the Warriors slightly edged Houston at 107–106 with 13 seconds left; Butler ultimately made two free throw shots to take the Warriors home.
April 30
7:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 116, **[Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets")** **131** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 24–**40**, 25–**36**, 31–31, **36**–24 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Moses Moody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Moody "Moses Moody") 25 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Moses Moody 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 7 | | **Pts:** [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") 26 **Rebs:** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 9 **Asts:** Alperen Şengün 9 |
| ***Golden State leads series, 3–2*** | | |
The Rockets kept their season alive with a blowout win in Game 5 at home. [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") scored 26 points on 8-of-13 shooting to lead the Rockets, while [Amen Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen_Thompson "Amen Thompson") had a breakout performance with 25 points on 8-of-12 shooting, 5 steals, 3 blocks. [Dillon Brooks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dillon_Brooks "Dillon Brooks") also added 24 points in the 131–116 win. Overall, the Rockets shot 55% from beyond the arc. Warriors coach [Steve Kerr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Kerr "Steve Kerr") threw in the towel early with the game out of hand. A layup by VanVleet midway through the third quarter made it 93–64, and Kerr called a timeout and cleared his bench. The Warriors' reserves got the lead to just a 14-point deficit, but it never got any closer than that.
May 2
9:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets")** **115**, [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 107 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **25**–21, **28**–27, 33–**36**, **29**–23 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") 29 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Fred VanVleet 8 | | **Pts:** [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 29 **Rebs:** [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") 9 **Asts:** Jimmy Butler 8 |
| ***Series tied, 3–3*** | | |
[Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") had 29 points, eight assists and eight rebounds, [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") contributed 21 points and 14 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets kept their season alive once again by beating the Golden State Warriors, 115–107. The Warriors only trailed by two points entering the fourth quarter, but they went cold, missing 13 straight shots between [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green")'s basket with 10:12 left and a 3-pointer by [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") at the 3:35 mark. Throughout the second half, the Warriors utilized the [Hack-a-Shaq](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack-a-Shaq "Hack-a-Shaq") strategy on [Steven Adams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Adams "Steven Adams"), resulting in 16 free throw attempts by Adams, of which he made 9.
May 4
8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **103**, [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") 89 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **23**–19, **28**–20, 19–**23**, **33**–27 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield") 33 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler"), Curry 7 each | | **Pts:** [Amen Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen_Thompson "Amen Thompson") 24 **Rebs:** [Alperen Şengün](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alperen_%C5%9Eeng%C3%BCn "Alperen Şengün") 14 **Asts:** Alperen Şengün 5 |
| ***Golden State wins series, 4–3*** | | |
Led by [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield")'s 33 points, including a record-tying nine three-pointers, the Warriors prevented the Rockets from becoming the first team to [overcome a 3–1 series deficit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_teams_that_have_overcome_3%E2%80%931_series_deficits "List of teams that have overcome 3–1 series deficits") since the [2019–20 Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Denver_Nuggets_season "2019–20 Denver Nuggets season"). [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry"), who played in his second game seven in three years, added a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, while also scoring 14 of his points in the fourth quarter. During the first half, Hield scored 22 points and six three-pointers, being 9 of 11 from 3-point range. [Amen Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen_Thompson "Amen Thompson") led the Rockets with 24 points, but [Fred VanVleet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_VanVleet "Fred VanVleet") was limited to 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting. With the victory, the Warriors become the second 7-seed in three seasons to eliminate a 2-seed in the first round, after the [2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2022–23 Los Angeles Lakers season"). They also remain undefeated in the playoffs over the Rockets, moving up to 5–0, with all series victories coming during Stephen Curry and [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green")'s tenure with the team. Per ESPN, this is the 4th series in NBA history to go a full seven games, and have both teams score an identical number of points.[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-87)
| Golden State won 3–2 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| November 2, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-hou-0022400144) **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **127**, [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") 121 (OT) [Toyota Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Center "Toyota Center"), [Houston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston "Houston"), TX December 5, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/hou-vs-gsw-0022400332) Houston Rockets 93, **Golden State Warriors** **99** [Chase Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Center "Chase Center"), [San Francisco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco "San Francisco"), CA December 11, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-hou-0022401204) Golden State Warriors 90, **Houston Rockets** **91** Toyota Center, Houston, TX February 13, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-hou-0022400784) **Golden State Warriors** **105**, Houston Rockets 98 Toyota Center, Houston, TX April 6, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/hou-vs-gsw-0022401143) **Houston Rockets** **106**, Golden State Warriors 96 Chase Center, San Francisco, CA |
This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_NBA_playoffs "2019 NBA playoffs"), with the Warriors winning the first four meetings.[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-88)
| Golden State leads 4–0 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| 2015 **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **4**, [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets") 1 [2015 Western Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Golden_State_Warriors_vs._\(2\)_Houston_Rockets "2015 NBA playoffs") 2016 **Golden State Warriors** **4**, Houston Rockets 1 [2016 Western Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Golden_State_Warriors_vs._\(8\)_Houston_Rockets "2016 NBA playoffs") 2018 Houston Rockets 3, **Golden State Warriors** **4** [2018 Western Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Houston_Rockets_vs._\(2\)_Golden_State_Warriors "2018 NBA playoffs") 2019 **Golden State Warriors** **4**, Houston Rockets 2 [2019 Western Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Golden_State_Warriors_vs._\(4\)_Houston_Rockets "2019 NBA playoffs") |
#### (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=26 "Edit section: (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves")\]
April 19
8:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **117**, [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") 95 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 21–**28**, **38**–20, **35**–30, **23**–17 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") 25 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Jaden McDaniels 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 9 | | **Pts:** [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") 37 **Rebs:** Luka Dončić 8 **Asts:** [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James"), [Reaves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Reaves "Austin Reaves") 3 each |
| ***Minnesota leads series, 1–0*** | | |
The Timberwolves cruised to a win against the Lakers in the opening game of the series, dominating from the second quarter onwards. [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") recorded a near-triple-double stat line of 22 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists, despite making only 8 of his 22 field goal attempts. [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") added 25 points and 9 rebounds, while [Naz Reid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naz_Reid "Naz Reid") came off the bench to score 23 points on 6-of-9 3-point shooting. In his Lakers playoff debut, [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") carried the team with 37 points and 8 rebounds but finished with just one assist. None of his teammates scored above 20, although [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") came close with 19, along with 5 rebounds and 3 blocks, as the home team endured a night of bad shooting, going 33-of-83 overall.
April 22
10:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 85, **[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers")** **94** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 15–**34**, **28**–24, 22–**23**, **20**–13 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 27 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** *three players* 6 each[\[e\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-89) **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Julius Randle 6 | | **Pts:** [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") 31 **Rebs:** Luka Dončić 12 **Asts:** Luka Dončić 9 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
While the game got within single-digits in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles rode a 34–15 first quarter and never gave up the lead to tie the series on their home floor. [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") led Los Angeles in scoring with 31 points on 9-of-20 shooting with 12 rebounds and 9 assists, while [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") chipped in with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") led the Timberwolves in scoring with 27 points, while [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") scored 25, including a [poster dunk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posterized "Posterized") on [Jaxson Hayes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaxson_Hayes "Jaxson Hayes") in the beginning of the third quarter.[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-90)[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-91) However, no other player on the Timberwolves reached double figures in scoring, with the team shooting just 20% from 3-point range following their 21 made 3-pointers in Game 1.
April 25
9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") 104, **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **116** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 26–**32**, **32**–22, 26–**32**, 20–**30** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 38 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** LeBron James 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") 8 | | **Pts:** [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") 30 **Rebs:** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 8 **Asts:** Anthony Edwards 8 |
| ***Minnesota leads series, 2–1*** | | |
After trailing by just four points at halftime, the Timberwolves outscored Lakers 62–46 in the second half, including a 13–1 run in the closing four-and-a-half minutes, to spoil a 38-point, 10-rebound performance from [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James"). [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") led the Timberwolves with 30 points, while [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") added 29, including a dagger 3-pointer to seal the Timberwolves' 2–1 series lead. For the Lakers, [Austin Reaves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Reaves "Austin Reaves") scored 20 points and 7 rebounds, while [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić"), who was reportedly sick, added 17 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists.
