The 2025 NBA playoffs have become a tumultuous battleground for some of the league’s top teams. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics combined for an impressive 193 regular-season victories, marking a rare occurrence where three teams have achieved at least 60 wins in the same season. However, as the playoffs unfold, it has become apparent that the road to the Finals is no longer straightforward for these powerhouse teams.
The Thunder, despite finishing the regular season with the second-best net rating in NBA history, are now facing challenges after a Game 1 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Oklahoma City, who had dominated the season, finds themselves in a precarious position after losing home-court advantage and needing to win on the road to advance. The pressure mounts as they must contend with the Nuggets, a team that has historically performed well against them, evidenced by their split in the regular season.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are grappling with their own set of issues. After losing to the Indiana Pacers in their series opener, Cleveland is not just battling the opponent but also injuries that have put key players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley in jeopardy. Their situation is critical; a loss in Game 2 would force them to win four out of five games, which is a steep mountain to climb against a resilient Pacers team that has shown significant defensive prowess.
The Celtics have drawn mild concern as they fell to the New York Knicks in an overtime thriller. Despite having been the stronger team during the regular season, they surrendered the advantage by missing a staggering number of three-point attempts. While Boston has the talent to bounce back, they also face questions about their health, as several key players are battling injuries.
In summary, while the Thunder, Cavaliers, and Celtics entered the playoffs with high hopes, the stakes have risen dramatically with each team now needing to regroup and adapt to avoid elimination. The playoffs serve as a reminder of the intensity and unpredictability of professional basketball, where the strongest of seasons can quickly turn into a fight for survival. As these teams look to overcome their difficulties, fans are left hoping for a compelling resurgence leading to a thrilling conclusion to the playoffs.