2025 NBA playoffs: Conference semifinals takeaways
The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is here, and our NBA insiders have you covered for every game of the Eastern and Western Conference semifinals.
The No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers kicked off the East semis by taking a 2-0 lead over the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers, who bounced back in Game 3 only to be routed by the Pacers again in a lopsided Game 4 win that gave Indiana a 3-1 series lead.
The No. 3 New York Knicks took control of their series with the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics with a crucial Game 4 win. The teams will now head to Boston with the Knicks up 3-1 in the series and looking to close it out on Wednesday.
In the West, the No. 4 seed Denver Nuggets, after a lopsided loss against the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder, came back at home in an overtime victory in Game 3. OKC struck back with a clutch win in Game 4 to even the series.
The Minnesota Timberwolves stole Game 3 at Chase Center against the Golden State Warriors before a statement Game 4 win to push their series lead to 3-1. The Wolves head back to Minnesota looking to advance to the Western Conference finals for the second straight season.
As teams continue to chase the Larry O’Brien Trophy, here’s what matters most in both conferences and what to watch for in all four series.
