NBA Playoffs 2025: Cavaliers Sweep Heat, Warriors Edge Rockets, and More First-Round Highlights
NBA Playoffs 2025 are heating up with intense matchups and standout performances. From the Cavaliers’ commanding sweep over the Heat to the Warriors’ narrow victory against the Rockets, here’s a comprehensive recap of the latest first-round action.
Cavaliers Dominate Heat to Complete Series Sweep
In a stunning display, the Cleveland Cavaliers overwhelmed the Miami Heat with a 138-83 victory in Game 4, completing a 4-0 series sweep. This 55-point win marks one of the most lopsided victories in NBA playoff history.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 22 points and five assists, while De’Andre Hunter and Ty Jerome contributed 19 and 18 points, respectively. The Cavaliers’ aggressive defense and efficient offense left the Heat struggling throughout the game.
Miami’s Nikola Jovic scored 24 points, but the team’s overall performance fell short. The Cavaliers now advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals, awaiting the winner between the Pacers and Bucks.
Warriors Edge Rockets in Tight Game 4
The Golden State Warriors secured a crucial 109-106 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 4, taking a 3-1 series lead. Jimmy Butler returned from injury to score 27 points, including 14 in the final quarter, showcasing his resilience and leadership. (NBA Playoffs 2025).
Rookie Brandin Podziemski also made a significant impact with 26 points, while Draymond Green’s defensive efforts were pivotal in the closing moments. Despite Alperen Sengun’s 31 points for the Rockets, Houston now faces elimination in the upcoming Game 5.
Lakers Avoid Elimination with Game 4 Victory
Facing a potential sweep, the Los Angeles Lakers rallied to defeat the Denver Nuggets 119-108 in Game 4. LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the charge, ending an 11-game losing streak against Denver. Nikola Jokic’s triple-double wasn’t enough to secure a win for the Nuggets, who still lead the series 3-1.
NBA Playoffs 2025 Series Overview: First-Round Matchups
| Matchup | Series Status |
|---|---|
| Cavaliers vs. Heat | 4-0 (Cavaliers advance) |
| Warriors vs. Rockets | 3-1 (Warriors lead) |
| Lakers vs. Nuggets | 1-3 (Nuggets lead) |
| Thunder vs. Grizzlies | 4-0 (Thunder advance) |
| Knicks vs. Cavaliers | 4-1 (Knicks advance) |
Thunder’s Remarkable Comeback Against Grizzlies
The Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off a historic comeback, overcoming a 29-point deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 114-108 in Game 3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, and Jalen Williams added 26, propelling the Thunder to a 3-0 series lead. This comeback ranks among the largest in NBA postseason history (NBA Playoffs 2025).
Knicks Advance After Defeating Cavaliers
The New York Knicks closed out their series against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 106-95 victory in Game 5. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 28 points, while Mitchell Robinson dominated the boards with 18 rebounds. The Knicks now move on to face the winner of the Heat-Bucks series
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