The 2025 NBA Playoffs East Updates after Game 3 reveal major storylines: Cleveland’s dominance, Boston’s injury woes, Milwaukee’s fight to stay alive, and New York’s resilience.
Cavaliers Crush Heat to Take 3-0 Series Lead
Cleveland showed no mercy in Miami, cruising to a 124-87 Game 3 victory despite missing Darius Garland. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley combined for 41 points, overwhelming Miami inside with a 60-30 paint advantage.
Bench production was a huge boost, as Ty Jerome and DeAndre Hunter added 34 points. Cleveland now holds a commanding 3-0 series lead with Game 4 on Monday. Focus is on maintaining sharpness and closing out without needing Garland back.
Celtics Stumble Against Magic as Turnovers Prove Costly
The Celtics fell 95-93 in Game 3 despite Jayson Tatum’s heroic 36-point return. Boston was plagued by 21 turnovers and poor three-point shooting, allowing Orlando’s Franz Wagner (32 points) and Paolo Banchero (29 points) to steal the win.
Boston leads 2-1 heading into Game 4 on Sunday (7 PM ET, TNT), but injuries to Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday cast major doubts over their playoff durability.
Bucks Fight Back Behind Gary Trent Jr.’s Breakout Game
Milwaukee stayed alive with a 117-101 Game 3 victory over Indiana, fueled by Gary Trent Jr.’s explosive 37-point performance — tying Ray Allen’s Bucks playoff record with nine threes.
Giannis Antetokounmpo added 37 points of his own, but questions remain around supporting scorers like Damian Lillard and Kyle Kuzma, especially heading into a crucial Game 4 Sunday night (9:30 PM ET, TNT). Indiana still leads 2-1.
Knicks Survive Pistons’ Furious Comeback
Karl-Anthony Towns rebounded from a tough Game 2, dropping 31 points to help the Knicks edge the Pistons 118-116 in a chaotic Game 3. Every Knicks starter except Josh Hart (who posted 11 rebounds and 9 assists) scored at least 20 points.
The Detroit crowd created a hostile environment, but New York’s composure shined through late. The Knicks now lead the series 2-1 and look to take control in Game 4 Sunday (1 PM ET, ABC).
Key 2025 NBA Playoffs East Updates Takeaways
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The Cavaliers look unbeatable, with depth and size overwhelming Miami.
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Boston is vulnerable, battered by injuries and self-inflicted mistakes.
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Milwaukee finally showed life, but needs consistency beyond Giannis.
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New York’s playoff experience is proving crucial against a hungry Pistons squad.
