The Oklahoma City Thunder are gearing up for another playoff challenge after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. With a 117-115 victory in Game 4, they now face a week-long break before their next series, which could commence between May 3-6. The Thunder have previously navigated long layoff periods, having experienced similar breaks during last year's playoffs and the current season. Head coach Mark Daigneault expressed confidence in their preparation, stating they have improved in maintaining rhythm during such gaps. This time, the Thunder will likely benefit from a significant rest advantage as their next opponent, either the Denver Nuggets or LA Clippers, is expected to engage in a physically taxing series.

The NBA playoffs have showcased a fiercely competitive first-round series between the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers and the fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets, with both teams currently tied at two games apiece. The Clippers' Kawhi Leonard emphasizes the equal footing of both squads, noting their identical 50-32 records and split regular-season series, which has led to thrilling matchups, three of which have been decided in the final seconds. The tension peaked in Game 4, where the Nuggets narrowly clinched the win with a last-second tip-in by Aaron Gordon, capping off a dramatic comeback effort by the Clippers from a 22-point deficit.

The series has shown the resilience of both teams, with Leonard leading the Clippers in scoring and a robust defense limiting the Nuggets to an average of 99.5 points per game. The Nuggets have leaned heavily on their star Nikola Jokic, who is performing at an elite level with a triple-double average in the series. As the series shifts back to Denver for Game 5, both teams know that they must dig deep to secure their place in the next round.

The Denver Nuggets have shown resilience in their playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, coming back from a tough loss to win Game 4. After Kawhi Leonard's impressive 39-point performance helped the Clippers take a 2-1 series lead, the Nuggets responded dramatically with a nail-biting 98-96 victory, capped off by an Aaron Gordon buzzer-beater.

Gordon's clutch performance included 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists, providing a much-needed spark for Denver. This pivotal moment not only kept the Nuggets in the series but also refuted Charles Barkley's earlier prediction that the series was over. As the Nuggets prepare for Game 5 at Ball Arena, they look to inch closer to a second-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The 2025 NBA playoffs are heating up as Game 4s are set for Sunday, featuring pivotal matchups: the Pistons face the Knicks, the Timberwolves take on the Lakers, the Magic battle the Celtics, and the Bucks meet the Pacers. Each series stands at 2-1, presenting opportunities for the Knicks, Timberwolves, Celtics, and Pacers to take commanding leads, while the Pistons, Lakers, Magic, and Bucks seek to even their respective series.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the playoff favorites, have already secured their spot in the second round, completing a sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies. They will await the winner of the series between the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets. The playoffs will continue to showcase the league's best as the competition intensifies.

In a thrilling showdown, the Denver Nuggets edged out the Los Angeles Clippers 101-99, tying their playoff series at 2-2. Aaron Gordon's sensational buzzer-beater, a dunk off a deflected Nikola Jokic shot, highlighted a game that saw the Nuggets nearly squander a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter. Tensions flared during a significant scuffle involving Gordon, Christian Braun, and James Harden, resulting in technical fouls for several players, including Jokic and Norman Powell. Michael Porter Jr.'s impulsive bench exit during the altercation has raised concerns about a potential suspension for Game 5, as he was seen straying too far from the bench, violating NBA rules on player conduct during fights.