Clippers and Timberwolves Clinch NBA Playoff Spots After Final-Day Victories
The final day of the NBA regular season delivered high drama as the LA Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves locked in their spots in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Both teams claimed crucial wins that not only secured their postseason berths but also reshaped the Western Conference seedings.
The Clippers edged out the Golden State Warriors in a thrilling 124-119 overtime clash, powered by James Harden’s stellar 39-point performance, including 12 in the extra period. The victory ensured a fifth-place finish for LA, who now face defending champions the Denver Nuggets in the first round. Denver also closed the regular season strong, beating the Houston Rockets 126-111 to secure fourth place.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves wrapped up their campaign with a 116-105 win over the Utah Jazz, thanks to a sensational 43-point outburst by Anthony Edwards. Minnesota leapfrogged into the sixth seed and is now set to face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in what promises to be a blockbuster first-round matchup.
Full Western Conference Playoff Picture
With these results, the Western Conference playoff seedings are officially set. Oklahoma City Thunder claim the top seed, followed by the Houston Rockets, Lakers, Nuggets, Clippers, and Timberwolves. The play-in tournament will feature the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and Sacramento Kings.
In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers enter as the No. 1 seed, with the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks among the top contenders. The Detroit Pistons’ surprising season sees them return to the playoffs, joined by the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks. The play-in spots are occupied by the Hawks, Magic, Heat, and Bulls.
How the NBA Playoffs Format Works
The NBA Play-In Tournament kicks off this week and determines the final two playoff spots in each conference. Teams seeded 7th to 10th battle for those final positions. The seventh seed hosts the eighth seed, with the winner advancing directly to face the second seed in the playoffs. The loser of that matchup gets one more chance, playing the winner of the 9 vs. 10 game to earn the eighth and final playoff berth.
Once the playoff bracket is finalized, each round is contested in a best-of-seven series format leading to the NBA Finals, which tip off on June 5 and could run until June 22 if a Game 7 is needed.
Stay tuned as the road to the NBA championship begins!
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