NBA Playoffs 2025: Knicks Shock Pistons with 21-0 Run, Nuggets and Pacers Also Secure Game 1 Wins
The 2025 NBA Playoffs tipped off with drama and dominance on April 19, as the Knicks pulled off a jaw-dropping 21-0 fourth-quarter run to defeat the Pistons, while the Nuggets and Pacers also grabbed Game 1 victories in style.
Key Highlights:
NBA Playoffs 2025 launched in spectacular fashion on April 19, with the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers registering crucial Game 1 wins to set the tone for their first-round series. From a 21-0 fourth-quarter Knicks run to an overtime thriller in Denver, fans were treated to high-octane postseason basketball.
Knicks Erupt with 21-0 Run to Stun Pistons at MSG
In one of the most stunning playoff comebacks in recent memory, the New York Knicks overturned an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Detroit Pistons 123-112, thanks to a 21-0 scoring burst over 4.5 minutes.
- Jalen Brunson: 34 points, 6 assists (8 points during run)
- OG Anunoby: 23 points
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 23 points, 11 rebounds
- Cameron Payne: 14 crucial bench points
The Knicks, who trailed 98-90 early in the fourth, locked down defensively and went on an unstoppable run that left the Pistons rattled. Detroit, despite solid efforts from Tobias Harris (25 points) and Cade Cunningham (21 points, 12 assists), was undone by 21 turnovers and 31.8% shooting in Q4.
“That was a playoff gut check,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. “Defense created offense — exactly what we needed.”
Nuggets Edge Clippers in Overtime Classic
The reigning champion Denver Nuggets needed every ounce of grit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 112-110 in overtime at Ball Arena.
- Nikola Jokić: 29 points, 12 assists, 9 rebounds
- Aaron Gordon: 25 points (6 in OT)
- Michael Porter Jr.: 19 points
The Clippers fought hard behind Kawhi Leonard (28 points) and Paul George (24), leading for most of the first half. However, the Nuggets clawed back from a 15-point deficit, tied the game in regulation, and sealed the win with Gordon’s late OT bucket and a defensive stand on the final possession.
“That’s what champions do — we bend but don’t break,” said Jokić postgame.
Pacers Dominate Short-Handed Bucks in Statement Win
The Indiana Pacers made a statement with a commanding 117-98 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, capitalizing on the absence of Damian Lillard (illness) and a limited Milwaukee rotation.
- Pascal Siakam: 25 points, 7 rebounds
- Myles Turner: 22 points, 8 rebounds
- Andrew Nembhard: 18 points, 6 assists
Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 36-point effort, the Bucks never looked in sync. Indiana’s fast-paced, physical style overwhelmed Milwaukee defensively and exposed their lack of backcourt depth without Lillard.
“This was a full-team effort,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “We dictated tempo, and that was the key.”
What These Wins Mean for the Series
Knicks vs Pistons
- Knicks take 1-0 lead with home-court advantage
- Pistons need to regroup and cut turnovers for Game 2
- Brunson’s ankle will be a storyline to watch
Nuggets vs Clippers
- Nuggets remain favorites but Clippers showed fight
- Game 2 promises to be another intense battle in Denver
Pacers vs Bucks
- Indiana seizes early control of the series
- Milwaukee’s Game 2 fate may hinge on Lillard’s health
NBA Playoffs 2025 – What’s Next?
- April 21 Lineup: Celtics vs Heat, Suns vs Mavericks, Warriors vs Timberwolves
- Viewership Surge: Opening weekend viewership up 17% YoY
- Fan Reaction: #KnicksRun, #NuggetsSurvive, and #PacersLead trended globally on X
NBA Playoffs 2025 has launched with high-stakes drama, comeback magic, and defining performances. As Round 1 continues, the narrative is clear: no series is safe, and no lead is guaranteed.
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