The Timberwolves dominate the Lakers, the Nuggets survive the Clipper, the Knicks pass the piston and the Pacer defeats the Bucks NBA Playoffs 2025 Game 1 Opener.
Timberwolves have made the Lakers Stan Lakers behind McDaniels’ breakout night
The Minnesota Timberwolves rushed into Los Angeles and shocked the Lakers with a 117-95 blow to start their first round series. Jaden McDaniels made a career-high playoff performance, scoring 25 points on a 1/13 ultra-efficient 11 shooting. Minnesota hit a franchise record 21 three-pointer, including sixth finalist Naz Reed, Naz Reed, the sixth man who dropped 23 off the bench.
Despite Luka Doncic’s 37-point effort in Lakers playoff debut, LA was unable to maintain the pace. LeBron James scored 19 points but went scoreless in the first quarter. Anthony Edwards filled the stats sheet with 22 points, eight rebounds and nine assists, filling the Timberwolves, led by 27 people.
Minnesota is considered a weaker in the series and currently owns a home court advantage heading into Game 2.
Nuggets edge clippers in overtime thriller
In one of the night’s most attractive matchups, the defending champion Denver Nuggets edged the Los Angeles Clippers 112-110 in overtime. Nikola Djokic led the way with 29 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds (just missing triple doubles), while Aaron Gordon added 25.
Veteran guard Russell Westbrook was a game-changer, hitting three people to force overtime and coming up with a big deflection with the Clippers inbound pass, sealing the victory. Jamal Murray added 21 points and had almost a triple double.
James Harden led the Clippers with 32 points and 11 assists, while Kawi Leonard chipped with 27 but committed seven turnovers. Denver’s Game 2 is shaped in the same way.
The Knicks exploded from the Pistons in the fourth quarter
The New York Knicks turned the tight game into a statement victory in a 21-0 fourth quarter run that filled the Detroit Pistons 123-112. Jalen Brunson scored 34 points from the cold start with 34 points, including 23 in the second half, while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby added 23 each.
The Pistons were their first playoff appearance since 2019, with eight players in the final period. But their lack of experience was shown when the Knicks’ defenses tightened and the offense lit up. Cade Cunningham had 21 points and 12 assists, and Tobias Harris led Detroit with 25 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Knicks from moving forward.
New York heads into Game 2 with a surge in confidence and a 1-0 series lead.
Pacers dominate the short-handed dollars
Pascal Siakam scored 25 points and Tyrese Halliburton handed out 12 assists as the Indiana Pacers passed the Milwaukee Bucks 117-98. Pacer played with pace, calmness and accuracy. He has only 5 turnovers and handed out 28 assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led all the scorers with 36 points and 12 rebounds, while Damian Lillard had little support from the remaining starting lineup (just 14 points). The Bucks are desperate to get Lillard back as soon as they face the prospect of going 0-2.
Game 2 is a must-see for the Milwaukee team as they try to avoid early exits and uncertainty in another offseason.
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