By Max Tijero, Year 12
After a long and exciting season, the NBA 2025 playoffs are finally here.
In the east, the clear dominators were the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics. With the Kicks, Pacers, Bucks and Pistons giving a top-notch performance, it was evident that these teams would go to the playoffs. Meanwhile, in the play-in, the Orlando Magic, Hawks, Heat, and the Bulls will fight for the two extra playoff spots.
With the Pacers playing against the Bucks, it will be a rematch of last season’s round. With Giannis finally healthy, the Bucks are looking to not be eliminated in the first round for the 3rd year in a row. The Pacers have been impressive all season with exceptional players like Haliburton and Siakam. The Bucks acquired Kyle Kuzma in February and with their superstar duo of Dame and Giannis, they want to prove themselves as a team which will dominate the NBA.
Another good fixture is the Knicks facing off against the Pistons. Being one of the worst teams in NBA history last season, the Pistons have fully turned it around this season, finishing in the 6th seed with a record of 44-38. Cade Cunningham is a clear candidate for MIP, and with other good players, like Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris, he and the others will want to show what they are worth. The Knicks have built an impressive roster, with Elite players such as Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns. They finished at a solid 3rd seed and are confident in all their players.
Meanwhile, in the West, things were much more heated. The Warriors and the Grizzlies both fell to a play-in spot despite finishing with a 48-34 record, which in the East, would’ve granted them a 5th seed. The Warriors finished as the 7th seed after beating the Grizzlies in the play-in tournament. They will play against the Rockets, a young and exciting team. Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Dillon Brooks are some of the names that this exciting franchise contains.
The Nuggets face-off against the Clippers: is arguably the best match of the first round. Both teams have superstars such as James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, as well as the best player in the league, Nikola Jokic… Undoubtedly, an elite level of basketball will be played during these matches.
Another good match will be the Lakers vs the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards vs Luka Doncic will be an amazing duel between two young stars who have a bright future ahead of them in the NBA. The Lakers improved massively after acquiring Luka Doncic and they are looking like one of the most in-form teams in the league.
The playoffs will undoubtedly be full of nerve-wracking games played by the best teams and the most dedicated athletes. Stay tuned for more.
