Saturday, April 19, 2025, delivered a thrilling slate of NBA action, as the Play-In Tournament wrapped up and the 2025 NBA Playoffs tipped off with Game 1 matchups across both conferences.
NBA Play-In Tournament Results
Miami Heat 123, Atlanta Hawks 114 (OT)
East Play-In – 8th Seed Game
The Heat claimed the final Eastern Conference playoff spot with an overtime victory over the Hawks. Miami pulled away late in OT thanks to clutch plays down the stretch and now advances as the No. 8 seed.
Memphis Grizzlies 120, Dallas Mavericks 106
West Play-In – 8th Seed Game
Memphis punched their ticket to the playoffs by eliminating the Mavericks in convincing fashion. The Grizzlies now move on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
NBA Playoffs – First Round Game 1 Results
Indiana Pacers 117, Milwaukee Bucks 98
East 1st Round – IND leads series 1-0
The Pacers controlled Game 1 from start to finish, opening their first-round series against the Bucks with a dominant win at home.
Denver Nuggets 112, LA Clippers 110 (OT)
West 1st Round – DEN leads series 1-0
The Nuggets outlasted the Clippers in a tightly contested overtime battle to take a 1-0 series lead. A strong defensive stand in the closing seconds helped secure the win.
New York Knicks 123, Detroit Pistons 112
East 1st Round – NY leads series 1-0
The Knicks used a massive fourth-quarter surge to pull away from the Pistons and claim Game 1 at Madison Square Garden.
Minnesota Timberwolves 117, LA Lakers 95
Huge shock for the Lakers as the Timberwolves take advantage.
What’s Next
- The Heat will face the No. 1-seeded Boston Celtics in the East.
- The Grizzlies move on to challenge the top-seeded Thunder in the West.
- Game 2 matchups for ongoing playoff series are set to continue this week.
