2025 NBA Playoffs: Key takeaways from Western Conference first round

2025 NBA Playoffs: Western Conference First-Round Takeaways

The opening round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs delivered drama, upsets, and breakout performances across the Western Conference. As the bracket narrows, each series offered pivotal moments that reshaped the postseason landscape. Here are the most important takeaways from each matchup — and what lies ahead as the West advances toward the Finals.

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

What we learned:

The top-seeded Thunder cruised past Memphis in four games, showcasing their depth and defensive intensity. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the likely 2025 MVP, capped the sweep with 38 points on 54% shooting in Game 4. The Grizzlies, without Ja Morant, struggled to generate offense and committed 22 turnovers, leading to 32 points for Oklahoma City. The Thunder’s high-pressure defense and well-spaced attack were too much for a Memphis team that didn’t beat a winning West team after January.

What’s next:
The Thunder will face the Denver Nuggets in the second round, a matchup featuring MVP frontrunners Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. OKC now benefits from a full week of rest, while Denver heads in fatigued after a grueling seven-game series.

(4) Denver Nuggets defeat (5) LA Clippers 4–3

Game 7 recap:

Denver advanced behind unlikely heroes. While Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray each scored 16, it was Russell Westbrook (10 points, 2 steals), Christian Braun, and Aaron Gordon who provided the lift with energy and clutch plays. Braun sparked Denver early, and Gordon threw down a thunderous reverse dunk in the third quarter that deflated the Clippers.

For the Clippers:
Without Paul George and limited roster flexibility, their playoff run still exceeded expectations. But Game 7 exposed their depth issues and the toll of a long season.

What to watch vs. Oklahoma City:
The Thunder and Nuggets split the season series, including a late-season MVP showdown in OKC. Westbrook, returning to face his former team, could be an X-factor again. Denver will need fresh legs quickly — Game 1 tips off Monday in Oklahoma City.

(6) Minnesota Timberwolves upset (3) Los Angeles Lakers 4–1

What we learned in Game 5:

Rudy Gobert dominated in a way the Lakers couldn’t match without a trusted center. He posted 27 points on 12-of-15 shooting with 24 rebounds, joining elite company (Jokic, Giannis, Dirk, Shaq) with a 25-20 playoff closeout performance. The Wolves’ defense was shaky (allowed 40% shooting from 3) but overwhelmed the Lakers inside (56-40 points in the paint).

The Lakers’ exit:
Despite 40-minute efforts from LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Los Angeles was outscored off the bench 22-4. Coach JJ Redick’s decision to go small proved costly, and the offseason priority is clear: find a reliable big man.

Minnesota outlook:
Winners of 21 of their last 26 games, the Wolves are surging at the right time. They now await the winner of Rockets-Warriors and look capable of matching either team physically and defensively.

(2) Houston Rockets tied with (7) Golden State Warriors 3–3

Game 6 recap:

Fred VanVleet hit another gear, drilling 18 of his last 27 3-point attempts over three games. His 3-pointer and four-point play in the third quarter of Game 6 turned the tide as Houston forced Game 7 with a 115–107 win. Alperen Sengun (20 points) and Amen Thompson (14 points) contributed, but VanVleet’s veteran poise was decisive.

Golden State’s dilemma:

After leading 3–1, the Warriors are on the brink of collapse. Their offense has sputtered, particularly in the fourth quarter, and Stephen Curry has struggled to break free against Houston’s aggressive defense. In Game 6, Golden State started the fourth shooting 1-for-15.

What to watch in Game 7 (Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET, TNT):
The Warriors have the edge in Game 7 experience (19 appearances combined), but their Big Three is fatigued — Curry and Jimmy Butler III logged 42 minutes, and Draymond Green played 37 in Game 6. Golden State needs a spark from its role players to avoid an early playoff exit.

Looking ahead

Second-round matchups (so far):

• (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Denver Nuggets
  A high-stakes MVP clash with contrasting styles: OKC’s youth and speed vs. Denver’s physicality and playoff-tested core.

• (6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (2/7) Houston Rockets or Golden State Warriors
  Minnesota is rested and dangerous, awaiting a battered opponent coming off a seven-game slugfest.

As the first round concludes, momentum, rest, and matchups will shape the path to the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder look dominant, the Nuggets are resilient, the Timberwolves are surging — and Sunday’s Game 7 will decide who joins them.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for full NBA Playoffs coverage, from every Game 7 to the Finals.