In a historic twist, all four road teams claimed victory in the opening games of the NBA Playoffs 2025 Conference Semifinals. This unprecedented achievement has already set the stage for an incredibly unpredictable postseason. The playoff landscape is wide open, and with home-court advantage seemingly irrelevant in these early matches, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next.
Eastern Conference Semifinals – Surprise Upsets on the Horizon
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the playoffs by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 121–112 in Game 1 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Despite Cleveland’s star power, including a playoff-ready Donovan Mitchell, the Pacers’ balanced offense and stifling defense proved too much for the Cavs to handle. The Cavaliers were missing key players due to injury, which further complicated their efforts.
Leading the charge for Indiana was Tyrese Haliburton, who registered 26 points and 12 assists, orchestrating the offense with precision. Meanwhile, Miles Turner dominated the paint with 3 blocks and 13 rebounds, anchoring the Pacers’ defense.
The victory has given Indiana an unexpected 2–0 series lead, as they head back to Indianapolis. Cleveland will need to regroup quickly if they hope to keep their championship dreams alive.
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) New York Knicks
The New York Knicks shocked the Boston Celtics 108–105 in an overtime thriller in Game 1 at TD Garden. The Celtics looked in control early, but a 20-point deficit was erased by an epic Knicks comeback led by Julius Randle, who scored a clutch 35 points.
Boston’s defense faltered under pressure, while Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett provided the spark for the Knicks. Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown struggled to maintain their usual efficiency, leaving the Celtics searching for answers.
The series now moves to New York for Game 2 on May 7, where the Celtics will attempt to level the series and regain their momentum.
Western Conference Semifinals – The Road Warriors Keep Rolling
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Denver Nuggets
In a thrilling Game 1, the Denver Nuggets narrowly defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121–119. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, showed why they are considered one of the most potent offenses in the league. However, Oklahoma City kept the game close with an explosive performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who poured in 32 points.
With Aaron Gordon hitting a game-winning shot in the final seconds, Denver has taken a crucial 1–0 lead, and Game 2 will take place in Oklahoma City on May 7. The Thunder will look to bounce back and even the series on their home turf.
(6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (7) Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors delivered a dominant 99–88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1, despite being without Stephen Curry, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. The Warriors’ depth was on full display, with Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins stepping up to lead the charge. Jordan Poole also had a solid game, contributing 17 points off the bench.
Despite Anthony Edwards’ heroic 24-point effort for Minnesota, the Timberwolves were unable to capitalize on the absence of Curry, and Golden State’s experience proved decisive. Game 2 will be held in Minnesota on May 8, where the Timberwolves will try to even the series and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Key Storylines – The Road to the Finals Just Got More Exciting
- Road Teams Dominate: The performance of road teams has been the most stunning aspect of the playoffs so far. This is the first time in NBA history that all four road teams won their opening games in the Conference Semifinals, signaling a shift in the playoff dynamic.
- Injury Concerns: Injuries have played a significant role in shaping the early outcomes of the playoffs. Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury has raised questions about Golden State’s chances moving forward, while Cleveland’s injuries have hindered their performance. It remains to be seen how these injuries will impact the series going forward.
- New Faces, New Heroes: Young players have seized the spotlight, with stars like Jalen Brunson of the Knicks and Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers emerging as key figures in their teams’ success. This playoff season is showcasing the depth of talent emerging in the NBA.
What’s Next?
With Game 2s scheduled across both conferences, the stakes have never been higher. The next round of games promises to further intensify the drama, and the fight for playoff supremacy is only just beginning.
- May 7:
- Celtics vs. Knicks – Game 2 (Boston leads series 1–0)
- Thunder vs. Nuggets – Game 2 (Denver leads series 1–0)
- May 8:
- Timberwolves vs. Warriors – Game 2 (Golden State leads series 1–0)
Stay tuned to BiGG Sports News for exclusive updates and analysis as the NBA Playoffs continue to deliver unforgettable action.
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