April 27
3:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") 113, **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **116** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **32**–28, 26–**33**, **36**–23, 19–**32** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") 38 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** LeBron James 8 | | **Pts:** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 43 **Rebs:** [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") 11 **Asts:** Anthony Edwards 6 |
| ***Minnesota leads series, 3–1*** | | |
[Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") converted a three-point play with 39.5 seconds left to take the lead and stole the ensuing inbounds pass from [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James"), leading a late game rally by the Timberwolves for a 116–113 win over the Lakers that put them on the brink of advancing. [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)"), who had 43 points to lead Minnesota in scoring, drew a foul on James during a drive to the lane with 10 seconds left and hit both free throws to put them up three. On the last possession of the game, [Austin Reaves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Reaves "Austin Reaves") missed a three that would have tied the game. LeBron James had 27 points and 12 rebounds for his 144th career double-double in the playoffs, surpassing [Wilt Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlain "Wilt Chamberlain") for the third-most in history behind [Tim Duncan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan "Tim Duncan") (164) and [Magic Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson "Magic Johnson") (157). James also went 15 for 18 from the free-throw line and had multiple excellent defensive stops in the fourth quarter, but did not score in the quarter, the first time he went scoreless in a fourth quarter since 2017. [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") bounced back from a stomach bug in Game 3, with 38 points on 13-for-28 shooting. [Rui Hachimura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rui_Hachimura "Rui Hachimura") played his best game of the series thus far with 23 points, while Austin Reaves scored all 16 of his points in the second half. [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") added 25 points and McDaniels had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Wolves, who trailed for much of the second half before the late game surge. The game was also notable for Lakers coach [JJ Redick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JJ_Redick "JJ Redick") playing a five-man combo of Reaves, Dončić, [Dorian Finney-Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorian_Finney-Smith "Dorian Finney-Smith"), James, and Hachimura the whole second half, the first coach in the play-by-play era to play five players for an entire half in the playoffs.[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-92)
April 30
10:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **103**, [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers") 96 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **31**–22, **28**–27, 22–**31**, **22**–16 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") 27 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Rudy Gobert 24 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 8 | | **Pts:** [Luka Dončić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luka_Don%C4%8Di%C4%87 "Luka Dončić") 28 **Rebs:** *three players* 7 each[\[f\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-93) **Asts:** Luka Dončić 9 |
| ***Minnesota wins series, 4–1*** | | |
Minnesota completed the series upset over the Los Angeles Lakers, behind [Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert")’s personal playoff highs with 27 points and 24 rebounds (9 offensive), against a center-less Lakers line-up. Minnesota won the game despite shooting 7-for-47 from three. This was the first time in franchise history the Lakers have lost in the first round when they were a 3-seed or better. Per [OptaSTATS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opta_Sports "Opta Sports"), just 16.9% of the Lakers' points in the series came in the fourth quarter (85 of 502), which is now the lowest percentage by any team in any playoff series in NBA history.[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-94)
| Series tied 2–2 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| October 22, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-lal-0022400062) [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 103, **[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers")** **110** [Crypto.com Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypto.com_Arena "Crypto.com Arena"), [Los Angeles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles "Los Angeles"), CA December 2, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-min-0022400318) Los Angeles Lakers 80, **Minnesota Timberwolves** **109** [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN December 13, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-min-0022401210) Los Angeles Lakers 87, **Minnesota Timberwolves** **97** Target Center, Minneapolis, MN February 27, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-lal-0022400849) Minnesota Timberwolves 102, **Los Angeles Lakers** **111** Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since [2004](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_playoffs "2004 NBA playoffs"), with the Lakers winning the first two meetings.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-95)
| LA Lakers lead 2–0 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| 2003 [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 2, **[Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Lakers "Los Angeles Lakers")** **4** [2003 Western Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Minnesota_Timberwolves_vs._\(5\)_Los_Angeles_Lakers "2003 NBA playoffs") 2004 Minnesota Timberwolves 2, **Los Angeles Lakers** **4** [2004 Western Conference finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Minnesota_Timberwolves_vs._\(2\)_Los_Angeles_Lakers "2004 NBA playoffs") |
#### (4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=27 "Edit section: (4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers")\]
April 19
3:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") 110, **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **112** (OT) | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **35**–27, 18–**22**, 22–**23**, 23–**26**, **[Overtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_\(sports\)#Basketball "Overtime (sports)"):** 12–**14** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 32 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** James Harden 11 | | **Pts:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 29 **Rebs:** Jokić, [Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") 9 each **Asts:** Nikola Jokić 12 |
| ***Denver leads series, 1–0*** | | |
[Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO
**Attendance:** 19,973
**Referees:** James Williams, Kevin Scott, Mark Lindsay
Falling into a 15-point deficit halfway through the second quarter, Denver rallied and ultimately prevailed in overtime. [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") once again showed his dominance, racking up 29 points, 9 rebounds and 12 assists, one rebound shy of a triple-double. [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, while [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") added another 25 points, including 6 in overtime, and 8 rebounds. The Clippers had two players with a double-double, with [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") scoring 32 and dishing out 11 assists, while [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") logged 21 points and 13 rebounds. [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") contributed 22 points, but also had 7 turnovers. With 10 seconds left in overtime and the Nuggets up by 3, Clippers had an inbound opportunity, but [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") made a key defensive play to force a turnover, sealing the victory over his former team.
April 21
10:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers")** **105**, [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 102 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 25–**31**, **30**–21, 23–**24**, **27**–26 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 39 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 7 | | **Pts:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 26 **Rebs:** [Michael Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.") 15 **Asts:** Nikola Jokić 10 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
[Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") scored 39 points on 15-of-19 shooting as the Los Angeles Clippers evened their first-round playoff series against the Nuggets. It was another thrilling game that saw 18 lead changes and 12 ties. Despite the win, the Clippers saw no one, aside from Leonard, score over 20, with [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") going just 7-of-17 on field goals, finishing with 18 points. [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") notched another double-double, with 16 points and 12 rebounds. For the Nuggets, [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") achieved his first triple-double of the postseason, tallying 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists (but also 7 turnovers). [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") added 23 points for the Nuggets, who also got a bounce-back game from [Michael Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.") (15 points and 15 rebounds) after his 3-point performance in Game 1.
April 24
10:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 83, **[Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers")** **117** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 28–**35**, 19–**30**, 23–**25**, 13–**27** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić"), [Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") 23 each **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 13 | | **Pts:** [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 21 **Rebs:** Kawhi Leonard 11 **Asts:** [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 9 |
| ***LA Clippers lead series, 2–1*** | | |
In Game 3, the Clippers had a 23–2 run that lasted through the first and second quarters that helped them take a commanding lead and ultimately win the game. This run included a stretch where the Clippers made 14 of their 28 three-pointers. The Clippers win was a balanced effort, with Kawhi Leonard finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists; [Norman Powell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Powell "Norman Powell") broke out of a mini-slump with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting; [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") scored 20 points to go along with 9 rebounds; [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") had 19 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds; and [Nicolas Batum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Batum "Nicolas Batum") provided 12 points off the bench with 4 three-point makes. In the defeat, [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") had another playoff [triple double](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_double "Triple double"), with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists on 9-of-14 shooting. [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") added 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting. This was the first playoff game at [Intuit Dome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuit_Dome "Intuit Dome").[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-96)
April 26
6:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **101**, [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") 99 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **27**–22, 23–**26**, **35**–17, 16–**34** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 36 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 21 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 8 | | **Pts:** [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 24 **Rebs:** [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") 12 **Asts:** [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 11 |
| ***Series tied, 2–2*** | | |
The Nuggets evened the series at 2–2, behind 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 8 assists from [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") and a game-winning, buzzer-beating dunk from [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon"). The Nuggets led the game by a slim two points at halftime, which eventually became a 85–65 lead entering the fourth quarter. The Clippers tried to erase a 22-point deficit, outscoring the Nuggets with a 32–9 run to take a 97–96 lead with one minute and eleven seconds left in regulation, with [Bogdan Bogdanović](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogdan_Bogdanovi%C4%87_\(basketball\) "Bogdan Bogdanović (basketball)")'s offensive rebound and basket. A three-point play from Jokić gave the Nuggets a 99–97 lead, before [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") tied the game with exactly eight seconds remaining. Gordon dunked the missed three-pointer from Jokić to seal the victory; officials concluded that the ball came out of Gordon's hands before the red light came out, thus resulting in a Nuggets victory. According to the NBA, it was the first known game-winning buzzer-beater putback dunk in NBA playoff history.[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-97)
[Michael Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.") and [Christian Braun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Braun "Christian Braun") each scored 17 points for the Nuggets. [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") was the leading scorer for the Clippers with 24 points; [Norman Powell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Powell "Norman Powell") added 22.
April 29
10:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") 115, **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **131** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 23–**35**, **36**–32, 24–**32**, 32–32 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") 27 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Kawhi Leonard 11 | | **Pts:** [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") 43 **Rebs:** [Christian Braun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Braun "Christian Braun") 12 **Asts:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 12 |
| ***Denver leads series, 3–2*** | | |
[Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO
**Attendance:** 20,005
**Referees:** Josh Tiven, Mitchell Ervin, Karl Lane
[Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") exploded for 43 points on 17-of-26 shooting and 8-of-14 beyond the arc, as Denver took a 3-2 series lead at their home floor. [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") returned after missing Game 4 with an injury and gave the team 21 points off the bench. [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") provided 23 points, while [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") notched his third triple double of the series. As a team, the Nuggets shot 52% from three. [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") scored 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting, a playoff career-high for the Clippers center. [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") scored 20 points, hauled 11 rebounds, and was one assist short of a triple double. This was the Clippers first back-to-back losses since they lost three straight from March 2–5.
May 1
10:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 105, **[Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers")** **111** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **28**–25, 29–**33**, 22–**32**, **26**–21 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 25 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jokić, [Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") 8 each | | **Pts:** [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 28 **Rebs:** [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 10 **Asts:** James Harden 8 |
| ***Series tied, 3–3*** | | |
A balanced effort from [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") (28 points and eight assists), [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") (27 points and 10 rebounds) and [Norman Powell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Powell "Norman Powell") (24 points, 11 in the third quarter) helped the Clippers force a pivotal Game 7 in their series with the Nuggets. Los Angeles led by 15 with less than six minutes to play, but Denver made an 11–2 run to trim the Clippers’ lead to 107–101, but [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") missed a layup and Powell buried a 3-pointer with 1:47 left to put the Clippers back up 9. [Nicolas Batum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Batum "Nicolas Batum") would also continue his excellent series on defense with 3 steals and 2 blocks on [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić"). Leading the Nuggets was Jokić, who scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half, and [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray"), who finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Nuggets are looking to atone for their Game 7 upset loss at home from [last year's playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Denver_Nuggets_vs._\(3\)_Minnesota_Timberwolves "2024 NBA playoffs") against the [Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_Minnesota_Timberwolves_season "2023–24 Minnesota Timberwolves season"), while the Clippers are looking to avenge their Game 7 defeat by the [Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Denver_Nuggets_season "2019–20 Denver Nuggets season") from the [2020 Western Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Los_Angeles_Clippers_vs._\(3\)_Denver_Nuggets "2020 NBA playoffs").
May 3
7:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") 101, **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **120** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **26**–21, 21–**37**, 19–**35**, **35**–27 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") 22 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Ivica Zubac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Zubac "Ivica Zubac") 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") 13 | | **Pts:** [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") 22 **Rebs:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 10 **Asts:** Nikola Jokić 8 |
| ***Denver wins series, 4–3*** | | |
[Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO
**Attendance:** 19,995
**Referees:** Marc Davis, Courtney Kirkland, Ben Taylor
A dominant 37–21 second quarter and a 35–19 third quarter was enough for the Nuggets to defeat the Clippers and advance to the Western Conference semifinals for the sixth time in seven seasons. The Nuggets led by as many as 35 and had six players in double figures in scoring ([Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray"), [Braun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Braun "Christian Braun"), [Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr."), [Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon"), [Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić"), and [Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook")); Westbrook also added 5 steals. [Kawhi Leonard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawhi_Leonard "Kawhi Leonard") was the only Clipper to score over 20 points, as he scored 22 on 6-of-13 shooting. This was [Tyronn Lue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyronn_Lue "Tyronn Lue")'s first Game 7 loss as a head coach, after going 4–0 prior to this game. After winning 18 of their last 21 regular season games and two of the first three in this series, the Clippers lost three of their last four games.
