From last-second daggers to shocking exits, the 2025 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference first round had everything a basketball fan could ask for. With all four series wrapped, here are five of the biggest takeaways from a thrilling opening round.
1. Boston’s Depth Might Be Their Secret Weapon
The Celtics came into the postseason with the league’s best record and expectations to match. But what truly stood out in their 4-1 dismantling of the Miami Heat wasn’t just Jayson Tatum’s steady brilliance or Jaylen Brown’s shot creation — it was the overwhelming depth.
Whether it was Derrick White’s 25-point Game 2 explosion or Sam Hauser knocking down five triples off the bench in Game 4, Boston consistently got contributions from up and down the roster.
“We can win in different ways. That’s the strength of this group,” said coach Joe Mazzulla.
Boston’s defensive versatility also popped. Jrue Holiday hounded Tyler Herro into a rough series (36.5 FG%), while Al Horford held his own against Bam Adebayo in key stretches. With Kristaps Porziņģis easing back into the rotation, the Celtics are peaking at the right time.
2. The Bucks Survive — But Look Vulnerable
The Milwaukee Bucks got all they could handle from the feisty Atlanta Hawks, needing seven games — and a 42-point, 16-rebound effort from Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 7 — to advance.
While the superstar duo of Giannis and Damian Lillard combined for 55.2 points per game, the Bucks’ defense looked shaky. They struggled to contain Trae Young, who averaged 30.1 PPG and nearly led the 8-seed to a historic upset.
Stat of Note:
The Bucks allowed 115.4 points per 100 possessions in the series, the worst among all advancing teams in either conference.
Brook Lopez looked a step slower on pick-and-roll coverages, and Khris Middleton struggled with his shot, hitting just 28.7% from three. If Milwaukee wants to contend with Boston or New York in the later rounds, adjustments on both ends are a must.
3. New York’s Defence Fuels Their Playoff Surge
It wasn’t pretty — and the scores reflected it — but the Knicks grinded past the Indiana Pacers in a gritty six-game series. Tom Thibodeau’s squad turned every game into a slugfest, holding Indiana under 100 points in four of the six matchups.
The engine? A rejuvenated Julius Randle and a relentless defensive trio of Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks forced 15.6 turnovers per game and outscored Indiana by 68 in the paint across the series.
Coaching Callout:
Thibs’ mid-series switch to a zone press after timeouts disrupted Indiana’s tempo and took Tyrese Haliburton out of rhythm.
Offensively, Jalen Brunson was the calming presence, averaging 25.4 points and 7.1 assists, while Hart led all players in total rebounds despite standing just 6’4″.
4. The Cavaliers Took a Leap — Even in Defeat
Cleveland may have fallen to the Sixers in six games, but the series felt like a breakthrough for the young Cavs core. Evan Mobley emerged as a two-way force, especially in Games 3 and 4, where he averaged 22.5 points and held Joel Embiid to sub-50% shooting.
Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell had uneven moments, but Isaac Okoro’s defensive impact and Caris LeVert’s spark off the bench gave fans a glimpse of the future.
“This isn’t the ending we wanted, but we grew a lot in this series,” Mitchell said postgame.
With the right roster tweaks this summer, Cleveland could be a top-four seed in 2026.
5. Philly Is Built for a Deep Run — If Embiid Stays Healthy
It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but the Sixers closed out Cleveland in six games thanks to clutch shot-making from Tyrese Maxey and timely defense from Kelly Oubre Jr. The biggest swing factor, however, remains Joel Embiid’s health.
The reigning MVP looked dominant early, posting 34 and 15 in Game 1. But a sore knee visibly limited him in Games 4 and 5, raising questions about his durability for the long haul.
Tyrese Maxey. The guard averaged 26.1 PPG and looked unafraid in crunch time. His Game 5 dagger — a sidestep triple over Mobley — was one of the series’ defining moments.
Nick Nurse deserves credit, too. His zone schemes slowed Cleveland’s guards, and his decision to go small in Game 6 — benching Tobias Harris for extended stretches — paid off. If Embiid can stay upright, Philly is dangerous.
Quick Hits
- Trae Young’s performance: Despite the Hawks’ loss, Young’s 38-point Game 5 and 14-assist finale reminded everyone of his playoff pedigree.
- Kristaps Porziņģis’ return: Boston eased him in off the bench, but his rim protection was key late in Game 5.
- OG Anunoby’s value: He led the Knicks in plus-minus for the series (+44) and drew the toughest defensive assignments each night.
What’s Next in the East?
With Boston, Milwaukee, New York, and Philadelphia moving on, the East Semis are a battle of heavyweights. Celtics-Bucks offers superstar power, while Knicks-Sixers pits two blue-collar teams with something to prove.
Can the Celtics stay dominant? Will Giannis and Dame find another gear? Is this the Knicks’ year to break through? Can Philly trust Embiid’s body?
One thing’s clear: round 2 is set to deliver fireworks.
