About this Episode
In this episode of Podcasty NBA, Niko and Stella analyze key developments from the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs across both conferences. They discuss Indiana Pacers' upset over top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics' resilience without Jayson Tatum against New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves' victory over Golden State Warriors despite Stephen Curry's absence, and Oklahoma City Thunder's clutch win against Denver Nuggets led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's standout performance. The hosts explore pivotal moments, player contributions, injury impacts, and upcoming challenges as teams vie for conference finals spots based on insights from ESPN NBA insiders.
Article Discussed: "2025 NBA playoffs: Conference semifinals takeaways"
Author: NBA insiders
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Episode Transcript
Niko: Welcome back to Podcasty NBA! Today we're diving into the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, covering all the action from both the Eastern and Western Conference semifinals. We've got some surprising upsets, standout performances, and plenty of drama to unpack.
Stella: Absolutely, Niko. The playoffs are heating up with the Indiana Pacers already clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference finals after defeating the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, in the West, teams like Minnesota and Oklahoma City are battling hard for their chance at glory. There's a lot to cover, so let's get started.
Niko: Let's start with the East. The No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers shocked everyone by taking a 2-0 lead over the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers and then closing out the series on Tuesday night. They became the first team to advance to the Eastern Conference finals this postseason.
Stella: Right, and what stood out was how Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana with a phenomenal 28 points and eight assists in Game 5, supported by Pascal Siakam's solid contribution of 21 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. On the other hand, Cleveland's stars struggled; Donovan Mitchell fought through a bad ankle but shot just 8-of-24 from the field.
Niko: Yeah, it was quite a contrast. Evan Mobley had a decent overall game with 24 points but only scored four in the crucial fourth quarter. Darius Garland's shooting woes were evident too—4-of-16 for just 11 points total. Despite winning 64 games in the regular season, they became only the fourth team in NBA history with over 60 wins to lose a best-of-seven series that quickly.
Stella: That’s a tough pill for Cleveland fans to swallow. Meanwhile, Boston Celtics without Jayson Tatum managed to hold off New York Knicks in Game 5 thanks to Derrick White's stellar 34-point performance and Jaylen Brown’s near triple-double effort. They’re now heading to Madison Square Garden for what could be a pivotal Game 6 on Friday.
Niko: The Celtics really showed resilience there after Tatum’s injury shook things up. Luke Kornet’s unexpected defensive dominance—7 blocks along with near double-digit rebounds—helped swing momentum in Boston’s favor during that second half explosion where they outscored New York by 25 points.
Stella: And don’t forget Jalen Brunson fouling out late in that game which made it even tougher for New York to mount any comeback. With emotions settling post-Tatum injury, Friday's matchup at MSG promises to be intense as both teams fight for survival.
Niko: Switching gears to the Western Conference — Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Golden State Warriors in five games despite Stephen Curry watching from the sidelines hoping for a return that never came this series. Jimmy Butler battled illness but still contributed decently while Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle led Minnesota offensively.
Stella: "The Warriors couldn’t generate enough offense or perimeter threat," as Ohm Youngmisuk put it, which allowed Minnesota’s stars like Edwards and Randle to dominate inside. Golden State did have moments like an 18-6 run in the fourth quarter but ultimately couldn’t close enough ground.
Niko: "Minnesota is looking more experienced this year," Dave McMenamin noted about their chances moving forward after last year's Western Conference finals exit. Donte DiVincenzo also stepped up big time during their closeout Game 5 which bodes well as they prepare for either Oklahoma City Thunder or Denver Nuggets next.
Stella: "Speaking of Thunder versus Nuggets," Ramona Shelburne highlighted how Oklahoma City took a critical Game 5 win behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive stat line: 31 points, seven assists, six rebounds—negating Nikola Jokic’s monster night of 44 points and 15 rebounds."
Niko: "That game went down to clutch moments," Ramona added about Lu Dort's key three-pointer late and Jalen Williams bouncing back from an airball with his own huge three-pointer shortly after — showing tremendous grit from this young Thunder squad aiming for their first Finals appearance since their recent rebuild."
Stella: "With Denver needing more support beyond Jokic and Jamal Murray who combined for most of their scoring," it's clear Thursday's Game 6 will be crucial as both teams battle fatigue but also showcase incredible basketball talent heading potentially toward seven games."
Niko: "To sum it all up," we've seen some major surprises like Indiana knocking off top-seeded Cleveland early; Boston fighting through adversity without Tatum; Minnesota advancing past Golden State; plus an intense OKC-Denver series shaping up for an epic conclusion."
Stella: These playoffs highlight resilience amid injuries and unexpected performances while setting intriguing matchups ahead — especially Minnesota facing either Thunder or Nuggets next — promising exciting basketball as teams chase Larry O'Brien Trophy glory. Thanks for joining us on Podcasty NBA where we break down every angle!
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