| Series tied 2–2 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| October 26, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lac-vs-den-0022400087) **[Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers")** **109**, [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 104 [Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO December 1, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-lac-0022400314) Denver Nuggets 122, **Los Angeles Clippers** **126** [Intuit Dome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuit_Dome "Intuit Dome"), [Inglewood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inglewood,_California "Inglewood, California"), CA December 13, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lac-vs-den-0022401213) Los Angeles Clippers 98, **Denver Nuggets** **120** Ball Arena, Denver, CO January 8, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/lac-vs-den-0022400515) Los Angeles Clippers 103, **Denver Nuggets** **126** Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams and the first since [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs"), with each team winning one series.[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-98)
| Series tied 1–1 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| 2006 [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 1, **[Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers")** **4** [2006 Western Conference first round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Denver_Nuggets_vs._\(6\)_Los_Angeles_Clippers "2006 NBA playoffs") 2020 Los Angeles Clippers 3, **Denver Nuggets** **4** [2020 Western Conference semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Los_Angeles_Clippers_vs._\(3\)_Denver_Nuggets "2020 NBA playoffs") |
## Conference semifinals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=28 "Edit section: Conference semifinals")\]
*Note: Times are [EDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Time_Zone "Eastern Time Zone") ([UTC−4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%E2%88%9204:00 "UTC−04:00")) as listed by the NBA. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.*
### Eastern Conference semifinals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=29 "Edit section: Eastern Conference semifinals")\]
#### (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Indiana Pacers
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=30 "Edit section: (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Indiana Pacers")\]
May 4
6:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **121**, [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 112 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **36**–25, 28–**33**, 28–**32**, **29**–22 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") 23 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 13 | | **Pts:** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 33 **Rebs:** [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley") 10 **Asts:** [Ty Jerome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Jerome "Ty Jerome") 8 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 1–0*** | | |
The Pacers stunned the top-seeded Cavaliers in Game 1, fighting off a late Cleveland rally to win 121–112. All five Indiana starters scored in double figures; [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") led the scoring with 23 points on 5-of-6 3-point shooting. [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") notched a double-double with 22 points and 13 assists, along with 3 blocks. [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") and [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") had 17 points apiece, while [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") tallied 13 points and 11 rebounds. On the other hand, [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") led the Cavaliers with 33 points and broke [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan")’s NBA playoff record with his eighth straight game of at least 30 points in a series opener, albeit making only 1 of his 11 3-point attempts. [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley"), the newly crowned [Defensive Player of the Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Defensive_Player_of_the_Year "NBA Defensive Player of the Year"), added 20 points and 10 rebounds. [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") remained absent for the third straight playoff game due to a sprained left big toe.
May 6
7:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **120**, [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 119 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 15–**32**, **35**–29, 34–**37**, **36**–21 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith"), [Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") 23 each **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") 13 | | **Pts:** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 48 **Rebs:** [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") 12 **Asts:** Donovan Mitchell 9 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–0*** | | |
Despite trailing by 20 points in the 3rd quarter, the Pacers stormed back and won Game 2 on a game-winning three by [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton"), taking a 2–0 series lead. Indiana once again had six players score 10+ points, with 23 from [Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") and [Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") while Haliburton and [Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") scored 19 each. [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") led the way for Cleveland in the absence of [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") and [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley"), scoring a playoff-high 48 points along with 9 assists. This was the second time this postseason the Pacers came back from 7 points or more with a minute or less in regulation. Coincidentally, this was also nearly the 30 year anniversary of [Reggie Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Miller "Reggie Miller")'s 8 points in 9 seconds comeback against the [Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_New_York_Knicks_season "1994–95 New York Knicks season") in Game 1 of the ECSF in [1995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(3\)_New_York_Knicks "1995 NBA playoffs").[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-99)
May 9
7:30 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers")** **126**, [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 104 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 32–32, **34**–13, 31–**34**, **29**–25 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 43 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Max Strus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Strus "Max Strus") 7 | | **Pts:** [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") 23 **Rebs:** [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 7 **Asts:** [T. J. McConnell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._J._McConnell "T. J. McConnell") 7 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–1*** | | |
[Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") became the first Cavs player since [LeBron James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James") in [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_playoffs "2016 NBA playoffs") to score 40 points in back-to-back playoff games, as Cleveland got back in the series with a road blowout win over the Pacers in Game 3. [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") led the Pacers with 23 points. [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") had 18, and [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") finished with just four points and five assists in his first career home loss in a postseason game he's appeared. [Defensive Player of the Year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Defensive_Player_of_the_Year "NBA Defensive Player of the Year") [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley"), All-Star guard [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland"), and key backup [De'Andre Hunter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De%27Andre_Hunter "De'Andre Hunter") all suited up for Cleveland after missing Game 2. [Max Strus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Strus "Max Strus") made four 3-pointers and finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Three other Cleveland players also scored in double figures on a night the Cavs led by as much as 26, never trailed, and managed to protect their late lead when the Pacers cut the deficit to 11 early in the fourth.
May 11
8:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 109, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **129** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 23–**38**, 16–**42**, **38**–29, **32**–20 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") 21 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Strus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Strus "Max Strus"), [Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tristan_Thompson "Tristan Thompson") 6 each **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Darius Garland 6 | | **Pts:** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 21 **Rebs:** [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") 7 **Asts:** [T. J. McConnell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._J._McConnell "T. J. McConnell") 8 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 3–1*** | | |
Indiana struck back with a dominant offensive performance, tying playoff records with a 41-point lead at halftime and taking a commanding 3–1 series lead over Cleveland. Despite the ejection of [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin"), the Pacers dominated the Cavaliers in the first half, shooting 60% from the field while holding Cleveland to 8 made shots; Indiana led 80–39 at the half, closing the half with a 19–2 run, culminating with [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith")'s buzzer-beating midrange jumper. [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") led the scoring for the Pacers with 21 points on 9/10 shooting, while [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") put up 20 points and 7 rebounds, while [Obi Toppin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_Toppin "Obi Toppin") added 20 points off the bench. [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") led the Cavaliers with 21 points and 6 assists, while [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") exited after the first half with an apparent ankle injury during warm-ups. The Cavaliers' 70–49 second half was not enough to win, and they ended up on the brink of elimination.
May 13
7:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **114**, [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 105 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 19–**31**, **33**–25, **33**–20, 29–29 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Tyrese Haliburton 8 | | **Pts:** [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") 35 **Rebs:** [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley") 11 **Asts:** [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") 3 |
| ***Indiana wins series, 4–1*** | | |
The Pacers advanced to their second straight Conference Finals after a crucial upset over the Cavaliers. [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") led the Pacers with 31 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") added 25 in the road win. [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell"), who played through a sprained ankle from Game 4, led the Cavaliers with 35 points in a losing effort, but shot only 8-for-25 from the floor. [Evan Mobley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Mobley "Evan Mobley") tallied a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cavaliers opened the game with a dominant 31–19 first quarter and led by as many as 19 points before the Pacers cut the lead to 56–52 at halftime, with Haliburton making all but one of his six three-pointers in the second quarter. The Pacers used a 17–2 run to take an 85–76 lead at the end of the third quarter, and never trailed in the fourth, while fending off a late rally from the Cavaliers and scoring eight of the game's final 10 points, to seal the comeback victory. The Cavaliers struggled to keep up, being 9-for-35 from the three-point range, with Mitchell and [Darius Garland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Garland "Darius Garland") scoring only a combined 12 three-pointers on 41 attempted shots.
With the win, the Pacers advance to back-to-back Conference Finals for the first time since [2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_NBA_playoffs "2013 NBA playoffs") and [2014](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_NBA_playoffs "2014 NBA playoffs"). They also became the first team to reach consecutive Conference Finals series as a 4-seed or lower. For the first time since [2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NBA_playoffs "2005 NBA playoffs"), they won three games in a playoff series as the road team. For the first time in franchise history, the Cavaliers lost three home games in a playoff series. Notably, Cleveland went 0-5 at [Rocket Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Arena "Rocket Arena") against the Pacers throughout the regular season and playoffs, going 36-5 against every other opponent, with all 5 losses being attributed to unique teams.
| Indiana won 3–1 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| January 12, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-cle-0022400543) **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **108**, [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 93 [Rocket Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Arena "Rocket Arena"), [Cleveland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland "Cleveland"), OH January 14, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-ind-0022400554) **Cleveland Cavaliers** **127**, Indiana Pacers 117 [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN April 10, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-ind-0022401168) Cleveland Cavaliers 112, **Indiana Pacers** **114** Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN April 13, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-cle-0022401189) **Indiana Pacers** **126**, Cleveland Cavaliers 118 (2OT) Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH |
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with Cleveland winning two of the past three.[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-100)
| Cleveland leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| 1998 **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **3**, [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") 1 [1998 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(6\)_Cleveland_Cavaliers "1998 NBA playoffs") 2017 **Cleveland Cavaliers** **4**, Indiana Pacers 0 [2017 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Cleveland_Cavaliers_vs._\(7\)_Indiana_Pacers "2017 NBA playoffs") 2018 **Cleveland Cavaliers** **4**, Indiana Pacers 3 [2018 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Cleveland_Cavaliers_vs._\(5\)_Indiana_Pacers "2018 NBA playoffs") |
#### (2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) New York Knicks
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=31 "Edit section: (2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) New York Knicks")\]
May 5
7:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **108**, [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 105 (OT) | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 25–**26**, 20–**35**, **30**–23, **25**–16, **[Overtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_\(sports\)#Basketball "Overtime (sports)"):** **8**–5 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby"), [Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 29 each **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges") 7 | | **Pts:** [Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown"), [Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 23 each **Rebs:** Jayson Tatum 16 **Asts:** Jayson Tatum 6 |
| ***New York leads series, 1–0*** | | |
After trailing by 20 points midway through the 3rd quarter, the Knicks would slowly rally from the deficit and re-take the lead in the 4th quarter. With the score tied 100–100, [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson"), who had previously hit two back-to-back 3s, missed a potential game-winning layup, which sent the game to overtime. In the OT, [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges") had 2 crucial steals, including the game-winning strip from [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") to give New York a 108–105 victory and a 1–0 series lead. Brunson and [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") both scored 29 points, whereas [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") and [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") combined for 46 points, but shot 14-43 from the field, including 5-25 from 3-point range. The Celtics also set an NBA playoff record for the most missed 3-pointers in a single game with 45, shooting 15-60 from 3-point range overall.
