Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs has come and gone, leaving us with a treasure trove of unforgettable moments, unexpected upsets, and rising stars. As teams have battled through the intensity of postseason basketball, it’s time to step back and analyze what transpired. From dominant performances to clutch shots and stunning eliminations, the first round has already set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling road to the Finals. So, let’s dive into the action and break down the key takeaways from Round 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

The Resurgence of the Big Men 

For years, the NBA has been trending toward small-ball lineups and three-point shooting, leading many to believe that the traditional big man has no place in today’s game. However, the first round of the 2025 Playoffs has proven otherwise. The rise of small ball was not fully realized this postseason, as teams with dominant bigs have had immense success in their matchups.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Rudy Gobert, exemplify this perfectly. His monster performance in Game 5, where he registered 27 points and 24 rebounds, helped push the Timberwolves past the small-ball Lakers and into the second round. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić continues to dominate the paint with his unrivaled versatility, and teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks have leaned on their big men to gain an edge in their respective series. The message is clear: When the playoffs arrive, size still plays a crucial role in success.

Can Curry Sustain His Playoff Form?

Stephen Curry is 37 and has played an extensive season, including a stint with Team USA in the offseason. Given his age and the grind of a long NBA season, there are concerns about whether he can maintain his high level of play as the Warriors push deeper into the playoffs.

Curry did have an explosive Game 7 performance against the Rockets, but his inconsistency during the series raised some eyebrows. Curry failed to hit the 20-point mark in three games, a rare occurrence for a player of his caliber. However, a win is a win and the Golden State Warriors are moving on to the second round.

If you’re looking to place a bet on Golden State’s continued success, the time to act is now. Check out NBA playoff betting for the latest odds and opportunities to get in on the action as the Warriors look to extend their playoff run.

Cavs vs. Heat – A Historic Sweep

The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a historic performance in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, sweeping the Miami Heat 4–0 with a series margin of +122 points, the largest in NBA playoff history.

In Game 4, Cleveland set the tone early with a 33–5 run, leading to a 39-point halftime advantage—the third-largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 22 points and five assists, while De’Andre Hunter added 19 points. Ty Jerome contributed 18 points off the bench, and Jarrett Allen posted 14 points, 12 rebounds, six steals, and a game-best +42 in just 25 minutes. The Cavaliers outrebounded the Heat 51–43 and shot 54.7% from the field, compared to Miami’s 36.0% shooting.

Miami’s Nikola Jović led the Heat with 24 points, but the team struggled overall. Tyler Herro had a bad night, scoring only four points on 1-of-10 shooting. Bam Adebayo added 13 points and 12 rebounds. The Heat faced significant challenges throughout the series, including the midseason departure of star player Jimmy Butler and a 37–45 regular-season record. This sweep marked the first time in franchise history that the Heat were swept in a playoff series.

For the Cavaliers, this sweep was a statement. It propelled them into the second round with momentum, setting the stage for a potential deep playoff run. As they prepare for their next challenge, Cleveland’s performance against Miami has solidified their status as a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.

The Thompson Twins Show They Belong

While the postseason is typically about the established stars, this year’s first round saw breakout performances from the league’s younger talents. Among the most promising are the Thompson twins—Amen and Ausar. 

At just 21 years old, both players held their own in the intensity of playoff basketball. Amen Thompson was a force on both ends of the court for the Houston Rockets, making a significant impact until a calf strain slowed him in Game 7. Ausar Thompson, on the other hand, proved his defensive chops with the Detroit Pistons, including an impressive shutdown of Knicks guard Jalen Brunson in Game 5.

Although both players saw their teams bow out early, their performances serve as a reminder that the NBA’s future is in good hands. These two show tremendous potential and are already proving they can handle the pressures of playoff basketball, which bodes well for their careers.

What’s Next on the Road to the Finals

The first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs has been a spectacle, filled with breathtaking moments, clutch performances, and rising stars. With the action moving to the second round, fans can expect even more drama and high-level basketball as the quest for the Finals intensifies. It’s clear that the NBA’s future is bright, and the road to the Finals is just getting started.

 

Gamble Responsibly. You must be 21 years old or older to gamble. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.