Sun May 11 19:50:00 UTC 2025: ## NBA Playoffs Heat Up as Several Teams Hold 2-1 Series Leads

**NEW YORK, NY** – The NBA Playoffs are in full swing, with several teams holding commanding 2-1 series leads as the Conference Semifinals intensify. The Boston Celtics, after overcoming their tendency to squander large leads, defeated the New York Knicks in Game 3, winning convincingly despite a 31-point advantage. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves edged out the Golden State Warriors in a game marked by Stephen Curry’s absence due to injury and Draymond Green’s ejection.

Four teams currently hold a 2-1 advantage: the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Denver Nuggets. Game 4 matchups scheduled for Sunday include the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Indiana Pacers, and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Denver Nuggets. Further games are slated for Sunday and Monday.

The Oklahoma City Thunder remains the betting favorite to win the NBA title, followed by the Boston Celtics. Several individual awards have also been announced, including Oklahoma City’s Sam Presti winning Executive of the Year and Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson taking home Coach of the Year honors. Other notable awards include Jrue Holiday’s Social Justice and Sportsmanship awards, and Jalen Brunson’s Clutch Player of the Year award.

This year’s playoffs have been characterized by remarkable comebacks, with a record-breaking five wins by teams that trailed by 20 points or more— a testament to the unpredictable nature of the postseason. The Knicks, in particular, have faced such large deficits multiple times against the Celtics this season.

Despite the thrilling comebacks, the Celtics’ Jaylen Brown emphasized the importance of winning four games to secure a series victory, highlighting the long road ahead for all contending teams. The playoffs continue with several games scheduled throughout the coming weeks culminating in the NBA Finals, set to begin on June 5th. The NBA draft is scheduled for June 25th and 26th.

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