2025 NBA Playoffs: Five Key Lessons from the First Round

As the 2025 NBA playoffs’ first round comes to a close, The Playoffs delivers the five main lessons learned during this intense post-seeding skirmish. The eastern and western conferences’ semi-finals are set to commence today, with two must-watch games: Boston vs. New York and Denver vs. Oklahoma City.

The Clippers’ Postseason Downfall Continues

In a heart-wrenching fashion, the LA Clippers saw their dreams of a championship slip away once again, falling to the Denver Nuggets in Game 7. Kawhi Leonard’s heroics couldn’t prevent this from being the third consecutive year the team has crashed out of the playoffs early. inmates.

The Thompson Twins Take Center Stage

The Rockets’ Amen Thompson and the Pistons’ Ausar Thompson showcased their immense talents during the first round, proving that they are future cornerstones for their respective franchises. Amen, in particular,όμarching up the Texans’ hierarchy, outperforming even the coveted Jalen Green. Their star turn hasてshed light on the duo’s potential to shake up the league’s future.

Jalen Brunson: The Ultimate Clutch Player

For the third year in a row, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks through a grueling postseason, culminating in a Game 6 overtime victory against the Pistons. He averaged 31.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, confirming his status as the NBA’s clutch player of the year.

Tyrese Haliburton: Unstoppable Force

The Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton proved that he’s more than just the “most overrated player” NBA players ranked him. He led his team to a 5-game triumph over the defending champions Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing his elite playmaking abilities with 11.6 assists per game and a game-winning performance in Game 5.

The Heat’s Harsh Reality

The Heat’s reign as the East’s unorthodox contenders came to an end, as they suffered a sweeping defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tyler Herro’s struggles, combined with the team’s collective implosion during Games 3 and 4, hint at a changing of the guard in South Beach.

The biggest question with the Cleveland Cavaliers all season was if they will show up in the playoffs. Well…pic.twitter.com/YskKqroESk

Did You Know?

Kawhi Leonard’s 41 points in Game 5 against the Nuggets tied his career playoff-high.

The Rockets’ Amen Thompson became the first player in NBA history to record a steal, block, and assist in the final 16 seconds of a playoff game.

Jalen Brunson’s Game 6-winning buzzer-beater against the Pistons was his third consecutive series-winning shot in the playoffs.

Tyrese Haliburton’s 11.6 assists per game during the first round marked the highest average since Rajon Rondo’s 11.8 in the 2011 playoffs.

The Heat’s 55-point loss in Game 4 was the most lopsided playoff defeat in franchise history.

Pro Tips: Predicting the Semi-finals

• Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks: Brad Stevens’ defensive genius will extinguish the fire from Tom Thibodeau’s squad, with Boston taking the series 4-2.
• Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nikola Jokić’s masterclass in finesse will outshine Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s athleticism, as Denver advances 4-3.

Call to Action

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