May 7
7:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **91**, [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 90 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 13–**24**, **28**–26, 20–**23**, **30**–17 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 23 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 17 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 7 | | **Pts:** [Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown"), [White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") 20 each **Rebs:** [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 14 **Asts:** *three players* 5 each[\[g\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-101) |
| ***New York leads series, 2–0*** | | |
[TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden"), [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston "Boston"), MA
**Attendance:** 19,156
**Referees:** James Capers, Kevin Scott, Mark Lindsay
The Knicks made history as the only team to come back from 20-point deficits in back-to-back playoff games, as they took a commanding 2–0 series lead in Game 2. [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") only scored 17 points for New York, but made two free throws with 12.7 seconds left to give his team the 91–90 lead. On the last possession of the game, [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") then couldn't get to the rim and [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges") moved in to bat the ball away and recover it, securing his 2nd game-ending steal in as many games. Bridges also scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter. [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") had 23 points and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") finished with 21 points and 17 rebounds for the Knicks. The Celtics, who led by 20 points multiple times in the game, had another off night shooting the three, going 10-for-40. [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") and [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") scored 20 points apiece, while star forward Jayson Tatum was limited to 13 points on 5-for-19 shooting for the Celtics. [Kristaps Porziņģis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristaps_Porzi%C5%86%C4%A3is "Kristaps Porziņģis") did not start after sitting out the second half of Game 1 with an illness. He came off the bench for just the fifth time in his NBA career and finished with eight points and four rebounds in 14 minutes. In the fourth quarter, the Celtics went eight minutes without a field goal made. The Knicks improved to 5–0 on the road in these playoffs, with each of their wins coming by 3 points or less.
May 10
3:30 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **115**, [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 93 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **36**–20, **35**–26, **25**–24, 19–**23** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Payton Pritchard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payton_Pritchard "Payton Pritchard") 23 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Horford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Horford "Al Horford"), [Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 9 each **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jayson Tatum 7 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 27 **Rebs:** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 15 **Asts:** Jalen Brunson 7 |
| ***New York leads series, 2–1*** | | |
In the most expensive Knicks playoff game in [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden") history,[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-102) the Celtics managed to avoid a 3–0 deficit on the road with a 115–93 rout of the Knicks, never trailing and dominating the game throughout all 4 quarters, leading by as many as 31 points. The Celtics started off the 1st quarter 36–20 and never looked back, as they finally had an efficient game from beyond the arc (50%, 20-40 shooting). [Payton Pritchard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payton_Pritchard "Payton Pritchard") led Boston with 23 points to lead Boston in scoring, and [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") led New York with 27 points and 7 assists. [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") had a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds, but had an inefficient shooting just 5-18 from the field. With this loss, this also resulted in home teams in the Eastern Conference semifinals having a 0–6 record at home in the semifinals so far.
May 12
7:30 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 113, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **121** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **39**–28, 23–23, 23–**37**, 28–**33** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") 42 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Jayson Tatum 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Horford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Horford "Al Horford"), Tatum 4 each | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 39 **Rebs:** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 11 **Asts:** Jalen Brunson 12 |
| ***New York leads series, 3–1*** | | |
Following a rough Game 3, the Knicks broke their losing streak against the Celtics in [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden") as they rallied for a 121–113 win. Despite the Knicks trailing by 14 in the 3rd quarter, [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") scored 18 of his 39 points in the 3rd to retake the lead. In the dominant bounce-back effort, the trio of [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges"), [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") and [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") combined for 66 points. The Knicks also trailed by 11 at halftime, as they outscored Boston 70–51 in the 2nd half, including a 37–23 run in the 3rd quarter. In the losing effort, [Jayson Tatum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Tatum "Jayson Tatum") had 42 points with 7 made 3-pointers, but would leave the game with 3 minutes remaining with a severe non-contact injury. Forced to take Tatum out, Boston head coach [Joe Mazzulla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Mazzulla "Joe Mazzulla") used his final timeout, sealing the Knicks' victory. A day later, an MRI revealed that Tatum had suffered an [Achilles tendon rupture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles_tendon_rupture "Achilles tendon rupture"), effectively ending his season and putting question into his availability for the 2025–26 season.
May 14
7:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 102, **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **127** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **32**–30, 27–**29**, 17–**32**, 26–**36** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Mitchell Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitchell_Robinson "Mitchell Robinson") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 6 | | **Pts:** [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") 34 **Rebs:** [Luke Kornet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Kornet "Luke Kornet") 9 **Asts:** [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") 12 |
| ***New York leads series, 3–2*** | | |
The Celtics connected on 22 3-pointers to post their first home victory of the series and keep their season alive in a 127-102 rout. [Derrick White](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_White "Derrick White") had 34 points, including seven 3-pointers, [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") added 26 points and 12 assists, and [Payton Pritchard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payton_Pritchard "Payton Pritchard") scored 17 points and five 3-pointers. [Luke Kornet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Kornet "Luke Kornet") finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks. He started the second half for [Kristaps Porzingis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristaps_Porzingis "Kristaps Porzingis"), who played just 12 minutes. [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") led the Knicks with 24 points despite briefly leaving the game late in the first quarter to close a bloody gash over his eye after he took an inadvertent elbow. [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") added 22 points before fouling out with 7:19 to play in the game.
May 16
8:00 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 81, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **119** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 20–**26**, 17–**38**, 20–**28**, 24–**27** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jaylen Brown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown "Jaylen Brown") 20 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Jaylen Brown 6 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jaylen Brown 6 | | **Pts:** [Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby"), [Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 23 each **Rebs:** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 12 **Asts:** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 11 |
| ***New York wins series, 4–2*** | | |
Back at [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), the Knicks blew out the Celtics to clinch their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. The Knicks set the tone early, expanding their lead to 27 at halftime, expanding to as much as 41 in the 3rd quarter. Jaylen Brown led the way for Boston with 20 points, but fouled out in the 3rd quarter, also finishing with 7 turnovers. For the Knicks, 4 players scored over 20 points ([Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson"), [Mikal Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges"), [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns")) in the 119–81 win; [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") also had the Knicks third ever playoff triple-double and first since [1972](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_NBA_playoffs "1972 NBA playoffs"). It was the Knicks first time clinching a playoff series at home since the [1999 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(8\)_New_York_Knicks "1999 NBA playoffs"). With Boston's loss, and the Nuggets' loss to the Thunder in Game 7 just a few days later, this would mark the 7th straight NBA season with a unique champion, and the 6th straight year in which the defending champions failed to advance past the conference semifinals.
| Boston won 4–0 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| October 22, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-bos-0022400061) [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 109, **[Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics")** **132** [TD Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD_Garden "TD Garden"), [Boston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston "Boston"), MA February 8, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-nyk-0022400748) **Boston Celtics** **131**, New York Knicks 104 [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY February 23, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-bos-0022400811) New York Knicks 105, **Boston Celtics** **118** TD Garden, Boston, MA April 8, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/bos-vs-nyk-0022401151) **Boston Celtics** **119**, New York Knicks 117 (OT) Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
This was the 16th playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning eight of the first 15 meetings.[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-103)
| Boston leads 8–7 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| 1951 [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") 0, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **2** [1951 Eastern Division Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1951_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(3\)_New_York_Knicks "1951 NBA playoffs") 1952 Boston Celtics 1, **New York Knicks** **2** [1952 Eastern Division Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1952_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(3\)_New_York_Knicks "1952 NBA playoffs") 1953 **New York Knicks** **3**, Boston Celtics 1 [1953 Eastern Division Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1953_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(3\)_Boston_Celtics "1953 NBA playoffs") 1954 New York Knicks 0, **Boston Celtics** **2** [1954 Eastern Division Round Robin Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1954_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_New_York_Knicks,_\(2\)_Boston_Celtics,_\(3\)_Syracuse_Nationals "1954 NBA playoffs") 1955 New York Knicks 1, **Boston Celtics** **2** [1955 Eastern Division Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1955_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(3\)_Boston_Celtics "1955 NBA playoffs") 1967 **Boston Celtics** **3**, New York Knicks 1 [1967 Eastern Division Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(4\)_New_York_Knicks "1967 NBA playoffs") 1969 New York Knicks 2, **Boston Celtics** **4** [1969 Eastern Division Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(4\)_Boston_Celtics "1969 NBA playoffs") 1972 Boston Celtics 1, **New York Knicks** **4** [1972 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_NBA_playoffs#\(A1\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(A2\)_New_York_Knicks "1972 NBA playoffs") 1973 Boston Celtics 3, **New York Knicks** **4** [1973 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(2\)_New_York_Knicks "1973 NBA playoffs") 1974 **Boston Celtics** **4**, New York Knicks 1 [1974 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1974_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(2\)_New_York_Knicks "1974 NBA playoffs") 1984 **Boston Celtics** **4**, New York Knicks 3 [1984 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(5\)_New_York_Knicks "1984 NBA playoffs") 1988 **Boston Celtics** **3**, New York Knicks 1 [1988 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(8\)_New_York_Knicks "1988 NBA playoffs") 1990 Boston Celtics 2, **New York Knicks** **3** [1990 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(5\)_New_York_Knicks "1990 NBA playoffs") 2011 **Boston Celtics** **4**, New York Knicks 0 [2011 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Boston_Celtics_vs._\(6\)_New_York_Knicks "2011 NBA playoffs") 2013 **New York Knicks** **4**, Boston Celtics 2 [2013 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(7\)_Boston_Celtics "2013 NBA playoffs") |
### Western Conference semifinals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=32 "Edit section: Western Conference semifinals")\]
#### (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Denver Nuggets
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=33 "Edit section: (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Denver Nuggets")\]
May 5
9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **121**, [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 119 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 26–**27**, 24–**33**, **35**–30, **36**–29 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 42 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 22 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jokić, [Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") 6 each | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 33 **Rebs:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 10 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8 |
| ***Denver leads series, 1–0*** | | |
After spending the vast majority of the second half trailing, the Nuggets orchestrated a massive comeback to win 121–119, stealing homecourt advantage from the Thunder. MVP candidate [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") was once again dominant, dropping an all-rounded stat line of 42 points, 22 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks. [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds. [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") added 21 points and 6 assists, [Christian Braun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Braun "Christian Braun") had 11 points and 13 boards, and former Thunder player [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") contributed 18 points off the bench. In total, the Nuggets had 72 rebounds, the third most in a playoff game since the [ABA–NBA merger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABA%E2%80%93NBA_merger "ABA–NBA merger"). For the top-seeded Thunder, [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") recorded 33 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, finishing 2 assists shy of a triple-double. [Alex Caruso](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Caruso "Alex Caruso"), as a substitute, shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc en route to 20 points. None of the other Thunder players scored above 20. With the Thunder up by 1 with 10 seconds remaining, [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") was awarded 2 free throws, but he missed both; Braun took the rebound and after a cross-court pass from Westbrook, Gordon proved to be Denver's hero by scoring the game-winning three-pointer with 4 seconds left on the clock.
