The 2025 NBA playoffs kicked off with a bang, bringing high-stakes basketball action that has fans buzzing. After the play-in tournament wrapped up earlier in the week, the first round of the playoffs has already proven to be a spectacle. As expected, there have been plenty of upsets, dramatic finishes, and standout performances in Game 1 across both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
Warriors and Cavaliers Strike First in the West and East
The Golden State Warriors, the seventh seed in the Western Conference, opened their series against the Houston Rockets with an impressive 95-85 win. Despite being the underdogs, the Warriors’ veteran experience shone through. With players like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green leading the charge, they were able to stifle the Rockets’ offense and dominate the game.
On Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a statement victory of their own, taking down the Miami Heat 121-100. The Cavaliers’ deep roster and strong defensive presence were too much for the Heat, as Cleveland firmly established themselves as the team to beat in the East. With superstar guard Donovan Mitchell playing at an elite level, the Cavaliers look primed to make a deep run.
Western Conference Drama Unfolds: Warriors, Rockets, and Lakers Lead the Way
The first round of the Western Conference playoffs is full of drama, and Game 1 was no different. In one of the most highly anticipated matchups, the Denver Nuggets faced the Los Angeles Clippers in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats. The Nuggets, led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokić, came out on top after a tense overtime finish, defeating the Clippers 112-110. Both teams are stacked with star power, and the battle between Jokić and Kawhi Leonard promises to be one of the best series of the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers, featuring the playoff debut of Luka Dončić, saw a strong performance from the young star, who dropped 37 points in the first game. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Timberwolves, who dominated inside and clinched a commanding 117-95 win. Minnesota’s frontcourt duo of Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns proved too much for the Lakers to handle, making this series one to watch closely.
As the playoffs progress, fans can look forward to more intense matchups. In the East, the Boston Celtics are favored to dispatch the Orlando Magic, and the New York Knicks seem poised to advance past the Detroit Pistons. However, as always, the unpredictable nature of the NBA playoffs means no result is guaranteed.
In the Western Conference, all eyes will be on the showdown between the Warriors and Rockets, a battle of experience versus youthful energy. The Nuggets and Clippers will also continue to trade blows, with Game 2 expected to be just as tight as the first. With so many competitive matchups across both conferences, it’s clear this postseason will be full of surprises.
2025 NBA Playoff Schedule: Key Dates You Need to Know
Here are the upcoming games you won’t want to miss as the first round heats up:
- Monday, April 21
Game 2: Knicks vs. Pistons at 7:30 p.m.
Game 2: Nuggets vs. Clippers at 10 p.m. - Tuesday, April 22
Game 2: Pacers vs. Bucks at 7 p.m.
Game 2: Thunder vs. Grizzlies at 7:30 p.m.
Game 2: Lakers vs. Timberwolves at 10 p.m. - Wednesday, April 23
Game 2: Celtics vs. Magic at 7 p.m.
Game 2: Cavaliers vs. Heat at 7:30 p.m.
Game 2: Rockets vs. Warriors at 9:30 p.m.
As the competition intensifies, it’s anyone’s guess who will emerge as the 2025 NBA champions. With early momentum on their side, the Warriors and Cavaliers are two teams to keep an eye on. But with numerous star-studded rosters and fierce matchups across the league, the road to the NBA Finals is bound to be anything but predictable.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.