The NBA Playoffs: What We Learned Heading Into the Conference Semifinals
After three dramatic Game 7s in the first round, the second round of the NBA Playoffs is underway. The opening round delivered everything fans could hope for — a mix of excitement, upsets, and nail-biting finishes that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
With the field now down to the final eight teams, there are several key takeaways from the first round that will shape the rest of the postseason.
LeBron James Proves He’s Still a Force to Be Reckoned With
The Los Angeles Lakers were one of the most surprising teams in the first round, defeating the Houston Rockets in a six-game series. Despite being without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, two of their top players, the Lakers managed to pull off an impressive upset.
What many didn’t expect was the sheer impact LeBron James had in this series. At 41 years old, James showed he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. He took on a more prominent role, elevating his teammates and leading the Lakers to a 3–0 lead before Reaves returned.
Luke Kennard became a key playmaker, while James’s son, Bronny, made an impact in the playoffs. Deandre Ayton also proved he could be a reliable presence in the paint. This performance not only secured a first-round win but also added another chapter to the ongoing GOAT debate.
James is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, and whether he returns to the Lakers or the NBA at all remains uncertain. If he does return, his experience and leadership could be pivotal in any title run.
The Timberwolves Show Their Heart and Resilience
Minnesota’s victory over the Denver Nuggets in the first round was one of the most remarkable upsets of the playoffs. Despite losing multiple key players to injuries, including Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, the Wolves found a way to close out the series in six games.
Their success was built on heart, hustle, and a strong “next man up” mentality. Jaden McDaniels stepped up with a 32-point game in the closing match, while Rudy Gobert silenced critics by effectively guarding Nikola Jokic. Terrence Shannon Jr., who averaged just 12.5 minutes during the regular season, emerged as a key contributor with 24 points in the clincher.
Mike Conley, once a star with the Grizzlies, played a crucial role in the team’s success. The Wolves may be undermanned, but their resilience shows they can never be counted out in a playoff series.
Joel Embiid Reminds Everyone Why He’s One of the Best
Joel Embiid made a triumphant return from an appendectomy to lead the Philadelphia 76ers past the Boston Celtics in a thrilling first-round series. This marked the first time the 76ers had beaten the Celtics in the playoffs since 1982.
Embiid faced challenges early in the series, but his performance in the final three games was nothing short of spectacular. He eliminated turnovers, played like a dominant big man, and led the team with 28 points per game and seven assists. His defensive efforts allowed the 76ers’ perimeter defenders to thrive.
This series was a reminder of how special Embiid can be when healthy. Despite missing time due to injuries, he has consistently shown why he belongs among the NBA’s elite.
Title Windows Are Short-Lived
The NBA has not seen a repeat champion since the Golden State Warriors did it in 2018. While Oklahoma City is currently the favorite to win again, the fate of previous champions like Boston and Denver shows that no team is guaranteed success.
Denver, despite having Nikola Jokic, has struggled to maintain its dominance. Boston, after winning the 2024 title, was eliminated in the first round due to salary cap issues. The landscape of the league is changing, making it harder for teams to build long-lasting dynasties.
The Knicks Have a Chance to Make History
New York entered the first round as a dark horse, facing a tough Atlanta Hawks team. After falling behind 2–1, the Knicks turned things around and swept the Hawks in six games. This victory allowed them to position themselves as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
With other top teams struggling, the Knicks have a unique opportunity to reach the finals for the first time since 1999. Their core has proven capable of deep playoff runs, and with key rivals like the Pacers and Bucks missing the playoffs, this might be their best shot yet.