May 7
9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 106, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **149** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 21–**45**, 35–**42**, 20–**37**, **30**–25 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Russell Westbrook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Westbrook "Russell Westbrook") 19 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 6 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 34 **Rebs:** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 11 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
[Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") scored 34 points in three quarters, and the Oklahoma City Thunder set league and team records in a 149–106 rout over the Denver Nuggets to tie the series at 1–1. Oklahoma City set an NBA playoff record for first-half points with 87, surpassing the 86 scored by the [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016%E2%80%9317_Cleveland_Cavaliers_season "2016–17 Cleveland Cavaliers season") against the [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016%E2%80%9317_Golden_State_Warriors_season "2016–17 Golden State Warriors season") in Game 4 of the [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_NBA_Finals "2017 NBA Finals") on June 9, 2017. The 149 points were also the most OKC ever scored in a playoff game. Gilgeous-Alexander made 11 of 13 field goals, all 11 of his free throws, and had eight assists. He led eight players who scored in double figures. [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") could not replicate his dominant performance in Game 1, tallying just 17 points and 8 rebounds before fouling out late in the third quarter.
May 9
10:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 104, **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **113** (OT) | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **28**–22, 28–**29**, 27–**29**, 19–**22**, **[Overtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_\(sports\)#Basketball "Overtime (sports)"):** 2–**11** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 32 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 16 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 7 | | **Pts:** [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") 27 **Rebs:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 16 **Asts:** Jamal Murray 8 |
| ***Denver leads series, 2–1*** | | |
[Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO
**Attendance:** 19,993
**Referees:** James Capers, Ben Taylor, Ray Acosta
The Nuggets dominated in overtime to take a 2–1 series lead, while also limiting the Thunder to just two points in that period. [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") led the Nuggets with 27 points, while [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") and [Michael Porter Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.") added 22 and 21, respectively, while also overcoming an off-night for [Nikola Jokic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Jokic "Nikola Jokic"), who scored 20 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists, but missed 17 of his 25 field goals and all 10 three-point attempts, including a potential game winner. [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") scored a game-high 32 points for the Thunder, who came on the road after their 43-point blowout victory in Game 2. [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") added 18 points in a losing effort. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") also scored 18, but struggled throughout the game, missing 15 of his 22 shots, and also missed a potential game-winner that would have given the Thunder a 2–1 series lead.
May 11
3:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **92**, [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 87 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **17**–8, 25–**28**, 21–**33**, **29**–18 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 25 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6 | | **Pts:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 27 **Rebs:** [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") 16 **Asts:** Aaron Gordon 6 |
| ***Series tied, 2–2*** | | |
[Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") scored nine of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, pulling the top-seeded Thunder from the brink of a 3–1 deficit against Denver in another close game. About 36 hours after an exhausting overtime Game 3 Friday night, the early [Mother’s Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%E2%80%99s_Day "Mother’s Day") tip-off produced an ugly first half that featured a combined 25 points in the first quarter and ended with OKC up 42–36 at halftime. Down by eight points early in the fourth quarter, the Thunder used an 11–0 run fueled by reserves [Cason Wallace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cason_Wallace "Cason Wallace"), who had a pair of 3-pointers, and [Aaron Wiggins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Wiggins "Aaron Wiggins"), who added another, to wrest control; Wallace's second 3-pointer put Oklahoma City ahead for good at 75–73 with 8:35 left in the game. [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") had 27 points and 13 rebounds, but his three assists were a low for this playoff run, and his 4 turnovers gave him 22 assists to go with 23 turnovers in this second-round series.[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-104) [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") added 15 points and 16 rebounds, but also had 4 turnovers.
May 13
9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 105, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **112** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **28**–27, **28**–27, **30**–24, 19–**34** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 44 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 15 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 5 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 31 **Rebs:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 9 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 7 |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 3–2*** | | |
Oklahoma City overcame a 44-point, 15-rebound night from Denver's star [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") and a 9-point deficit in the middle of the fourth quarter to take a 3–2 lead on their homecourt. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") made 12 of 23 field goals and bounced back from a slow start to lead six players in double figures. One of those six players was [Luguentz Dort](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luguentz_Dort "Luguentz Dort"), who scored three total points in the first three quarters, but hit a trio of 3-pointers in a two-minute span to cut Denver's lead to 92–90 midway through the fourth. [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray") scored 28 points, but he made just 10 of 27 shots. No other Denver player scored more than 13 points.[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-105)
May 15
8:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. [MDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Time_Zone "Mountain Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 107, **[Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets")** **119** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 28–**31**, **33**–27, 21–**32**, 25–**29** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 32 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 10 | | **Pts:** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 29 **Rebs:** Nikola Jokić 14 **Asts:** Nikola Jokić 8 |
| ***Series tied, 3–3*** | | |
[Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO
**Attendance:** 19,998
**Referees:** Marc Davis, Kevin Scott, Mitchell Ervin
Denver played their best full game of the series in a 119–107 victory to force a [Game 7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_seven "Game seven"). [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") scored 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. A sick [Jamal Murray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Murray "Jamal Murray"), who was listed as “questionable” for the game, added 25 points, and [Christian Braun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Braun "Christian Braun") had a career playoff-best 23 points. The game was tied deep into the third quarter when [Julian Strawther](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Strawther "Julian Strawther") had a pair of threes and a driving layup to gain the momentum during a 10-0 run. Strawther finished with 15 points, all coming in the second half. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") scored 32 points on 11-for-16 shooting and [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds. Denver made their third quarter run when Gilgeous-Alexander was on the bench with foul trouble. [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") dished out 10 assists, but again struggled with his shot, going 3-for-19 for 6 points, including missing a wide open three that would have gotten Oklahoma City within two possessions with 1:35 left in the game. In the series thus far vs. Denver, Williams is shooting just 33% from the floor and 21% on 3-pointers.
The Nuggets go into Game 7 with years worth of experience, as this is their seventh Game 7 since [2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%9319_Denver_Nuggets_season "2018–19 Denver Nuggets season"); however, this is their first on the road since their [2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_NBA_playoffs "2012 NBA playoffs") defeat to the [Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2%80%9312_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "2011–12 Los Angeles Lakers season"). The Thunder have not played in a Game 7 since losing to the [Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Houston_Rockets_season "2019–20 Houston Rockets season") in the First Round in [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs"). The only two players left from that 2020 Game 7 are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and [Luguentz Dort](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luguentz_Dort "Luguentz Dort").[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-106)
May 18
3:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 93, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **125** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **26**–21, 20–**39**, 26–**37**, 21–**28** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") 20 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Nikola Jokić 7 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 35 **Rebs:** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 11 **Asts:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 7 |
| ***Oklahoma City wins series, 4–3*** | | |
After a competitive first half, Oklahoma City routed Denver in the second half to advance to their first Western Conference Finals since [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Golden_State_Warriors_vs._\(3\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder "2016 NBA playoffs"). [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") scored 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting, while [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") broke out of his series-long slump with 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Off the bench, [Alex Caruso](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Caruso "Alex Caruso") and [Cason Wallace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cason_Wallace "Cason Wallace") were a +40 and +38, respectively. Caruso particularly played excellent defense on the much taller and bigger [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić"). Denver came into the game battered with [Aaron Gordon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Gordon "Aaron Gordon") hampered due to a Grade 2 [hamstring injury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamstring_injury "Hamstring injury") and [Michael Porter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Porter_Jr. "Michael Porter Jr.")'s shoulder injury.[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-107) Jokić was able to score 20 points, but only took 9 shots and had 5 turnovers. As a team, the Nuggets shot 39% from the floor and 22% from three, compared to the Thunder, who made 49% of the shots from the floor and shot 30% from three.
| Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| October 24, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-den-0022400075) **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **102**, [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 87 [Ball Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Arena "Ball Arena"), [Denver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver "Denver"), CO November 6, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-den-0022400177) Oklahoma City Thunder 122, **Denver Nuggets** **124** Ball Arena, Denver, CO March 9, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-okc-0022400920) Denver Nuggets 103, **Oklahoma City Thunder** **127** [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK March 10, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-okc-0022400936) **Denver Nuggets** **140**, Oklahoma City Thunder 127 Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning two of the past four; the first three series were played when the Thunder were the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics").[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-108)
| Tied 2–2 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| 1978 [Denver Nuggets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Nuggets "Denver Nuggets") 2, **[Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics")** **4** [1978 Western Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Denver_Nuggets_vs._\(4\)_Seattle_SuperSonics "1978 NBA playoffs") 1988 **Denver Nuggets** **3**, Seattle SuperSonics 2 [1988 Western Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Denver_Nuggets_vs._\(7\)_Seattle_SuperSonics "1988 NBA playoffs") 1994 Seattle SuperSonics 2, **Denver Nuggets** **3** [1994 Western Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Seattle_SuperSonics_vs._\(8\)_Denver_Nuggets "1994 NBA playoffs") 2011 **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **4**, Denver Nuggets 1 [2011 Western Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_playoffs#\(4\)_Oklahoma_City_Thunder_vs._\(5\)_Denver_Nuggets "2011 NBA playoffs") |
#### (6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (7) Golden State Warriors
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=34 "Edit section: (6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (7) Golden State Warriors")\]
May 6
9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors")** **99**, [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 88 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 18–**20**, **26**–11, **36**–29, 19–**28** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") 11 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jimmy Butler 8 | | **Pts:** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 23 **Rebs:** Anthony Edwards 14 **Asts:** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 6 |
| ***Golden State leads series, 1–0*** | | |
With [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry") sidelined for most of the game with a hamstring injury, [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") and [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield") led the Warriors past the Timberwolves in Game 1. Hield picked up where he left off in the Game 7 win at Houston that finished the first round by scoring 24 points on 5-for-8 shooting from 3-point range. [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") had 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists and [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green") had four first-half 3s on his way to 18 points, as [Steve Kerr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Kerr "Steve Kerr") used 12 players in the game. [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") had 23 points and 14 rebounds after the rough start, finishing 9-for-22 from the floor. [Naz Reid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naz_Reid "Naz Reid") had 19 points and [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") added 16 points for the Wolves. Minnesota finished 5-for-29 from behind the arc and trailed by 23 points late in the third.
May 8
8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 93, **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **117** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 15–**29**, 24–**27**, 26–**29**, 28–**32** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jonathan Kuminga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Kuminga "Jonathan Kuminga") 18 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") 7 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Brandin Podziemski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandin_Podziemski "Brandin Podziemski") 6 | | **Pts:** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 24 **Rebs:** [Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)"), [Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") 9 each **Asts:** Julius Randle 11 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
The Timberwolves, while never trailing in the game, bounced back after their tough Game 1 loss with a 24-point blowout victory to tie the series at 1–1. Minnesota also scored the first 13 points of the game, starting strong with a 29–15 1st quarter. [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") led the Timberwolves with a double-double of 24 points and 11 assists, while [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") added 20 in the victory. The Warriors were without [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry"), who was sidelined due to a left hamstring strain. Despite the Warriors cutting the lead to 7 in the third quarter, they never came close again as Minnesota quickly regained momentum.
