Timberwolves dominate the Lakers, Nuggets survive Clippers, Knicks rally past Pistons, and Pacers rout Bucks in NBA Playoffs 2025 Game 1 openers.
Timberwolves Stun Lakers Behind McDaniels’ Breakout Night
The Minnesota Timberwolves stormed into Los Angeles and shocked the Lakers with a 117-95 blowout to kick off their first-round series. Jaden McDaniels delivered a career-best playoff performance, scoring 25 points on an ultra-efficient 11-of-13 shooting. Minnesota hit a franchise-record 21 three-pointers, including six from Sixth Man of the Year finalist Naz Reid, who dropped 23 off the bench.
Despite Luka Dončić’s 37-point effort in his Lakers playoff debut, LA couldn’t keep pace. LeBron James scored 19 but was held scoreless in the first quarter. Anthony Edwards filled the stat sheet with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, and the Timberwolves led by as many as 27.
Minnesota, viewed as underdogs coming into the series, now owns home-court advantage heading into Game 2.
Nuggets Edge Clippers in Overtime Thriller
In one of the night’s most gripping matchups, the defending champion Denver Nuggets edged the Los Angeles Clippers 112-110 in overtime. Nikola Jokic led the way with 29 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds—just missing a triple-double—while Aaron Gordon added 25.
Veteran guard Russell Westbrook was a game-changer, hitting a late three to force overtime and coming up with a huge deflection on a Clippers inbound pass to help seal the win. Jamal Murray added 21 points and nearly had a triple-double himself.
James Harden led the Clippers with 32 points and 11 assists, while Kawhi Leonard chipped in 27 but committed 7 turnovers. Game 2 in Denver is shaping up to be just as intense.
Knicks Explode in Fourth Quarter to Down Pistons
The New York Knicks turned a tight game into a statement win with a 21-0 fourth-quarter run that buried the Detroit Pistons 123-112. Jalen Brunson shook off a cold start to finish with 34 points, including 23 in the second half, while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby each added 23.
The Pistons, in their first playoff appearance since 2019, had led by eight entering the final period. But their inexperience showed as the Knicks’ defense tightened and the offense caught fire. Cade Cunningham tallied 21 points and 12 assists, and Tobias Harris led Detroit with 25 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Knicks’ momentum.
New York now heads into Game 2 with a surge of confidence and a 1-0 series lead.
Pacers Dominate Short-Handed Bucks
Pascal Siakam scored 25 points and Tyrese Haliburton handed out 12 assists as the Indiana Pacers cruised past the Milwaukee Bucks 117-98. The Pacers played with pace, poise, and precision—committing just five turnovers and dishing out 28 assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led all scorers with 36 points and 12 rebounds, but with Damian Lillard sidelined and little support from the rest of the starting lineup (just 14 combined points), Milwaukee looked overmatched. The Bucks will be desperate to get Lillard back soon as they face the prospect of going down 0-2.
Game 2 is a must-win for a Milwaukee team looking to avoid an early exit and another offseason of uncertainty.
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