The first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs delivered grit, injuries, and standout performances on Wednesday night. From Boston’s bruising battle to Houston’s explosive comeback, here’s a breakdown of all the action.
Celtics Go Up 2-0 Without Tatum
Final Score: Celtics 109, Magic 100
Boston Celtics proved their championship mettle once again, surviving a tough and physical Game 2 without their superstar Jayson Tatum. Jaylen Brown stepped up in a big way, scoring 36 points and hitting 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Kristaps Porzingis battled through a forehead gash that required stitches to notch 20 points and 10 rebounds. Despite a fourth-quarter push from Orlando that narrowed the lead to five, the Celtics held their ground.
“We’re not going to be pushed around,” Porzingis said. “This is playoff basketball — we’re ready for the fight.”
Next Up: Game 3 heads to Orlando on Friday, where the Magic hope their home crowd can shift the momentum.
Rockets Level Series as Green Goes Off
Final Score: Rockets 109, Warriors 94
In Houston, Jalen Green turned on the jets with a playoff-career-high 38 points, fueling the Rockets to a dominant win that evens their series with Golden State at 1-1.
The Warriors were rocked early, losing Jimmy Butler III to a pelvic contusion in the first quarter. Without him, they relied heavily on perimeter shooting but couldn’t overcome Houston’s intensity and physicality.
Alperen Sengun added 17 points and 16 rebounds in a well-rounded effort by the Rockets, who never trailed all night.
“Houston brought the energy, plain and simple,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “They set the tone early and we couldn’t match it.”
Next Up: Game 3 moves to San Francisco on Saturday, with the Warriors hoping to regroup — and get Butler back.
Mitchell Ignites Cavs in Clutch Time
Final Score: Cavaliers 121, Heat 112
Donovan Mitchell reminded everyone why he’s a playoff performer, dropping 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter to carry the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Miami Heat.
Miami trimmed a 19-point deficit down to two with four minutes left, but Mitchell took over down the stretch, silencing the comeback effort.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 33 points in a valiant effort, while Cleveland got extra help from Darius Garland (21 points) and Evan Mobley (20).
“Superstars shine when it matters most,” said Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson. “That’s what Donovan did.”
Next Up: Game 3 heads to Miami on Saturday with the Cavs holding a 2-0 lead.
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