The 2025 NBA Finals have finally arrived, with Game 1 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers set to tip off. The path to this point has been filled with exciting moments and dramatic turns.
Featuring high-flying dunks and intense series, including two that went the full seven games, this postseason has provided plenty of memorable highlights.
Key matchups included a thrilling second-round series between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, significant drama in the LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets contest, and the Indiana Pacers` impressive run, which included upsetting the Cleveland Cavaliers to reach their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals.
Let`s take a look back at some of the most visually striking moments from the 2025 NBA playoffs.
An Unlikely Game-Winner
Trailing 2-1 in their first-round series, the Nuggets faced a crucial Game 4 on the road against the Clippers. Denver seemed comfortably in control with a 20-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. However, Los Angeles launched a furious comeback, tying the game with just eight seconds left.
With a chance to win, Nikola Jokic attempted a three-pointer but missed. Fortunately for the three-time MVP, teammate Aaron Gordon was perfectly positioned under the basket. Gordon grabbed the rebound and slammed it home just as time expired to secure the victory. According to Basketball-Reference, this was the first game-winning buzzer-beating dunk recorded in NBA postseason history.
Spectacular Slams
Game 7 of that same series featured another sensational dunk as the Nuggets wrapped up the series, winning 120-101 to advance to the semifinals.
Former Clipper Russell Westbrook played a vital role in the victory, contributing 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals off the bench. He emphatically capped the game with a thunderous dunk late in the fourth quarter, putting Denver up by a large margin.
Westbrook lingered on the rim for effect, resulting in a technical foul but also an instantly recognizable photo.
The New York Knicks` Game 1 victory over the Celtics in the semifinals required overtime. Their first points in the extra period came from an `and-1` dunk by OG Anunoby.
This play contributed to his 29 points on the night and created a memorable image: Anunoby`s shoe captured mid-air above Celtics star Jayson Tatum.
A Miraculous Comeback
Holding a seven-point lead with under a minute left in Game 2, the Cavaliers were in a strong position for a crucial win in the semifinals. However, Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton had other ideas.
He led the Pacers to a dramatic comeback victory. This was Indiana`s second win this postseason when trailing by seven or more points in the final minute of regulation or overtime. According to ESPN Research, teams were previously only 3-1 in such scenarios heading into the playoffs.
Haliburton`s decisive step-back three-pointer sealed the win for Indiana, triggering wild celebrations from his teammates, contrasting with the star guard`s composed reaction.
Celebrating 25 Years in the Making
The New York Knicks` return to the Eastern Conference Finals was long overdue, marking their first appearance in 25 years. They defeated Boston in six games, ending a playoff drought stretching back to 2000.
Their dominant 119-81 victory in Game 6 at Madison Square Garden, which was the largest margin of victory in the franchise`s playoff history, sparked widespread celebrations throughout New York City, especially outside the Garden on 7th Avenue and West 33rd Street.
An Epic Troll Moment
T.J. McConnell has been an important player for the Pacers` depth, averaging 8.4 points in 16.3 minutes per game this postseason. He scored in double figures in the first three games against New York, but one basket particularly stood out.
In Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, McConnell celebrated a made shot with a gesture directed towards the courtside celebrity row. This prompted noticeable reactions from famous Knicks fans in attendance, including Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, and Ben Stiller.
Echoes of an Iconic Moment
The Eastern Conference Finals featured a matchup between New York and Indiana, the same two teams that met the last time the Knicks reached this stage. Game 1 seemed sealed for the Knicks, who led by nine points with under a minute left in the fourth quarter.
However, chaos erupted. Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith caught fire, hitting three quick three-pointers, while the Knicks missed crucial free throws. With seconds remaining, Tyrese Haliburton drained a step-back jumper that appeared to send the game into overtime.
Believing he had tied the game, the All-Star guard mimicked Pacers legend Reggie Miller`s infamous `choke` celebration. Miller had famously directed that taunt at director and devoted Knicks fan Spike Lee after scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter to lead a comeback win in Game 5 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals.
However, an official review determined Haliburton`s foot was on the three-point line, making it a two-pointer and leaving the Knicks ahead by one. Despite this, Indiana went on to win in overtime, taking a 1-0 series lead. They ultimately won the series in six games, reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.
