The 2025 NBA Play-offs tipped off with high drama, intense physicality, and some standout individual performances.

From Stephen Curry’s vintage brilliance to the Minnesota Timberwolves pulling off the only road win in the opening round, here’s a full wrap-up of all the first-round action.

Curry, Butler Fire Warriors Past Rockets in Series Opener

Houston Rockets 85–95 Golden State Warriors…Series: Warriors lead 1-0

Stephen Curry led from the front with a game-high 31 points as the seventh-seeded Golden State Warriors stunned the second-seeded Houston Rockets in Texas, claiming a crucial 95-85 win to open their Western Conference first-round series.

Curry also contributed six rebounds and three assists, while Jimmy Butler added 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in a commanding performance for Steve Kerr’s side.

The Rockets, back in the play-offs for the first time since the 2019-20 season, were left ruing missed opportunities and a lack of physical presence.

Game 2 is set for Thursday, where Golden State will look to steal another on the road.

Timberwolves Overpower Lakers Behind McDaniels’ Spark

Los Angeles Lakers 95–117 Minnesota Timberwolves… Series: Timberwolves lead 1-0

The sixth-seeded Timberwolves made a statement at the Crypto.com Arena, thrashing the third-seeded Lakers by 22 points.

Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 25 points, supported by Naz Reid (23 off the bench) and Anthony Edwards, who had 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.

The Lakers trailed by as much as 27, with LeBron James scoring 19 points after being held scoreless in the first quarter.

Luka Dončić, making his play-off debut for the Lakers after a blockbuster move from Dallas, dropped 37 points but couldn’t prevent the loss.

Jokic, Nuggets Escape in Overtime Thriller

Denver Nuggets 112–110 Los Angeles Clippers (OT)… Series: Nuggets lead 1-0

Defending champions Denver Nuggets overcame a 15-point deficit to edge the Clippers in a nail-biting overtime contest.

Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, showed his class with 29 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists, and three steals.

The Clippers started strong but were reeled in by a determined Denver side led by Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook, who battled through a physical matchup to protect home court.

Knicks’ Late Surge Sinks Pistons

New York Knicks 123–112 Detroit Pistons… Series: Knicks lead 1-0

The New York Knicks came back from eight down heading into the final quarter to hand the Detroit Pistons a 123-112 loss, scoring 21 unanswered points in the fourth to secure the win.

Jalen Brunson was instrumental with 34 points, including 23 in the second half.

He received strong support from Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, who both posted 23 points.

It’s Detroit’s first play-off appearance since 2019 and they remain winless in postseason games since 2008.

Pacers Shock Bucks Despite Giannis’ Heroics

Milwaukee Bucks 98–117 Indiana Pacers…Series: Pacers lead 1-0

Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 36-point outing, the Indiana Pacers stunned the Milwaukee Bucks with a 117-98 blowout win.

The Pacers out-hustled and out-shot Milwaukee, spreading the floor with efficient ball movement and timely scoring.

Milwaukee, widely considered a title contender, will now be under pressure to bounce back in Game 2.

Cavaliers Cruise Past Heat Behind Mitchell and Garland

Cleveland Cavaliers 121–100 Miami Heat…Series: Cavaliers lead 1-0

Donovan Mitchell (30 points), Darius Garland (27), and Ty Jerome (28) powered the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Miami Heat in a commanding 121-100 victory.

Jerome’s performance was particularly notable as he marked his play-off debut with 16 of his 28 points coming in the final quarter.

The Cavs dominated both ends of the floor and looked poised and composed throughout, setting a strong tone in their Eastern Conference series.

What’s Next

The second legs of these first-round match-ups begin midweek, with Golden State looking to go 2-0 on the road and teams like Milwaukee and the Lakers aiming to regroup quickly.

With form and physicality all in sharp focus, the 2025 NBA Play-offs are shaping up to be a rollercoaster ride.