The 2025 NBA Playoffs are heating up. After a high-intensity round of Conference Semifinals packed with blowouts, comebacks, and a few surprises, four teams are left standing.
In the East, the Pacers and Knicks have powered through tough opponents to earn their spots. Out West, the top-seeded Thunder and the resurgent Timberwolves are ready for battle. Here’s how they got here.
Pacers Shock Top-Seeded Cavaliers in Five
The Indiana Pacers delivered a commanding performance against the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed, the Cleveland Cavaliers, wrapping up the series 4–1. Indiana set the tone early by winning both games on the road to take a 2–0 lead. Tyrese Haliburton was outstanding in Game 5, scoring 31 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, while Pascal Siakam added 25 points. Despite trailing by 19 in the first half, the Pacers regrouped after halftime and completed the series in Cleveland. The win sends Indiana to its first Eastern Conference Finals since 2014.
Knicks Eliminate Defending Champs with Record-Breaking Win
The New York Knicks made a statement in their Game 6 victory over the Boston Celtics, eliminating the defending champions and clinching their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. The 119–81 blowout was the largest playoff win in franchise history. After splitting the first four games, New York dominated the final two matchups. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each played major roles throughout the series, with Anunoby setting the tone early with 29 points in Game 1. The Knicks’ physical defence and balanced scoring proved too much for a Celtics squad missing injured star Jayson Tatum.
Thunder Survive Game 7 to Down the Defending West Champs
The Oklahoma City Thunder booked their spot in the Western Conference Finals by defeating the Denver Nuggets in a tense seven-game series. OKC’s highlight came in Game 2, when they exploded for an NBA playoff record 87 points in the first half. That momentum helped them gain an early series lead. Though Denver responded with two strong home wins, the Thunder edged out the Nuggets in Game 7 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch 34-point performance. The win marks Oklahoma City’s first Conference Finals appearance since 2016.
Timberwolves Advance Over Injury-Plagued Warriors
The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their surprise playoff run by dispatching the Golden State Warriors in just five games. The Warriors struggled without Stephen Curry, who missed the series due to a hamstring injury. Minnesota capitalised, led by Anthony Edwards’ explosive 36-point night in Game 3. Julius Randle also delivered a triple-double in that same game, finishing with 24 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Timberwolves’ defence consistently disrupted Golden State’s rhythm, allowing Minnesota to control the pace of the series and move forward with confidence.
What’s Next: Conference Finals Preview
The 2025 Eastern Conference Finals will feature a gritty matchup between the No. 3 New York Knicks (1.57) and the No. 4 Indiana Pacers (2.42). Both teams are battle-tested and enter the series with momentum. New York will look to leverage its deep rotation and home-court advantage in Game 1.
In the West, the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder (1.33) will face the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves (3.30). The Thunder’s perimeter firepower will be tested against Minnesota’s aggressive frontcourt, setting up a clash of styles with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line.
With upsets, record-breaking performances, and rising stars on display, this year’s playoffs have already delivered drama, and the best may still be ahead.