May 10
8:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **102**, [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 97 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 21–21, 19–**21**, 29–**31**, **33**–24 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 36 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 12 | | **Pts:** [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") 33 **Rebs:** [Brandin Podziemski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandin_Podziemski "Brandin Podziemski") 8 **Asts:** Jimmy Butler 7 |
| ***Minnesota leads series, 2–1*** | | |
[Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)")'s 36 points, a triple-double from [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") (24 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds), and a 33–24 fourth quarter propelled the Timberwolves to a 2–1 series lead over the Warriors. Still without [Stephen Curry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry "Stephen Curry"), the Warriors missed all of their five three-point attempts during the first half, but led 42–40 at halftime. [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler") led the Warriors with 33 points, while [Jonathan Kuminga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Kuminga "Jonathan Kuminga") scored all of his 30 points off the bench. [Trayce Jackson-Davis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trayce_Jackson-Davis "Trayce Jackson-Davis") was promoted as a starter for the game, though scoring only 11 points. [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green") was fouled out with 4:38 remaining, while attempting to block a shot by [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels").
May 12
10:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. [PDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Time_Zone "Pacific Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **117**, [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 110 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 27–**28**, 31–**32**, **39**–17, 20–**33** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Conley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Conley_Jr. "Mike Conley Jr."), [Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 5 each | | **Pts:** [Jonathan Kuminga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Kuminga "Jonathan Kuminga") 23 **Rebs:** [Kevon Looney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevon_Looney "Kevon Looney") 8 **Asts:** [Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler"), [Moody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Moody "Moses Moody") 3 each |
| ***Minnesota leads series, 3–1*** | | |
The Timberwolves dominated the game once again in the second half, outscoring the Warriors 39–17 and making a 17–0 run in the third quarter, to take a commanding 3–1 series lead for the second straight series. [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") and [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") both led the Timberwolves with 31 and 30 points, respectively. [Jonathan Kuminga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Kuminga "Jonathan Kuminga") came off the bench once again and followed up his 30-point Game 3 performance by scoring 23 points in a losing effort, while [Jimmy Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler"), [Draymond Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green"), and [Buddy Hield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Hield "Buddy Hield") were all limited to 41 points total. With the win, the Timberwolves are one win away from their second consecutive and third overall Conference Finals appearance. Meanwhile, the Warriors face a 3–1 series deficit after leading 3–1 in the first round against the [Houston Rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Rockets "Houston Rockets"), and are on the brink of elimination.
May 14
9:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 110, **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **121** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 23–**30**, 24–**32**, 25–**31**, **38**–28 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Brandin Podziemski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandin_Podziemski "Brandin Podziemski") 28 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** *three players* 6 each[\[h\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-109) **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Butler "Jimmy Butler"), [Green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draymond_Green "Draymond Green") 6 each | | **Pts:** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 29 **Rebs:** [Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert"), Randle 8 each **Asts:** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 12 |
| ***Minnesota wins series, 4–1*** | | |
[Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") continued his excellent form this series, scoring 29 points on 13-for-18 shooting, as the Timberwolves punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a row. [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") added 22 points and a career playoff high 12 assists, with the other Timberwolves starters ([Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert"), [Mike Conley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Conley_Jr. "Mike Conley Jr."), and [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels")) all finishing in double figures, as well as [Donte DiVincenzo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donte_DiVincenzo "Donte DiVincenzo") off the bench. [Brandin Podziemski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandin_Podziemski "Brandin Podziemski") had a playoff career-high 28 points for the Warriors, while [Jonathan Kuminga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Kuminga "Jonathan Kuminga") provided 26 points off the bench in 29 minutes. Including regular season and playoffs, the Timberwolves have won 26 of their last 31 games. For the third time in their history, the Timberwolves advanced to the conference finals; Minnesota has also never lost a series in the second round.
| Golden State won 3–1 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| December 6, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-gsw-0022400338) **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **107**, [Golden State Warriors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_State_Warriors "Golden State Warriors") 90 [Chase Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Center "Chase Center"), [San Francisco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco "San Francisco"), CA December 8, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-gsw-0022400355) Minnesota Timberwolves 106, **Golden State Warriors** **114** Chase Center, San Francisco, CA December 21, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-min-0022400383) **Golden State Warriors** **113**, Minnesota Timberwolves 103 [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN January 15, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/gsw-vs-min-0022400565) **Golden State Warriors** **116**, Minnesota Timberwolves 115 Target Center, Minneapolis, MN |
This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-110)
*Note: Times are [EDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Time_Zone "Eastern Time Zone") ([UTC−4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%E2%88%9204:00 "UTC−04:00")) as listed by the NBA. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.*
### Eastern Conference finals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=36 "Edit section: Eastern Conference finals")\]
#### (3) New York Knicks vs. (4) Indiana Pacers
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=37 "Edit section: (3) New York Knicks vs. (4) Indiana Pacers")\]
May 21
8:00 pm
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **138**, [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 135 (OT) | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 34–**36**, 28–**33**, **25**–21, **38**–35, **[Overtime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtime_\(sports\)#Basketball "Overtime (sports)"):** **13**–10 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Obi Toppin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_Toppin "Obi Toppin") 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Tyrese Haliburton 11 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 43 **Rebs:** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 13 **Asts:** Josh Hart 7 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 1–0*** | | |
The Pacers orchestrated their third improbable comeback this playoffs, with a stunning 138–135 comeback win against the Knicks in Game 1. The Knicks led by 14 points with 2:51 minutes left, but [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") kept the Pacers in the game with a flurry of 3-pointers, becoming the first player in NBA history to make six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter of a playoff game.[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-111) Still with a slim lead, [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") and [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") proceeded to go 1-for-2 each at the free throw line with less than 15 seconds left. After Anunoby's free throw make with 7.1 seconds left to put the Knicks up two, [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") dribbled the ball up the court, attacked the rim, dribbled back out toward the 3-point line and fired up a jumper over [Mitchell Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitchell_Robinson "Mitchell Robinson"). The ball bounced high above the shot clock and went in. Haliburton did a choke signal towards the crowd, harking back to Pacers Hall of Famer [Reggie Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Miller "Reggie Miller")'s choke sign in Game 5 of the [1994 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knicks%E2%80%93Pacers_rivalry#1994_Eastern_Conference_finals "Knicks–Pacers rivalry") (Miller was also in attendance at the game for [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TNT_Sports_\(United_States\) "TNT Sports (United States)") doing [color commentary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_commentary "Color commentary")). While the Pacers rushed towards Haliburton in celebration thinking they had won the game, officials reviewed the last play and Haliburton's foot was on the 3-point line, which took the game to overtime; the Pacers outscored the Knicks 20–6 from 2:51 in the fourth quarter until the end of regulation.[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-112)[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-113)
In overtime, the Pacers held a slight three-point edge with 10.1 seconds left; Brunson and Towns missed threes that would have tied the game, thus giving Indiana the win. Haliburton (31 points, 11 assists) and Nesmith (30 points, 8-for-9 from three) starred in the Pacers victory. The Knicks, who had a 99.7% chance of winning the game deep in the fourth quarter,[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-114) were led by Brunson (45 points, 15-for-25 from the floor) and Towns (35 points, 11-for-17 from the floor, 12 rebounds).
May 23
8:00 pm
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **114**, [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 109 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 24–**26**, 25–**26**, **32**–29, **33**–28 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 39 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Tyrese Haliburton 11 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 36 **Rebs:** [Mitchell Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitchell_Robinson "Mitchell Robinson") 9 **Asts:** Jalen Brunson 11 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–0*** | | |
Following an unbelievable comeback by the Pacers the previous game, neither team led by more than 10 points in Game 2. However, Indiana saw a huge performance by [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam"), who finished with 39 points on 15-23 shooting, including 16 in the 1st quarter. Despite [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") contributing just 14 points on 5-16 shooting, he finished with a near triple-double with 8 rebounds and 11 assists. For New York, [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") led the way with 36 points and 11 assists, but missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer as the Knicks failed to complete a late rally. [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") finished with 20 points and 7 rebounds, but was a team-low -20 in +/- and sat most of the fourth quarter.[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-115) With this win, Indiana also took a 2–0 series lead on the road for the 2nd straight series, improving their road record to 6–1. Meanwhile, the Knicks dropped to a 3–5 record at [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden") in these playoffs.
May 25
8:00 pm
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **106**, [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 100 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 26–**30**, 19–**28**, **25**–22, **36**–20 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Karl-Anthony Towns 15 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") 4 | | **Pts:** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 20 **Rebs:** [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 7 **Asts:** Tyrese Haliburton 6 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–1*** | | |
With a looming 3–0 deficit, [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") scored 20 of his 24 points in the final quarter to will the Knicks to a 106–100 come-from-behind win on the road. It was the third time in the postseason where New York overcame a 20-point deficit during a game. The Pacers established their lead early on, expanding it to as much as 20 points in the second quarter before it was cut to 13 by half.[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-:1-116) The Knicks were still trailing by 16 midway through the third quarter and 10 entering the fourth, with [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") in significant foul trouble.[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-:2-117)[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-:1-116) It was there when Towns scored seven quick points to bring New York within three. Brunson made a layup to give the Knicks the lead later on, which was then swapped between New York and Indiana twice before the Knicks pulled away.[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-:2-117)
May 27
8:00 pm
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 121, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **130** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 35–**43**, **29**–26, 27–**33**, **30**–28 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 31 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Jalen Brunson 5 | | **Pts:** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 32 **Rebs:** Tyrese Haliburton 12 **Asts:** Tyrese Haliburton 15 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 3–1*** | | |
With his father, John Haliburton, back in [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse") after a suspension from the NBA following his altercation with [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo"), [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") became the first player to score 30 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists, and no turnovers in a playoff game, since turnovers were first tracked in the [1977–78 NBA season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977%E2%80%9378_NBA_season "1977–78 NBA season") as he carried the Pacers to within a victory of their second trip to the [NBA Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals "NBA Finals"). [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") scored 31 points, while [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") finished with 22 points, but the Knicks fourth quarter rally fell short. [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") added 30 points while Haliburton had four steals in his second career postseason triple-double. Former Knick [Obi Toppin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_Toppin "Obi Toppin")'s 3-pointer with 46 seconds left put the Pacers up by 10 and sealed the game; it was his first three-point make of the series after going 0-of-6.
