The excitement of the NBA at its peak!
Get ready, basketball fans! The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is here, and at Alofoke Deportes we have all the details so you don’t miss a second of the action in the Eastern and Western Conference semifinals.
Eastern Conference: Epic Battles
The [Indiana Pacers](/nba/team/_/name/ind/indiana-pacers), seeded number 4, struck the first blow on Sunday, snatching home-court advantage from the [Cleveland Cavaliers](/nba/team/_/name/cle/cleveland-cavaliers), who were the number 1 team, with a 121-112 victory. The Cavaliers will seek revenge on Tuesday in Game 2.
On Monday, the [New York Knicks](/nba/team/_/name/ny/new-york-knicks), seeded number 3, defeated the [Boston Celtics](/nba/team/_/name/bos/boston-celtics), seeded number 2, in an exciting game that was decided in overtime, thanks to the 29 points of [Jalen Brunson](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3934672/jalen-brunson).
Western Conference: Clash of Titans
Monday was also the turn of the Western Conference, where the [Denver Nuggets](/nba/team/_/name/den/denver-nuggets), seeded number 4, faced the [Oklahoma City Thunder](/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder), who are the number 1 team.
As teams compete for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy, we present the highlights of both conferences and what to watch for in each series.
Series Analysis
Knicks vs. Celtics: The Knicks (3) lead the Celtics (2) 1-0.
In Game 1, the Knicks secured a 108-105 overtime victory. The Celtics, who at one point led by 20 points, allowed the Knicks to come back into the game, in part due to their excessive reliance on three-point shots.
In Game 2, to be played on Wednesday, the key will be the shooting strategy of [Jayson Tatum](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4065648/jayson-tatum) and [Jaylen Brown](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3917376/jaylen-brown), who did not have their best performance from the three-point line in the first game. In addition, the possible return of [Kristaps Porzingis](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3102531/kristaps-porzingis) could be a determining factor. This victory gives confidence to the Knicks, who showed that they can beat the Celtics.
Pacers vs. Cavaliers: The Pacers (4) lead the Cavaliers (1) 1-0.
The Pacers took the first game with a score of 121-112, stealing home-court advantage. With an excellent performance in the final quarter, the Pacers showed that they are ready to compete against the Cavaliers, who were the favorites. The Indiana team made 19 three-pointers and had six players with double digits in scoring.
In Game 2, to be played on Tuesday, the situation of [Darius Garland](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4396907/darius-garland) will be key for the Cavaliers. They will need Garland, who has missed the last three playoff games, to provide offensive support to [Donovan Mitchell](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3908809/donovan-mitchell), who scored 33 points in the first game.
