Sun Apr 27 03:40:00 UTC 2025: **NBA Playoffs Heat Up: Thunder Advance, Nuggets Steal Game 4 Thriller**
DENVER, CO – The 2024-25 NBA Playoffs are underway, delivering thrilling upsets and dominant performances. The Oklahoma City Thunder have become the first team to advance to the second round, sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in four games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 38 points in the series-clinching victory, capitalizing on the Grizzlies’ 22 turnovers in Ja Morant’s absence.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets evened their series against the LA Clippers with a dramatic Game 4 win. Nikola Jokic delivered a masterful 36-point, 21-rebound performance, but the Nuggets nearly squandered a 20-point lead before Aaron Gordon’s buzzer-beating dunk secured the 101-99 victory. The Clippers, who struggled from three-point range in Game 4, face a pivotal Game 5 on the road.
The Golden State Warriors, playing without Jimmy Butler III due to injury, took a 2-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets with a 104-93 win. Stephen Curry led the scoring with 36 points, while Gary Payton II provided crucial fourth-quarter support. Butler’s status for Game 4 remains uncertain.
In a Western Conference clash, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 116-104 in Game 3, despite a record-setting 38-point performance from LeBron James. Jaden McDaniels (30 points) and Anthony Edwards (29 points) led the Timberwolves’ offensive charge. The Lakers face a must-win Game 4 on Sunday to avoid a 3-1 series deficit. The series continues with a quick turnaround for Game 4.
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