Tournaments & Playoffs

Jokić Joins Russell & Bird with Historic MVP Feat

Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
May 2025

Nikola Jokić became the third player in NBA history to finish top-2 in MVP voting for five straight seasons, joining legends Bill Russell and Larry Bird.
Jokić finished second in 2025 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, adding to MVP wins in 2021, 2023, and 2024, and a second-place finish in 2022. He averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists this season — one of the most statistically dominant years ever, yet not enough to claim the award.

Anthony Edwards’ Growth Sparks Timberwolves’ Title Charge

Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
2024-25 NBA Season

After last year’s Western Conference finals exit, Anthony Edwards transformed into Minnesota’s leader, both mentally and statistically, thanks in part to his Team USA experience.
Edwards learned the value of team play from Olympic vets, resulting in career highs in points (27.6), 3P% (39.5), and 3PM (320). His improved unselfishness saw assist numbers rise and team offense surge. Minnesota finished the season 17-4 to clinch the No. 6 seed and now face Oklahoma City in the West Finals.

Thunder Crush Nuggets in Game 7 to Reach West Finals

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets
May 19, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points as OKC routed Denver 125-93 in Game 7 to advance to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2016.
After trailing by 11 early, the Thunder dominated with a 39-20 second quarter and never looked back. Jalen Williams added 24 points, and OKC exposed Denver’s zone defense. They will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 on Tuesday.

Celtics Eliminated by Knicks in Game 6 Blowout, End Title Defense

Boston Celtics
Friday, May 2025

The Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs following a 119-81 blowout loss to the Knicks in Game 6, ending their Eastern Conference semifinal series and title defense.
Already reeling from Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles injury, Boston couldn’t match New York’s intensity, shooting just 33% and trailing by as many as 41. Jaylen Brown fouled out after scoring 20 points with 7 turnovers, while Kristaps Porzingis continued to struggle with illness. A costly roster with an uncertain future awaits.

Murray Battles Illness, Nuggets Force Game 7 Against Thunder

Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
May 16, 2025 (Game 6)

Despite battling illness, Jamal Murray powered the Denver Nuggets to a 119-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of their Western Conference semifinals. He posted 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Murray received IV fluids and was only cleared to play 45 minutes before tipoff. He played 42 minutes and sparked Denver’s early momentum with 11 first-quarter points. Nikola Jokic added 29 points and 14 rebounds. The series heads to a decisive Game 7 in OKC on Sunday.

Cavs Crash Out as Mitchell Vows to “Be Back” After Disbelief of Early Exit

Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 2025

After a 64-win season, the Cavs were eliminated 4-1 by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Mitchell, averaging 34.2 PPG despite an ankle injury, was devastated post-game, saying the team “let the city down” but promised a return.
Cleveland lost all three home games and blew a 19-point lead in Game 5. Injuries to Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter hampered their push. Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged improvement but said the team wasn’t physical or intense enough.

Thunder Flip the Script with Gritty Game 4 Win Over Nuggets

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets
Sunday, Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals

The Thunder outlasted the Nuggets 92-87, tying the series 2-2 after shutting out Denver 12-0 in clutch time, a reversal from earlier games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 9 of his 25 points in the fourth, while OKC’s bench, led by Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins, sparked an 11-0 rally. Denver’s late miscues, including a five-second violation, proved costly.

Thunder Lock Down Jokic Again to Tie Series 2-2

Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Sunday, Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals

Jokic endured his third consecutive poor shooting game, going 7-of-22 and missing key free throws late as OKC defeated Denver 92-87 to level the series.
OKC’s Isaiah Hartenstein anchored disciplined team defense to contain Jokic, who’s now shooting just 33.3% over his last three games. SGA closed out the game with clutch buckets, helping erase an 8-point deficit in the fourth.

Aaron Gordon’s Clutch Three Seals Game 1 Comeback Win

Aaron Gordon (Denver Nuggets)
May 6, 2025 (Game 1, Western Conference Semifinals)

Aaron Gordon hit a game-winning three-pointer with under four seconds left, capping a 14-point comeback as the Nuggets edged the Thunder 121–119 in Game 1 of their playoff series.
Gordon, who transformed his shooting game by training obsessively in a home gym, drained his second game-winner of the postseason. Jokic added 42 points and 22 rebounds, fueling Denver’s late 15–4 run.

Denver Fires Coach & GM, Rallies Behind Jokic to Eliminate Clippers in Game 7 Blowout

Denver Nuggets
May 2025

After firing coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth near season’s end, the Nuggets stormed back to defeat the Clippers 120-101 in Game 7, showcasing a deep team performance that echoed their 2023 championship run.
Despite Jokic’s quiet night (16 pts), Denver’s bench — led by Braun and Westbrook — overwhelmed LA, with six players scoring double digits. Westbrook hit 42% from 3, exploiting defensive gaps. The Nuggets now face the Thunder in Round 2.

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