The path to the 2025 NBA Finals has been full of excitement, culminating in the highly anticipated Game 1 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. Featuring thrilling dunks and intense seven-game series in the first round, this postseason has offered many memorable moments. Highlights included a gripping second-round matchup between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, and a dramatic series between the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets. The Indiana Pacers also made waves by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers to reach their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals. Here`s a photographic look back at some of the most significant moments from the 2025 NBA playoffs.
An Improbable Game-Winner
In their first-round series against the Clippers, facing a 2-1 deficit, the Nuggets required a win in Game 4. Despite losing a 20-point fourth-quarter lead and the game becoming tied, Nikola Jokic`s potential game-winning three-pointer missed. Fortunately for the Nuggets, Aaron Gordon was in the right place to secure the rebound and slam it home as time expired, winning the game. Basketball-Reference reports this as the first game-winning buzzer-beating dunk in NBA postseason history.
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Memorable Dunks
Game 7 of that series featured another sensational dunk, with Russell Westbrook playing a significant role off the bench for the Nuggets in their victory. He punctuated a late dunk by hanging on the rim, which resulted in a technical foul but created an iconic photograph. Later, in the semifinals against the Celtics, OG Anunoby`s and-one dunk opened the scoring in overtime during Game 1. This play provided a memorable snapshot of Anunoby elevated above Celtics star Jayson Tatum.
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A Stunning Comeback
In the semifinals, the Cavaliers seemed poised for a crucial Game 2 victory, leading by seven points with less than a minute left. Yet, Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated a stunning comeback. He sank a step-back three-pointer as time expired (initially appearing to be the game-winner), securing the win for Indiana. This was their second such victory this postseason when trailing by seven or more points in the final minute. The shot prompted fervent celebrations from his teammates, contrasted with Haliburton`s calm reaction.
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Celebrations 25 Years in the Making
The New York Knicks` return to the Eastern Conference Finals was long-awaited, marking their first appearance in 25 years after defeating Boston in six games. Their decisive 119-81 win in Game 6 at Madison Square Garden, the largest playoff victory margin in franchise history, ignited wild celebrations among fans in New York, especially outside the Garden.
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An Unforgettable Troll
T.J. McConnell is an essential part of the Pacers` depth. In Game 5 against New York, he scored a notable basket and celebrated by making a gesture towards the celebrity section at Madison Square Garden. This prompted reactions from several well-known Knicks supporters, including Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, and Ben Stiller.
Recreating an Iconic Moment
The East Finals series against the Pacers brought back a historic matchup for the Knicks. In Game 1, New York appeared to have the win sealed with a nine-point lead late in the fourth quarter. However, Aaron Nesmith caught fire with multiple three-pointers, and missed free throws by the Knicks enabled Tyrese Haliburton to hit a jumper at the buzzer, seemingly winning the game and sending it to overtime. Haliburton then mirrored Pacers legend Reggie Miller`s famous “choke” gesture towards the crowd, a taunt Miller famously directed at Spike Lee in the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals. An official review confirmed Haliburton`s shot was a two-pointer, but Indiana went on to win in overtime and eventually took the series in six games, reaching the Finals for the first time since 2000.
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