The 2024-25 NBA playoffs are underway, and here`s a breakdown of the first round in the Western Conference.
The Western Conference has been unpredictable all season, and the first games of the playoffs suggest exciting matchups. The Denver Nuggets, seeded No. 4, secured an overtime victory against the No. 5 LA Clippers in Game 1, highlighted by Russell Westbrook`s clutch plays. In the later game, the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves surprised the No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers, with Anthony Edwards outperforming LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Sunday`s schedule includes MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder hosting Ja Morant and the No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies. Following that, the No. 2 Houston Rockets, a significantly improved team this season, will face Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and the No. 7 Golden State Warriors.
Here are the main points from Saturday`s games as we prepare for Sunday`s matchups.
Series to Watch:
Thunder vs. Grizzlies | Rockets vs. Warriors
Lakers vs. Timberwolves | Nuggets vs. Clippers
More Coverage:
East first-round takeaways
Schedules and results | 
Offseason guides
(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
(Timberwolves lead series, 1-0)
Game 1: Timberwolves 117, Lakers 95
Game 1 Key Takeaways:
The Lakers started Game 1 with high hopes, releasing a hype video with the motto `Unleash Joy` to kick off their `2025 Playoff Run`. This anticipation was justified given their strong performance after acquiring Luka Doncic and securing the No. 3 seed.
Initially, the Lakers seemed on track, with Doncic scoring 14 early points as L.A. took a 20-12 lead. However, the Timberwolves, who had lost to Doncic in the previous conference finals, shifted the narrative.
`We know we are not the favorites,` said Minnesota coach Chris Finch before the game. `I think our team is using that as motivation.`
After Doncic`s initial surge, the Timberwolves took control in the second and third quarters, building a lead as large as 27 points. They dominated the rebounding (44-38) and effectively spread the Lakers` defense, achieving a franchise postseason record with 21 three-pointers made out of 42 attempts. While pre-series focus was on stars like Doncic, LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, and Julius Randle, Minnesota`s role players, Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, stole the show. They combined for 48 points on efficient 19-for-25 shooting, outperforming the Lakers` supporting cast and giving the Timberwolves a series lead.
Game 2: Timberwolves at Lakers (Tuesday, 10 p.m. ET, TNT)
Game 2 Preview:
Lakers coach JJ Redick limited starting center Jaxson Hayes to just eight minutes in Game 1, opting for Jarred Vanderbilt at center to try and reduce the deficit. Redick faces a decision for Game 2: should he revisit starting Hayes, a lineup that was successful in the regular season (10-3), or continue with a smaller lineup from the start, accepting the size disadvantage?
(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) LA Clippers
(Nuggets lead series, 1-0)
Game 1: Nuggets 112, Clippers 110 (OT)
Game 1 Key Takeaways:
Denver showed resilience in Game 1. Despite Nikola Jokic taking a hit to the face and receiving a technical foul, the Nuggets rallied from a 15-point deficit to win in overtime. Russell Westbrook was crucial with offensive rebounds and key plays, including a go-ahead 3-pointer late in the game. Jamal Murray recovered from a slow start to hit two important 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and Aaron Gordon contributed six of Denver`s 14 overtime points to secure the victory.
The Clippers will regret James Harden`s foul trouble, which limited his impact despite his brilliance when on the court. The Nuggets, through grit, might have rediscovered their championship form after a shaky end to the regular season.
Game 2: Clippers at Nuggets (Monday, 10 p.m. ET, TNT)
Game 2 Preview:
Both teams appeared fatigued by the end of Game 1 and have limited recovery time before Game 2 on Monday. The Clippers` 20 turnovers, leading to 29 points for Denver, were costly. On Denver`s side, more contribution is needed from Michael Porter Jr., who, after scoring the Nuggets` first points, was quiet for the remainder of the game, finishing with only three points in 26 minutes.
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies
Game 1: Grizzlies at Thunder (Sunday, April 20, 1 p.m. ET, ABC)
Thunder Preview:
For a team with near-record wins and point differential, the ultimate goal is an easy championship run. Historically dominant playoff runs include the 2016-17 Warriors (16-1) and last year`s Celtics (16-3). Oklahoma City has the potential for similar dominance, though they may face tougher competition than the previous Celtics.
Grizzlies Preview:
Memphis struggled in March, leading to the firing of coach Taylor Jenkins and the promotion of Tuomas Iisalo. The change aims to maximize Ja Morant`s impact. While the Grizzlies initially struggled under Iisalo, they appear to be adapting.
(2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors
Game 1: Warriors at Rockets (Sunday, April 20, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
Rockets Preview:
Can Houston`s half-court offense consistently perform against the experienced Warriors in a seven-game series? Coach Ime Udoka is focused on this, emphasizing physicality and offensive improvements. Udoka previously coached against Golden State in the 2022 Finals, witnessing Stephen Curry`s dominance. Houston may have a Curry defender in Amen Thompson, who effectively guarded Curry in their April 6th game. Can Thompson handle this role in his first playoffs?
Warriors Preview:
The Warriors need to find ways to free Curry from Houston`s physical defenders like Thompson and Dillon Brooks. Jimmy Butler III needs to support Curry in scoring and lead during non-Curry minutes. Draymond Green must manage to defend Alperen Sengun inside, despite the height difference.