NBA First Round Playoffs

Photography by User: MrX, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The opening round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs featured anticipated results and surprising outcomes, as the league's leading teams demonstrated their strength while others faced sudden eliminations. From sweeping victories to intensely competitive matches and standout performances, the first round has been packed with thrilling games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies: (4-0)

The Oklahoma City Thunder were able to beat the Memphis Grizzlies in an impressive 4 games, completing the coveted playoff sweep. This includes an impressive 51-point victory over the Grizzlies in game 1, which is the largest win margin in postseason history. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams provided consistent scoring on the offensive side, while the big men like Chet Holmgren held it down defensively. During game 3 of the series, Grizzlies star Ja Morant went down with an injury during a layup attempt and was forced to miss the rest of the series. Overall, I would give the MVP of the round to SGA as he averaged an impressive 27.8 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game, and 5.0 assists per game.

(7) Golden State Warriors vs (2) Houston Rockets:  (4-3)
In this series, the Golden State Warriors were able to edge out the Houston Rockets in a hard-fought 7 games. It was clear from the beginning that the Warriors were just more experienced in the playoff situations, unlike one of the youngest teams in the league in the Rockets. Despite their young age, however, the Rockets showed amazing flashes of potential in their young stars like Jalen Green, Alpren Sengun, and Amen Thompson. The MVP  was Stephen Curry with a classic performance, averaging 24 during the series. That, along with the newly acquired Jimmy Butler, gave the Warriors the edge.
(6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs (3) Los Angeles Lakers  (4-1)
In the most-watched series of the first round, the LA Lakers faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a quick but exciting series. The massive blockbuster trade during the season to acquire Luka Dončić made the Lakers the favorite in this series; however, no one could see a near-sweep sending them home early. Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves played out of his mind, simply outhustling, outshouting, and outperforming every other player on the court. It is clear to NBA fans that he is next up to be a generational player as he averaged 26.8 points per game, including a 43-point explosion during game 4 of the round. The Lakers clearly have to go back to the drawing board in preparation for next season, as the time seems to be running out to win before Lebron James calls it quits.

(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) LA Clippers (4-3)

In the closest of the first round matchups, the Nuggets and Clippers faced off in a physical and skill-filled series, going all the way to 7 games. The defending champs in the Nuggets faced early resistance with amazing performances from Kawahi Lenord, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac. They were ultimately able to hang on to victory with the help of the three-time MVP Nikola Jokić putting up a triple-double with 24 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and 11 assists per game. 

EASTERN CONFERENCE 

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat  (4-0)

The Cavaliers delivered a statement sweep against the short-handed Miami Heat. Donovan Mitchell was in peak form, averaging 24 points per game, including two 30-point outings in Games 1 and 2, where he took over down the stretch. Jarrett Allen anchored the defense, racking up double-digit rebounds and multiple blocks each night, while Darius Garland contributed with steady playmaking and outside shooting. Miami, missing key contributors and lacking offensive rhythm, never seriously threatened.

 (2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic (4-1)

Boston dispatched a scrappy Orlando squad in five games. Jayson Tatum led the way with 32.4 points per game, including a 35-point effort in the Game 5 clincher. Jaylen Brown provided elite two-way play, while Jrue Holiday locked down Orlando’s backcourt. Paolo Banchero showed flashes of stardom for the Magic, including a 30-point Game 3 win, but Boston’s playoff experience and defensive rotations proved too much. The Magic with a young core will make sure to take this loss into account when preparing for next season. 

(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons (4-2)

This was one of the grittier series, with the Pistons pushing the Knicks in a tough six-game battle. Jalen Brunson had a strong showing, averaging 30 points and 7 assists per game. Brunson was clutch, especially in Game 6, where he scored 40 points and dished out 7 assists and closed out the series with a game-winning three. Cade Cunningham continued his upward trajectory with several strong performances, including a 24-point night in Game 4 to give the Pistons any chance at survival. 

(5) Indiana Pacers vs. (4) Milwaukee Bucks  (4-1)

Arguably, the most surprising result in the East is that Indiana dismantled Milwaukee in just five games. Tyrese Haliburton was electrifying, averaging 26.8 points and 9.6 assists, including a game-winning layup in overtime of Game 5 that capped off a 26-point night. Giannis Antetokounmpo posted impressive stats with 33.0 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, but lacked consistent support. Damian Lillard struggled from the field and also unfortunately tore his Achilles during the series. This all led to the demise of the Bucks, who will probably be losing their star player during the offseason.

By Daniel Meza