Wednesday`s fifth games in the 2025 NBA playoffs delivered two distinct outcomes for the competing teams.
In the Eastern Conference, trailing the series 3-1 and playing without the injured Jayson Tatum (ruptured Achilles), the Boston Celtics put forth a dominant effort to defeat the New York Knicks 127-102 in Game 5. This crucial victory ensures the series will continue to Game 6, scheduled for Friday night at Madison Square Garden. Derrick White spearheaded the Celtics` offense, scoring 34 points. Jaylen Brown also had a stellar performance with 26 points, a career-best 12 assists, and 8 rebounds. Reserve center Luke Kornet was a notable contributor, adding 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 blocks.
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors were unable to replicate Boston`s success in their Game 5. The Minnesota Timberwolves controlled the game from start to finish, securing a 121-110 win to close out their series against the Warriors on their home court.
This series-clinching win sends Minnesota to the Western Conference finals for the second consecutive season, marking the first time this has happened in franchise history. The Timberwolves will advance to face the winner of the series between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Julius Randle was the top performer for Minnesota in Game 5, finishing with 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Anthony Edwards provided significant support, contributing 22 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds.
According to ESPN Research, this game marked the seventh occasion this postseason where both Edwards and Randle have each scored 20 or more points in the same playoff game. This achievement surpasses the record held by Kevin Garnett and Latrell Sprewell (set in 2004) for the most such games by a duo in a single Timberwolves playoff run.
Here is a summary of the highlights and key takeaways from these two significant NBA playoff contests.
