The NBA Playoffs are heating up, with thrilling action from the Eastern and Western Conferences. The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder both secured crucial victories, while the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back in style to level their playoff series. Here’s a quick look at the key results:
Indiana Pacers Hold Off Bucks for 2-0 Lead
The Indiana Pacers proved their mettle once again, withstanding a strong challenge from Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks to claim a 123-115 victory in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. The win gives the Pacers a 2-0 series lead and puts them in a strong position to advance.
Pacers stars Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton led the charge. Siakam posted 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Haliburton contributed 21 points and 12 assists. Despite a late charge from the Bucks, who went on a 13-0 scoring run to cut the lead to just two points, the Pacers held their ground.
Damian Lillard, returning to action after a long injury layoff, added 14 points and 7 assists for the Bucks, while Antetokounmpo led all scorers with 34 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists. However, it wasn’t enough to stop the Pacers, who saw six players score in double digits, including Andrew Nembhard, who added 17 points.
Pascal Siakam with a huge three pic.twitter.com/aTrL2dWMBj
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 23, 2025
The game also saw a bit of drama, with a scuffle early in the game that resulted in technical fouls for both teams. As the game wore on, the intensity grew, with the players exchanging heated moments, but the Pacers held strong, securing the win.
Oklahoma City Thunder Dominate Memphis Again
The Oklahoma City Thunder are showing no signs of slowing down, as they defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 118-99 in Game 2, extending their series lead to 2-0. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, were dominant from start to finish, opening the game with a 9-0 run and never looking back.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 27 points, while Jalen Williams added 24 points and Chet Holmgren contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots. The Thunder’s perimeter shooting was on fire, making 12 of their 15 three-pointers in the first half. They also dominated in fast-break points, outscoring Memphis 21-3.
TUESDAY’S FINAL SCORES
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 27 as the @okcthunder take a 2-0 series lead!
Jalen Williams: 24 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
Chet Holmgren: 20 PTS, 11 REB, 5 BLK
Jaren Jackson Jr.: 26 PTS, 6 REBGame 3: Thursday, 9:30pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/UE1VEu8UH5
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2025
Despite strong performances from Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 26 points, and Ja Morant, who added 23 points, the Grizzlies couldn’t mount a comeback. Oklahoma City’s defense held firm, and they never allowed Memphis to get within 15 points in the second half. The Thunder are now in control of the series, with two commanding victories on the road.
Lakers Level Series with Timberwolves
In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back in style to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85, leveling their playoff series at 1-1. After a disappointing loss in Game 1, the Lakers came out strong, taking an early 10-point lead and maintaining a double-digit advantage for much of the game.
Luka Doncic, acquired in a blockbuster trade, played a pivotal role, scoring 31 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 9 assists. LeBron James, playing in his 22nd season, added 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, proving his experience and leadership on both ends of the floor.
LUKA PUTS ON A SHOW, LAKERS TIE UP THE SERIES
31 PTS
12 REB
9 ASTGame 3: Friday (4/25), 9:30pm/et on ESPN pic.twitter.com/fbVdA1TtBM
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2025
The Timberwolves, led by Julius Randle with 27 points and Anthony Edwards with 25 points, fought back in the fourth quarter but couldn’t quite close the gap. The Lakers’ defense, which had been a question mark in Game 1, showed up in a big way, with the team combining for 46 personal fouls in a physical contest.
Despite a poor final quarter, where the Lakers scored just 13 points, they held on for the win. The Timberwolves couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, as their shots wouldn’t fall when they needed them most.
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Key Takeaways from NBA Playoffs Action:
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Indiana Pacers lead 2-0 in their first-round series after a 123-115 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, with Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton leading the charge.
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Oklahoma City Thunder dominate the Memphis Grizzlies 118-99, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren all contributing big performances.
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Los Angeles Lakers bounce back to level their series with a 94-85 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Luka Doncic and LeBron James leading the way.
As the playoffs continue, each team is looking to assert their dominance and secure a spot in the next round. The Pacers, Thunder, and Lakers are all in strong positions, but with many more games to play, there’s still plenty of basketball left to be played. The intensity will only continue to rise as teams battle it out for playoff glory.