May 29
8:00 pm
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 94, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **111** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 23–**27**, 22–**29**, 28–**34**, 21–21 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") 23 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Bennedict Mathurin 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 6 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 32 **Rebs:** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 13 **Asts:** [Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikal_Bridges "Mikal Bridges"), Brunson 5 each |
| ***Indiana leads series, 3–2*** | | |
The Knicks won at home for the first time in the series to stave off elimination and force a Game 6 in Indiana. They became the first team during the postseason to keep the Pacers below 100 points in a game in part due an effective, swarming defensive performance which forced 19 turnovers from Indiana. The Knicks were led by [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson"), who scored the first six points for the team and finished with 32 points, and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") who contributed 24 points and 13 rebounds. Coming off a monster Game 4, [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") was limited to 8 points on 2-of-7 made field goals, while [Benedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") scored a team-high 23 points off the bench.[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-118) The game remained close throughout the first half, but a 20–0 run by New York midway through the third quarter allowed them to power through the rest of the game in control.[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-119)
May 31
8:00 pm
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks") 108, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **125** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 24–**25**, 30–**33**, 23–**34**, 31–**33** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") 14 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") 7 | | **Pts:** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 31 **Rebs:** [Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton"), [Toppin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_Toppin "Obi Toppin") 6 each **Asts:** Tyrese Haliburton 13 |
| ***Indiana wins series, 4–2*** | | |
After being swept by the [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_Boston_Celtics_season "2023–24 Boston Celtics season") in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, the Pacers avenged by dominating the game, particularly in the second half, to clinch their second NBA Finals appearance, after the [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_Finals "2000 NBA Finals") loss to the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999%E2%80%932000_Los_Angeles_Lakers_season "1999–2000 Los Angeles Lakers season"). The game was close at halftime with the Pacers leading 58-54, but from then on they took full control of the game to win 125-108 and eliminated the Knicks for the 2nd straight year, also their 3rd straight series win over the Knicks. [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") led the team with 31 points, and was named the [NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Eastern_Conference_Finals_MVP "NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP").
This was also the last NBA game televised on TNT. TNT lost broadcast rights to [NBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_NBC_Sports "NBA on NBC Sports") and [Amazon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_Prime_Video "NBA on Prime Video"), but would continue to produce the studio show *[Inside the NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_the_NBA "Inside the NBA")* for ESPN and ABC.
| New York won 2–1 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| October 25, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-nyk-0022400081) [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 98, **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **123** [Madison Square Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden "Madison Square Garden"), [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City "New York City"), NY November 10, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-ind-0022400203) New York Knicks 121, **Indiana Pacers** **132** [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN February 11, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-ind-0022400765) **New York Knicks** **128**, Indiana Pacers 115 Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
This was the ninth playoff meeting between [these two teams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knicks%E2%80%93Pacers_rivalry "Knicks–Pacers rivalry"), with the Pacers winning five of the first eight meetings.[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-120)
| Indiana leads 5–3 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| 1993 **[New York Knicks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Knicks "New York Knicks")** **3**, [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 1 [1993 Eastern Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(8\)_Indiana_Pacers "1993 NBA playoffs") 1994 **New York Knicks** **4**, Indiana Pacers 3 [1994 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(5\)_Indiana_Pacers "1994 NBA playoffs") 1995 **Indiana Pacers** **4**, New York Knicks 3 [1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(3\)_New_York_Knicks "1995 NBA playoffs") 1998 **Indiana Pacers** **4**, New York Knicks 1 [1998 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs#\(3\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(7\)_New_York_Knicks "1998 NBA playoffs") 1999 Indiana Pacers 2, **New York Knicks** **4** [1999 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(8\)_New_York_Knicks "1999 NBA playoffs") 2000 **Indiana Pacers** **4**, New York Knicks 2 [2000 Eastern Conference Finals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_NBA_playoffs#\(1\)_Indiana_Pacers_vs._\(3\)_New_York_Knicks "2000 NBA playoffs") 2013 New York Knicks 2, **Indiana Pacers** **4** [2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(3\)_Indiana_Pacers "2013 NBA playoffs") 2024 New York Knicks 3, **Indiana Pacers** **4** [2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_New_York_Knicks_vs._\(6\)_Indiana_Pacers "2024 NBA playoffs") |
### Western Conference finals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=38 "Edit section: Western Conference finals")\]
#### (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=39 "Edit section: (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves")\]
May 20
8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 88, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **114** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **23**–20, **25**–24, 18–**32**, 22–**38** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 28 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Naz Reid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naz_Reid "Naz Reid") 4 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 31 **Rebs:** [Joe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Joe "Isaiah Joe"), [Jal. Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 8 each **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 9 |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 1–0*** | | |
After their blowout Game 7 victory against the Nuggets, the Thunder dominated the game, particularly in the second half, out scoring the Timberwolves 70–40 throughout the second half. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half. The Thunder took a 10–0 run in the third quarter to take a 66–60 lead, and [Kenrich Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenrich_Williams "Kenrich Williams") came off the bench and hit consecutive three-pointers to extend the Thunder's lead to 71–62, and eventually lead 76–66 heading into the fourth. [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") scored 28 points, but struggled in the second half as he was limited to only eight points.
May 22
8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 103, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **118** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 25–**29**, 25–**29**, 21–**35**, **32**–25 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 32 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Edwards, [Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") 9 each **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Anthony Edwards 6 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 38 **Rebs:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 10 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8 |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 2–0*** | | |
The Thunder maintained their dominant form from Game 1, winning 118–103 to take a 2–0 series lead over the Timberwolves. OKC once again dominated the third quarter, including a 23–5 run late in the third to take an insurmountable 24-point lead. A day after being announced as [MVP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Most_Valuable_Player "NBA Most Valuable Player"), [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") had his way on offense, leading the Thunder with 38 points and 8 assists; [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") (22 points) and [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") (26 points, 10 rebounds) also made significant contributions for OKC. [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") lead Minnesota with 32 points, but shot 1 of 9 from three while [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") was held to only 6 points.
May 24
8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 101, **[Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves")** **143** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 14–**34**, 27–**38**, 29–**35**, 31–**36** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander"), [Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajay_Mitchell "Ajay Mitchell") 14 each **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") 6 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6 | | **Pts:** [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 30 **Rebs:** Anthony Edwards 9 **Asts:** Anthony Edwards 6 |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 2–1*** | | |
The Timberwolves blew out the Thunder, 143-101, to get their first win of the Western Conference Finals. [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") scored 30 points (5-of-8 for three), nine rebounds and six assists, [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") added 24 points and rookie [Terrence Shannon Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrence_Shannon_Jr. "Terrence Shannon Jr.") had 15 points in 13 minutes. This was the largest win by margin in Wolves playoff history.
May 26
8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **128**, [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 126 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **37**–30, **28**–27, 25–**28**, 38–**41** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 40 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 9 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 10 | | **Pts:** [Nickeil Alexander-Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickeil_Alexander-Walker "Nickeil Alexander-Walker") 23 **Rebs:** [Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") 9 **Asts:** Alexander-Walker, [Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 6 each |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 3–1*** | | |
A 40 point playoff career-high from MVP [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") was enough for Oklahoma City to secure a narrow victory and take a commanding 3–1 series lead in Game 4. [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") scored 34 points on 13-for-24 shooting, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range and [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") added 21 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Gilgeous-Alexander went 12 for 14 from the free-throw line, making a pair with 6.1 seconds left to stretch the lead back to three. The Thunder fouled [Anthony Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") with 3.5 seconds remaining, who had been struggling all game on 5-13 shooting, and his intentional miss of the second free throw to try to keep possession was tracked down in the corner by Gilgeous-Alexander and flung out of bounds to drain the clock. The Timberwolves were led by [Jaden McDaniels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_McDaniels "Jaden McDaniels") (22 points), [Nickeil Alexander-Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickeil_Alexander-Walker "Nickeil Alexander-Walker") (23 points) and [Donte DiVincenzo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donte_DiVincenzo "Donte DiVincenzo") (21 points), with the latter two going 5-for-8 from 3-point range. [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle")'s uneven series continued with just 5 points on 1-for-7 shooting. The end of the game also sparked some controversy, as fans believed the clock should've been reset to at least 0.5 seconds. Instead, the officials put 0.3 seconds left on the clock, and the inbounds pass was stolen by Williams to seal off OKC's victory for good after Minnesota's constant late rallies. In their Conference Finals appearances through 2024-2025, the Timberwolves now had a 1-4 record at home.
