The 2025 NBA playoffs have advanced to the second round, featuring intense conference semifinals action in both the Eastern and Western brackets.
In an early upset, the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers secured a vital road win in Game 1 on Sunday, defeating the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 121-112 and seizing home-court advantage. Cleveland aims to even the series in Game 2 on Tuesday.
Monday saw more dramatic finishes. The New York Knicks, seeded third in the East, edged out the second-seeded Boston Celtics in overtime, fueled by Jalen Brunson`s 29 points. Meanwhile, in the West, the defending champion Denver Nuggets, a 4 seed, overcame a strong challenge from the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, using a dominant fourth quarter to claim Game 1.
With teams battling for a spot in the Conference Finals, here’s a look at the key takeaways from the opening games and what to anticipate moving forward in each series.
Western Conference
Denver Nuggets (4) lead Oklahoma City Thunder (1) 1-0
Game 1 Result: Nuggets 121, Thunder 119
Key Takeaway from Game 1: The Nuggets showed their fearlessness against the top-seeded Thunder, orchestrating a significant comeback from a 14-point second-half deficit to secure a road win despite having less rest. Nikola Jokic delivered a dominant performance with 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists. Oklahoma City`s offense faltered late, and critical missed free throws by Chet Holmgren proved costly, allowing Aaron Gordon to hit another game-winning shot for Denver.
Game 2: Nuggets at Thunder
What to Watch in Game 2: Denver managed to win Game 1 despite poor shooting efficiency (29% from three) and a high turnover count (18). Their victory was largely due to Jokic`s stellar play and timely baskets. If the Nuggets improve these areas, they will be even tougher to beat. On the other side, the Thunder will look to make offensive adjustments; players like Jaylen Williams and Chet Holmgren will likely aim for more impactful scoring performances than in Game 1.
Eastern Conference
New York Knicks (3) lead Boston Celtics (2) 1-0
Game 1 Result: Knicks 108, Celtics 105 (OT)
Key Takeaway from Game 1: The Knicks showcased immense resilience, coming back from a 20-point third-quarter deficit. Their comeback was aided by the Celtics` over-reliance on three-pointers, attempting a playoff-record 60 shots from beyond the arc. This perimeter-focused offense limited Boston`s opportunities for free throws and helped the Knicks, who were dealing with foul trouble on key players, shift the momentum and force overtime, ultimately securing an unlikely victory.
Game 2: Knicks at Celtics
What to Watch in Game 2: Attention will be on how Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown adjust their shot selection after a poor shooting performance from three-point range in Game 1 (5-of-25 combined). The status of Kristaps Porzingis for Boston, who played limited minutes in Game 1 due to illness, is also a key factor. The Knicks` dramatic win provides them significant confidence, proving they can overcome the Celtics despite a winless regular-season record against them.
Eastern Conference
Indiana Pacers (4) lead Cleveland Cavaliers (1) 1-0
Game 1 Result: Pacers 121, Cavaliers 112
Key Takeaway from Game 1: The underdog Pacers made a statement by taking Game 1 on the road, particularly dominating the fourth quarter to seize home-court advantage. Indiana dictated the game`s pace from the start, inflicting the Cavaliers` first playoff loss. Their success was driven by strong three-point shooting (19 made threes) and balanced scoring, with six players reaching double figures. Tyrese Haliburton was instrumental, contributing 22 points and 13 assists, facilitating high-efficiency three-point looks.
Game 2: Pacers at Cavaliers
What to Watch in Game 2: Darius Garland`s availability is crucial for Cleveland. While they managed in the first round, the Pacers present a tougher challenge, as shown by their ability to generate and make open shots. The Cavaliers need more offensive support for Donovan Mitchell. Garland, sidelined with a toe injury, could provide this needed boost if he returns.
