Boston or Golden State — Who Can Actually Come Back?
Both the Celtics and Warriors trail 3-1 and are missing their superstar anchors — Jayson Tatum (Achilles surgery) and Stephen Curry (hamstring). But the situations aren’t equal.
Boston still has a cohesive defensive identity, and even without Tatum, their +7.8 regular-season net rating shows depth. But injuries to key contributors like Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porziņģis have piled on.
Golden State, by contrast, has been in disarray without Curry. The Warriors’ offensive rating has plummeted to 101.9 in the playoffs — one of the worst in postseason history. Even if Curry returns, expecting three straight wins is a tall order.
Verdict: Edge Boston — more depth, and home court in Game 7.
Knicks’ Clutch Grit vs. Timberwolves’ Total Control
No team has closed games better than the Knicks, who’ve been outscored for three quarters but dominate late — a +44 fourth-quarter margin and an overtime win highlight their resilience.
Minnesota, however, has controlled games from the jump. Their pace and defense have overwhelmed veteran opponents.
Clutch vs. dominance — it’s a stylistic clash that may define the conference finals.
Zone Defense: From Trend to Weapon
Zone looks are back in fashion — and they’re working in bursts.
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Denver Nuggets: Under David Adelman, the Nuggets used zone for 55 possessions in Game 4 vs. OKC — the second-most ever tracked in the playoffs. The Thunder scored just 1.08 PPP.
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Cleveland Cavaliers: Switched to zone in Game 3 vs. Indiana — it worked early (0.70 PPP allowed) but fell apart in Game 4 (1.92 PPP). The takeaway? Use it sparingly, adapt quickly.
Kuminga’s Breakout Has Big Paycheck Implications
After a shaky start to the playoffs, Jonathan Kuminga is thriving.
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Last 3 Games: 23.7 PPG, 60% FG, 7 FTA per game
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His downhill game is punishing the Timberwolves’ defensive rotations.
As a restricted free agent, Kuminga’s surge could earn him a major new deal — whether in Golden State or elsewhere.
Ty Jerome’s Slide Could Cost Him
Jerome was solid early, but the Pacers series exposed cracks.
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Game 2: 1-for-14 shooting
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Game 5: Benched for most of the first half
Cleveland faces looming tax penalties — and Jerome’s stock may have taken a hit at the worst time.
Caruso: OKC’s Game-Changer
Traded last summer, Alex Caruso is proving to be OKC’s most important role player.
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Game 1 vs. Denver: 20 pts, 6 asts, 5 steals, 2 blocks
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Defensive Impact: Ranks 3rd all-time in playoff xRAPM behind Garnett and Mutombo
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+22.7 Net Rating when on the court this postseason
In tight games, Mark Daigneault has saved Caruso for big moments — and it’s working. The Thunder’s best five-man unit (Caruso, SGA, Jalen Williams, Holmgren, Hartenstein) hadn’t played together in the regular season — but now, it might be their ticket to the Finals.
Final Word: Depth and Adjustments Rule
As Round 2 nears its end, this postseason isn’t about stars — it’s about systems, counters, and hidden heroes.
From Boston’s battered fight to Denver’s evolving schemes and Oklahoma City’s tactical mastery, 2025 is redefining what wins in the playoffs.
Next Games:
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Thursday: Thunder at Nuggets, 8:30 PM ET
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Friday (if necessary): Celtics at Knicks, 8:00 PM ET
