After totaling 14 points and 25 rebounds through the first four games, Gobert destroyed the Lakers with 27 points on 12-for-15 shooting and 24 rebounds in the clincher. He became the fifth player in the past 20 seasons to post a 25-20 line in a closeout game, joining Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dirk Nowitzki and Shaquille O'Neal.

We're barreling toward the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. Six teams have already been eliminated, including one of the league's marquee franchises. The Los Angeles Lakers entered their first-round series with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a minus-196 favorite ("or 66.

The Los Angeles Clippers face off with the Denver Nuggets tonight in Game 7 of this NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, center, grabs a rebound away from Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, right, as guard Christian Braun reaches during the second half in Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) AP

The Western Conference produced two Game 7s this weekend. How can each team advance and what are the key factors of each game?

Expect Boston to target Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns often in the 1st Celtics-Knicks playoff showdown since 2013.

Kenny Atkinson has one simple message for his Cleveland Cavaliers going into their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Indiana Pacers