Western Conference playoff action continues with several matchups on tap for NBA games today and this week. First-round series are heating up, featuring surprising blowouts and tightly contested battles. Teams vie for position in the quest for the NBA Finals.
The No. 4 Denver Nuggets and No. 5 LA Clippers played another close thriller Monday. The Clippers secured a Game 2 win thanks to Kawhi Leonard's strong showing. His efficient 39 points tied the series 1-1 as it shifts to Los Angeles. Leonard displayed notable scoring ability after a challenging Game 1.
Denver received solid contributions from Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon in Game 2. Russell Westbrook also made an offensive impact for the Nuggets. However, the team needs more production from other players to win on the road. The Nuggets did control the offensive glass, creating second-chance points. The series continues with Game 3 Thursday.
In other Western Conference play, the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder hold a dominant 1-0 lead over the No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies. The Thunder posted a 51-point blowout win in Game 1. Oklahoma City's defense stifled Memphis, limiting transition opportunities.
The Grizzlies face a difficult task against the top-seeded Thunder. Oklahoma City's perimeter defense, featuring Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace, presents a challenge for Ja Morant. Their tandem of rim protectors, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, anchor the defense. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night.
The No. 7 Golden State Warriors lead the No. 2 Houston Rockets 1-0. The Warriors won Game 1 by a score of 95-85. Golden State's defense limited the Rockets to their fewest points this season. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III led the Warriors offensively.
Houston struggled shooting from three-point range but battled back by dominating the boards. Alperen Sengun was a primary scorer for the Rockets, particularly effective against Draymond Green. Houston aims to assert physicality and rely on Sengun further. The series continues with Game 2 Wednesday.
The No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves lead the No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers 1-0. Minnesota took Game 1 with a 117-95 victory. While Luka Doncic started strong for the Lakers, Minnesota took control behind strong performances from Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid.
Minnesota shot efficiently from beyond the arc, hitting a franchise playoff record 21 three-pointers. They also won the rebounding battle. Lakers coach JJ Redick may adjust his lineup after starting center Jaxson Hayes played limited minutes in Game 1. The Lakers try to even the series in Game 2 Tuesday.
These matchups headline the current NBA playoff schedule, providing fans with competitive action across the Western Conference.