May 28
8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 94, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **124** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 9–**26**, 23–**39**, **30**–23, 32–**36** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Julius Randle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Randle "Julius Randle") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [DiVincenzo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donte_DiVincenzo "Donte DiVincenzo"), [Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)") 6 each **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Alexander-Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickeil_Alexander-Walker "Nickeil Alexander-Walker"), Randle 3 each | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 34 **Rebs:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 8 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8 |
| ***Oklahoma City wins series, 4–1*** | | |
In a series defined by blowouts, the Thunder advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since [2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_NBA_Finals "2012 NBA Finals"), with a 124–94 victory. The game was never close as OKC outscored Minnesota 26–9 in the first quarter, just the 2nd time the entire postseason a team has been held to single digits in a quarter, the other being the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, also against the Thunder. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") had another 30-point effort with 34 overall, [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") added 22 points, and [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") finished with 19. OKC moved to 8–1 in the playoffs at home thus far, with their margin of victory in those eight games being 51, 19, 43, 7, 32, 26, 15 and 30.[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-121)
| Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| December 31, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-okc-0022400452) [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 105, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **113** [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK February 13, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-min-0022400787) Oklahoma City Thunder 101, **Minnesota Timberwolves** **116** [Target Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Center "Target Center"), [Minneapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis "Minneapolis"), MN February 23, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-min-0022400820) **Oklahoma City Thunder** **130**, Minnesota Timberwolves 123 Target Center, Minneapolis, MN February 24, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-okc-0022400826) **Minnesota Timberwolves** **131**, Oklahoma City Thunder 128 (OT) Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Thunder winning the first meeting as the [Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics").[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-122)
| Oklahoma City leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series |
|---|
| 1998 **[Seattle SuperSonics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_SuperSonics "Seattle SuperSonics")** **3**, [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") 2 [1998 Western Conference First Round](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_NBA_playoffs#\(2\)_Seattle_SuperSonics_vs._\(7\)_Minnesota_Timberwolves "1998 NBA playoffs") |
## NBA Finals: (W1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (E4) Indiana Pacers
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=40 "Edit section: NBA Finals: (W1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (E4) Indiana Pacers")\]
*Note: Times are [EDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Time_Zone "Eastern Time Zone") ([UTC−4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%E2%88%9204:00 "UTC−04:00")) as listed by the NBA. If the venue is located in a different time zone, the local time is also given.*
June 5
8:30 p.m. (7:30 pm [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **111**, [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 110 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 20–**29**, 25–**28**, **31**–28, **35**–25 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 19 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 12 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton"), [Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") 6 each | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 38 **Rebs:** [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") 9 **Asts:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 6 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 1–0*** | | |
June 8
8:00 pm (7:00 pm [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 107, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **123** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 20–**26**, 21–**33**, 33–**34**, **33**–30 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 17 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 7 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** Haliburton, [McConnell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._J._McConnell "T. J. McConnell") 6 each | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 34 **Rebs:** [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") 8 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 8 |
| ***Series tied, 1–1*** | | |
June 11
8:30 pm
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 107, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **116** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** **32**–24, 28–**40**, **29**–20, 18–**32** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 26 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 10 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Caruso](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Caruso "Alex Caruso"), [Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 4 each | | **Pts:** [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") 27 **Rebs:** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 9 **Asts:** Tyrese Haliburton 11 |
| ***Indiana leads series, 2–1*** | | |
June 13
8:30 p.m.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **111**, [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 104 | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 34–**35**, 23–**25**, 23–**27**, **31**–17 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 35 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 15 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein"), [Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 3 each | | **Pts:** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 20 **Rebs:** [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") 9 **Asts:** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 7 |
| ***Series tied, 2–2*** | | |
June 16
8:30 p.m. (7:30 pm [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 109, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **120** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 22–**32**, 23–**27**, **34**–28, 30–**33** | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 28 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") 8 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") 6 | | **Pts:** [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") 40 **Rebs:** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 11 **Asts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 10 |
| ***Oklahoma City leads series, 3–2*** | | |
June 19
8:30 pm
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") 91, **[Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers")** **108** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 25–**28**, 17–**36**, 18–**26**, **31**–18 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 21 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") 6 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Ajay Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajay_Mitchell "Ajay Mitchell") 4 | | **Pts:** [Obi Toppin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_Toppin "Obi Toppin") 20 **Rebs:** [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") 13 **Asts:** [T. J. McConnell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._J._McConnell "T. J. McConnell") 6 |
| ***Series tied, 3–3*** | | |
June 22
8:00 p.m. (7:00 pm [CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone "Central Time Zone"))
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 91, **[Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder")** **103** | | |
| **Scoring by quarter:** 22–**25**, **26**–22, 20–**34**, **23**–22 | | |
| **[Pts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)"):** [Bennedict Mathurin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennedict_Mathurin "Bennedict Mathurin") 24 **[Rebs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)"):** Bennedict Mathurin 13 **[Asts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)"):** [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") 6 | | **Pts:** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") 29 **Rebs:** [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") 9 **Asts:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 12 |
| ***Oklahoma City wins series, 4–3*** | | |
| Oklahoma City won 2–0 in the regular-season series |
|---|
| December 26, 2024 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-ind-0022400410) [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_Thunder "Oklahoma City Thunder") **120**, [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") 114 [Gainbridge Fieldhouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainbridge_Fieldhouse "Gainbridge Fieldhouse"), [Indianapolis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis "Indianapolis"), IN March 29, 2025 [Recap](https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-okc-0022401079) Indiana Pacers 111, **Oklahoma City Thunder** **132** [Paycom Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paycom_Center "Paycom Center"), [Oklahoma City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City "Oklahoma City"), OK |
This was the first playoff meeting between these two teams.[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-123)
## Statistical leaders
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025_NBA_playoffs&action=edit§ion=41 "Edit section: Statistical leaders")\]
| Category | Game high | Average | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Team | High | Player | Team | Avg. | GP | |
| [Points](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_\(basketball\) "Point (basketball)") | [Donovan Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Mitchell "Donovan Mitchell") | [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Cavaliers "Cleveland Cavaliers") | 48 | [Giannis Antetokounmpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo "Giannis Antetokounmpo") | [Milwaukee Bucks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks "Milwaukee Bucks") | 33\.0 | 5 |
| [Rebounds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_\(basketball\) "Rebound (basketball)") | [Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") | [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves "Minnesota Timberwolves") | 24 | 15\.4 | 5 | | |
| [Assists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(basketball\) "Assist (basketball)") | [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") (2×) | [Indiana Pacers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers "Indiana Pacers") | 15 | [James Harden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harden "James Harden") | [Los Angeles Clippers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Clippers "Los Angeles Clippers") | 9\.1 | 7 |
| [Steals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steal_\(basketball\) "Steal (basketball)") | [Jarrett Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrett_Allen "Jarrett Allen") [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") | Cleveland Cavaliers Indiana Pacers | 6 | [Gary Trent Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Trent_Jr. "Gary Trent Jr.") | Milwaukee Bucks | 2\.6 | 5 |
| [Blocks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_\(basketball\) "Block (basketball)") | [Zach Edey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Edey "Zach Edey") [Luke Kornet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Kornet "Luke Kornet") | [Memphis Grizzlies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Grizzlies "Memphis Grizzlies") [Boston Celtics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics "Boston Celtics") | 7 | Zach Edey | Memphis Grizzlies | 2\.5 | 4 |
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| **Points** [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shai_Gilgeous-Alexander "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander") - 688 [Jalen Brunson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Brunson "Jalen Brunson") - 530 [Jalen Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Williams "Jalen Williams") - 492 [Pascal Siakam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_Siakam "Pascal Siakam") - 472 [Tyrese Haliburton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrese_Haliburton "Tyrese Haliburton") - 399 **Rebounds** [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl-Anthony_Towns "Karl-Anthony Towns") - 209 [Chet Holmgren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Holmgren "Chet Holmgren") - 199 [Nikola Jokić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Joki%C4%87 "Nikola Jokić") - 178 [Isaiah Hartenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Hartenstein "Isaiah Hartenstein") - 173 [Josh Hart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hart "Josh Hart") - 158 | **Assists** Tyrese Haliburton - 197 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 150 Jalen Brunson - 126 Nikola Jokić - 112 Jalen Williams - 111 **Steals** [Alex Caruso](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Caruso "Alex Caruso") - 45 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 38 [OG Anunoby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OG_Anunoby "OG Anunoby") - 36 [Andrew Nembhard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Nembhard "Andrew Nembhard") - 35 Jalen Williams / [Cason Wallace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cason_Wallace "Cason Wallace") - 32 | **Blocks** [Myles Turner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Turner "Myles Turner") - 46 Chet Holmgren - 43 OG Anunoby - 22 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 20 [Rudy Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert") / [Aaron Nesmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Nesmith "Aaron Nesmith") - 18 **Minutes** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 851 Jalen Williams - 796 Tyrese Haliburton - 772 Pascal Siakam - 771 Andrew Nembhard - 769 |
This was the final playoffs that games aired nationally across [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ABC "NBA on ABC"), [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN"), [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT"), and [NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV") in the United States before both [Amazon Prime Video](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_Prime_Video "NBA on Prime Video") and [NBC Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_NBC "NBA on NBC") replace TNT and NBA TV next season. For the second and final time, [TruTV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TruTV "TruTV") simulcasted TNT games.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-ESPN_round1-1-124)[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-TNT_round-1-1-125) This was also the final year that each team's regional broadcaster were permitted to televise local coverage of first-round games, with the exception of games on ABC.[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-126) In general, during the first two rounds, ABC broadcast Sunday afternoon games, TNT had Sunday through Thursday night games, and ESPN televised Friday night games. NBA TV televised selected Tuesday through Thursday night first-round games, produced by TNT Sports.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-ESPN_round1-1-124)[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-TNT_round-1-1-125)[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-NBATV_round-1-1-127) Additionally this postseason, an NBA TV/[ESPNU](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPNU "ESPNU") simulcast of Game 3 of Indiana–Milwaukee on Friday, April 25 was scheduled to accommodate ABC and [ESPN2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN2 "ESPN2")'s coverage of the [2025 NFL draft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NFL_draft "2025 NFL draft"), airing in roughly the same time slot.[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-128) Saturday first-round games were split by ABC, ESPN, and TNT, ABC then aired all the Saturday second round games.[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-129)
As per the alternating rotation, ESPN/ABC had exclusive coverage of the Western Conference finals while TNT had exclusive coverage of the Eastern Conference finals. ABC had exclusive coverage of the NBA Finals for the 23rd straight year.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-ESPN_round1-1-124)
The entire 2025 NBA postseason averaged 6.12 million viewers per game across ESPN and ABC, up 10% from 2024. In addition, the NBA generated a record-breaking 5 billion views across all social media platforms during the NBA Finals, up 215% from 2024.[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-130)
NBA TV games was available on [NBA League Pass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_League_Pass "NBA League Pass") as part of its normal streaming service for that channel. TNT games streamed on [Max](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_\(streaming_service\) "Max (streaming service)").[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-TNT_round-1-1-125)
[ESPN+](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN%2B "ESPN+") also streamed game 7 of the NBA Finals alongside ABC.[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-131)
NBA has continued its sponsorship agreement with [Google](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google "Google") since 2022, with [Google Pixel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Pixel "Google Pixel") serving as first presenting partner of the Playoffs from 2022 through 2024. Beginning with this season, it will now be rebranded as "2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google," giving an expansion of sponsorship for other Google brands, outside of Pixel. As part of an multi-year agreement with Google, this sponsorship provides the logo branding inside the venues and in official digital properties on-court, as well as commercial inventory during [ABC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN_on_ABC "ESPN on ABC"), [ESPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_ESPN "NBA on ESPN"), [TNT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_on_TNT "NBA on TNT"), and [NBA TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_TV "NBA TV")'s telecasts of the playoff games.[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_note-132)
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-18)** The [2020 NBA playoffs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_playoffs "2020 NBA playoffs") are not counted as all games were played at [a neutral site](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NBA_Bubble "2020 NBA Bubble").
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-31)** The other players were [Michael Jordan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan "Michael Jordan") (four times) and [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar") (1971).
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-70)** Brown, Holiday, and [Horford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Horford "Al Horford")
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-72)** Cunningham, [Duren](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalen_Duren "Jalen Duren"), Harris, and [Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ausar_Thompson "Ausar Thompson")
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-89)** [Conley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Conley_Jr. "Mike Conley Jr."), [Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Edwards_\(basketball\) "Anthony Edwards (basketball)"), and [Gobert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudy_Gobert "Rudy Gobert")
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-93)** Dončić, [James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James "LeBron James"), and [Vanderbilt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarred_Vanderbilt "Jarred Vanderbilt")
7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-101)** [Holiday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jrue_Holiday "Jrue Holiday"), Tatum, and White
8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-109)** Butler, Green, and Podziemski
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19. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-20)**
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22. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_playoffs#cite_ref-23)**
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- [Basketball – Reference.com's 2025 Playoffs section](https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2025.html) |
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