The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue with thrilling matchups, as the Golden State Warriors take a pivotal 2-1 lead against the Houston Rockets, and Aaron Gordon delivers an incredible game-winning dunk for the Denver Nuggets.

April 27, 2025 – Yahoo Sports Staff

Game 3 Results:

• Cleveland Cavaliers 124, Miami Heat 87 (Cavs lead series 3-0)

• Oklahoma City Thunder 117, Memphis Grizzlies 115 (Thunder win series 4-0)

• Denver Nuggets 101, Los Angeles Clippers 99 (Series tied, 2-2)

• Golden State Warriors 104, Houston Rockets 93 (Warriors lead series 2-1)

The 2025 NBA Playoffs saw intense action on Saturday, with key performances shifting the momentum of multiple series. Let’s dive into the biggest takeaways:

Golden State Warriors 104, Houston Rockets 93: Curry’s Heroics Lead Warriors to Victory

The Golden State Warriors capitalized on an outstanding performance by Stephen Curry to overcome the Houston Rockets in Game 3, despite the absence of Jimmy Butler for the Rockets. Curry delivered 36 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, demonstrating why he’s considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time.

Despite the Rockets’ best efforts to defend Curry, including double-teams and constant defensive adjustments, Curry proved unstoppable. The Warriors were down by 12 points in the second quarter but mounted a spectacular comeback, culminating in a dominant fourth quarter performance.

Draymond Green, known for his defensive prowess, played a crucial role in limiting the Rockets’ shooting in the paint. Green’s impact was evident when he exchanged heated words with Jalen Green of the Rockets after the buzzer, showing the fierce competition on display.

The Warriors now hold a 2-1 series lead, with Game 4 set for Monday, where the Rockets will attempt to recover without their star player, Butler.

Aaron Gordon Delivers Game-Winner for Nuggets in Thrilling Victory Over Clippers

Aaron Gordon stunned the Los Angeles Clippers with a game-winning dunk at the buzzer in a thrilling 101-99 victory. The Nuggets and Clippers had been locked in a back-and-forth battle throughout the game, with the Clippers staging an incredible 22-point comeback in the fourth quarter.

However, Nikola Jokić was a force to be reckoned with, finishing with 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 8 assists. The three-time MVP played a key role in Denver’s offensive surge, even contributing to the play that set up Gordon’s last-second dunk. The game was tied at 99-99, and after a missed three-pointer by Jokić, Gordon was there to slam home the rebound just before the buzzer, securing the win and tying the series 2-2.

This jaw-dropping finish ensured the series remains intense, with both teams playing at an elite level. Gordon, despite battling injuries, contributed 14 points and played a pivotal role in Denver’s defense as well.

Oklahoma City Thunder 117, Memphis Grizzlies 115: Thunder Complete Sweep

Oklahoma City Thunder capped off a dominant series against the Memphis Grizzlies with a hard-fought 117-115 victory in Game 4. Despite missing Ja Morant, Memphis stayed competitive thanks to strong performances from Zach Edey and Scotty Pippen Jr. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 38 points, including a clutch step-back jumper in the final seconds to seal the win.

Oklahoma City’s stellar defense, the best in the NBA, proved too much for Memphis. The Thunder forced 21 turnovers, turning them into 32 points. Jalen Williams also contributed significantly, adding 23 points and 5 assists to help finish off the Grizzlies, who were without their star point guard.

Cleveland Cavaliers 124, Miami Heat 87: Cavaliers Move to 3-0 Lead

In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers crushed the Miami Heat 124-87, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead. Despite missing Darius Garland, Cleveland dominated Miami, with De’Andre Hunter stepping up with 21 points off the bench. Jarrett Allen added 22 points and 9 rebounds, leading a balanced offensive attack.

For Miami, Tyler Herro struggled under pressure, scoring just 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Herro had previously made bold statements about not being a “weak link” for the Heat, but his performance in Game 3 didn’t back up his words. The Heat now face an uphill battle to avoid a sweep.

Key Takeaways from NBA Playoffs 2025:

• Stephen Curry continues to be a postseason powerhouse for the Warriors, leading them to a pivotal Game 3 victory over the Rockets.

• Aaron Gordon’s game-winning dunk and Nikola Jokić’s dominant performance helped the Nuggets tie their series with the Clippers in a thrilling finish.

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander propelled the Thunder to a sweep of the Grizzlies, showcasing his MVP-worthy performance.

• The Cavaliers are on the brink of sweeping the Heat, with Cleveland’s depth proving too much for Miami to overcome.

The NBA playoffs are heating up, and with every game, teams are battling for a chance at the championship. Stay tuned for more thrilling action as the playoffs progress!