NBA Recap: April 14–20, 2025
April 14, 2025 (Monday) – Regular Season Finale
Clippers Secure 5th Seed: The Los Angeles Clippers clinched the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a 124–119 overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors. James Harden led the Clippers with 39 points. The loss relegated the Warriors to the Play-In Tournament, where they would face the Memphis Grizzlies. Reuters
Pacers Clinch 4th Seed: The Indiana Pacers completed a historic comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers to secure the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. This set up a first-round matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Reuters
April 15, 2025 (Tuesday) – Play-In Tournament Begins
Magic Dominate Hawks: The Orlando Magic defeated the Atlanta Hawks 120–95 in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament, securing the seventh seed and a playoff berth.
Warriors Edge Grizzlies: The Golden State Warriors narrowly defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 121–116 in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 37 points, while Jimmy Butler contributed 38 points. YouTube
April 16, 2025 (Wednesday) – Play-In Continues
Heat Overcome Bulls: The Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls 109–90 in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Mavericks Beat Kings: The Dallas Mavericks secured a 120–106 victory over the Sacramento Kings in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament, advancing to the next round.Land of Basketball+2ESPN.com+2Reuters+2
April 17, 2025 (Thursday)
No Games Scheduled: The NBA had no games scheduled on this day.Wikihoops
April 18, 2025 (Friday) – Play-In Tournament Concludes
Heat Secure Playoff Spot: The Miami Heat clinched the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 123–114 in overtime. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 30 points, including two crucial three-pointers in overtime. ESPN.com
Grizzlies Claim Final Playoff Spot: The Memphis Grizzlies secured the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 120–106 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. ESPN.com
April 19, 2025 (Saturday) – Playoffs Begin
Pacers Upset Bucks: The Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 117–98 in Game 1 of their first-round series. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 25 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points for the Bucks. Brew Hoop
Nuggets Edge Clippers: The Denver Nuggets narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 112–110 in overtime in Game 1 of their series. NBC Sports
Knicks Rally Past Pistons: The New York Knicks overcame a third-quarter deficit to defeat the Detroit Pistons 123–112 in Game 1. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 34 points and eight assists. Posting and Toasting
Timberwolves Dominate Lakers: The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 117–95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their series.
April 20, 2025 (Sunday) – Playoffs Continue
Thunder Rout Grizzlies: The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Memphis Grizzlies 131–80 in Game 1 of their series, taking a 1–0 lead.
Celtics Defeat Magic: The Boston Celtics secured a 103–86 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 1. Derrick White led the Celtics with 30 points. CelticsBlog
Cavaliers Overcome Heat: The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Miami Heat 121–100 in Game 1 of their series.
Warriors Beat Rockets: The Golden State Warriors secured a 95–85 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their series.
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