2025 NBA Playoffs: First Round Highlights from the Western Conference

Catch up on the 2025 NBA Playoffs Western Conference first round: Thunder sweep Grizzlies, Nuggets tie Clippers, Warriors lead Rockets, Wolves edge Lakers.

The 2024-25 NBA Playoffs are in full swing, and every moment is covered all the way to the Finals.
On Saturday, Oklahoma City Thunder (the No. 1 seed) became the first team in this year’s playoffs to move on to the second round after sweeping Memphis Grizzlies (the No. 8 seed). Additionally, the Denver Nuggets (the No. 4 seed) tied up their series against the LA Clippers (the No. 5 seed) with a thrilling Game 4 victory, capped off by a buzzer-beater dunk from Aaron Gordon. The Golden State Warriors (the No. 7 seed) are ahead 2-1 over the Houston Rockets (the No. 2 seed), although they were without Jimmy Butler III. Lastly, while the Los Angeles Lakers (the No. 3 seed) lost Game 3 to the Minnesota Timberwolves (the No. 6 seed), they’ll have a chance to tie it up at home in Game 4 on Sunday!

Upcoming Series:

Thunder vs Grizzlies
Rockets vs Warriors
Lakers vs Timberwolves
Nuggets vs Clippers

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder sweep (8) Memphis Grizzlies 4-0

Game Result: Thunder 117, Grizzlies 115

The top-seeded Thunder made quick work of the Grizzlies, who haven’t won a playoff series since 2022. MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered his best scoring performance of the series, dropping 38 points on 13-of-24 shooting. Without Ja Morant, the Grizzlies struggled against Oklahoma City’s intense defense, committing 22 turnovers that turned into 32 points. Now, the Thunder can rest and await the winner of the Nuggets-Clippers series.

(4) Denver Nuggets tied with (5) LA Clippers 2-2

Game Result: Nuggets 101, Clippers 99

Nikola Jokic continues to redefine playoff excellence. He posted a stunning 36-point, 21-rebound masterpiece, carrying Denver with a dominant second half. After a tight first half, Jokic either scored or assisted on 26 of the Nuggets’ 35 third-quarter points, giving them a 20-point lead. However, the Nuggets nearly collapsed, blowing the largest lead in playoff franchise history before Aaron Gordon secured the win with a buzzer-beater dunk.

Game Preview:
The Clippers’ heavy reliance on 3-point shooting (just 10-of-30 in Game 4) hurt them. Denver’s aggressive defense on Kawhi Leonard and James Harden forced others to step up — but they couldn’t. Game 5 will be crucial.

(7) Golden State Warriors lead (2) Houston Rockets 2-1

Game Result: Warriors 104, Rockets 93

The Warriors proved they can win without “Playoff Jimmy.” Stephen Curry was electric, scoring 36 points with 9 assists and 7 rebounds. In the fourth quarter, Gary Payton II stepped up, scoring nine straight points when Houston focused their defense heavily on Curry. Buddy Hield also had one of his best games as a Warrior, hitting five 3-pointers.

Game Preview:
Golden State Warriors struggled offensively early without Butler but recovered through Curry’s heroics and solid defense. Jalen Green, after a 38-point Game 2, was held to just nine points. Butler’s recovery for Monday’s Game 4 could be a game-changer for Houston.

(6) Minnesota Timberwolves lead (3) Los Angeles Lakers 2-1

Game Result: Timberwolves 116, Lakers 104

Minnesota Timberwolves dominated inside, outscoring the Lakers 56-26 in the paint and winning fast-break points 21-11. Even with LeBron James breaking history with 38 points (the most points in NBA playoff history for any player 40 years or older), the Lakers could not get the win. Jaden McDaniels had his best career game scoring 30 points, while Anthony Edwards made big plays when needed scoring 29 points with 8 rebounds and 8 assists.

Game Preview:
The Lakers’ interior and overall team defense better get things figured out quickly. Minnesota has all of the momentum now and Game 4 on Sunday is now a must win for Los Angeles to even the series.

The 2025 NBA Playoffs first round from the Western Conference is filled with excitement:

Oklahoma City Thunder sweep the Memphis Grizzlies 4-0 and move to the second round.
Denver Nuggets tie series 2-2 against LA Clippers with a thrilling buzzer-beater.
Golden State Warriors lead the Houston Rockets 2-1 even without Jimmy Butler III.
Minnesota Timberwolves take a 2-1 lead over Los Angeles Lakers after dominant inside play.