Where Things Stand After the Second Weekend of NBA Playoffs

The second weekend of the NBA Playoffs was packed with high-stakes moments and statement wins. Stars stepped up, underdogs fought back, and a few series took surprising turns. With emotions running high, teams are either closing in on the next round or scrambling to stay alive. Both the Eastern and Western Conference standings have started to shift, setting up some thrilling finishes. Here's a full recap of the weekend's most significant moments and where each series stands heading into a pivotal week.

Thunder Sweep Grizzlies 

The Oklahoma City Thunder became the first team to punch their ticket to the second round, completing a sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies struggled mightily in the first two games in OKC, looking completely outmatched on both ends of the floor. Game Three seemed like a turning point when Memphis built a 30-point lead, but a stunning collapse, combined with a late-game injury to Ja Morant, doomed their chances. In Game Four, the Grizzlies battled and kept it close, but without their superstar, they simply didn’t have enough firepower to outlast a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-led Thunder squad. Now, Oklahoma City moves on with plenty of momentum and confidence. 

Clippers and Nuggets Tied at Two

Meanwhile, the Clippers and Nuggets find themselves locked in a 2-2 battle after an intense first four games. The Clippers dominated Game Three, overwhelming Denver with their depth and physicality, and looked poised to take complete control of the series. Facing the threat of a 3-1 deficit, the Nuggets responded in Game Four, though not without drama, nearly blowing a 25-point lead before Aaron Gordon’s putback dunk at the buzzer saved them. At times, the Clippers look like the deeper, more complete team, but with Nikola Jokić, the best player on the floor, the Nuggets always have a fighting chance. This series has all the makings of a classic and feels destined to go the full seven games. 

Warriors Hold the Lead Over the Rockets

In the Warriors-Rockets series, Golden State now holds a 2-1 lead after taking advantage of a missed opportunity by Houston in Game Three. The Rockets managed to even the series in Game Two, but without Jimmy Butler in the lineup for Game Three, they couldn't capitalize on it. Stephen Curry caught fire in the second half, finding too much space, while Houston’s late-game offense once again fell apart due to poor shooting and missed free throws. The Rockets know they can't afford another slip-up and will need to steal Game Four to head back home with the series tied. Otherwise, the Warriors' experience and shot-making could quickly close the door on them. 

Lakers Staring at Elimination from the Wolves

The Lakers-Wolves series, easily the most anticipated matchup of the first round because of the star power on both sides, has delivered plenty of fireworks. Minnesota stole Game One in Los Angeles before the Lakers answered back to even the series. However, when the series shifted to Minnesota, the Wolves used a huge second half in Game Three to spoil what was arguably LeBron’s best performance of the postseason, while Luka Dončić struggled to find his rhythm. Game Four felt like a must-win for the Lakers, and while they played with urgency early and held a comfortable lead for much of the night, their familiar flaws, a thin bench, lack of size, and an overreliance on Lebron James and Luka showed up again late. Anthony Edwards took over down the stretch, proving unstoppable, and the Wolves’ depth and three-point shooting ultimately overwhelmed the Lakers, giving Minnesota a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Cavs Looking for the Sweep Against the Heat

Over in the East, the Cavaliers have taken complete control of their series against the Heat, going up 3-0 and showing exactly why they were heavy favorites. Miami had a real chance to steal Game Two, but Cleveland’s versatility, size, and scoring depth proved to be too much. Even without Darius Garland in Game Three, the Cavs dominated, using their length and defense to effectively disrupt Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. The Heat simply can’t find enough easy offense, while the Cavs keep finding different ways to win. Now, Cleveland is in a position to finish the sweep and get some valuable rest before the next round.

Knicks Aiming for a Gentlemen’s Sweep at MSG Against the Pistons

The Knicks-Pistons series has lived up to the hype, much like Clippers-Nuggets out West, with two talented teams trading big moments. After splitting the first two games in New York, the Pistons returned home to a raucous playoff atmosphere for the first time in years. Game Three was a tight battle, but the Knicks held a steady three-to-four-point cushion most of the way behind a huge offensive night, and the Pistons just couldn’t quite keep pace. Game Four flipped the energy, with Detroit playing from ahead most of the second half while Jalen Brunson tried to will the Knicks back into it. Both sides traded haymakers in the closing minutes, but Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks made one more big play. However, the finish wasn’t without controversy, as the Knicks appeared to get away with a clear foul that could have sent the Pistons to the line for a game-winning opportunity, leaving Detroit frustrated heading back to New York down 3-1.

Celtics Are in Command of the Magic

The Celtics-Magic series has been much more competitive than most expected, with Orlando showing real fight against the top seed. Even after dropping the first two games on the road, the Magic kept things close deep into both contests before Boston’s late-game runs made the difference. That resilience paid off in Game Three, where Orlando scratched out a gritty, nail-biting win to get on the board. The series has been defined by physicality and defense, with both teams focusing on that end, and the Magic’s offensive struggles keeping the scores low. Game Four followed a similar script, a back-and-forth grind until the Celtics clamped down defensively late and hit just enough timely shots to steal the win and take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Pacers Eye Gentlemen’s Sweep Against the Bucks

In the Bucks-Pacers series, the first two games saw Indiana take control, heading home with a 2-0 lead. However, the Bucks got a boost in Game Three with the return of Damian Lillard. Although they got off to a slow start, they exploded in the second half with a 72-44 run, led by the unstoppable Giannis Antetokounmpo. That surge was enough to get Milwaukee back in the series and cut Indiana’s lead to 2-1. Game Four, however, took another dramatic turn. Lillard went down early with an injury, and the Pacers took full advantage, playing with relentless offense and showcasing their depth and shooting prowess. Despite Giannis’s best efforts, the Bucks’ defense couldn’t contain Indiana, as the Pacers pulled away to a 3-1 series lead, heading back home with a chance to close it out.