NBA PLAYOFFS RECAP: GAME 3 & 4 BREAKOUTS AND BLOWOUTS

Iconic Game 3 & 4 Highlights

The NBA Playoffs heated up in Games 3 and 4, delivering an electrifying blend of blowouts, buzzer-beaters, and statement wins that have reshaped several series. In Game 3, the Milwaukee Bucks snapped their two-game skid with a 117–101 victory over Indiana, as Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 33 points and dominated the paint. Out West, the L.A. Clippers throttled the Denver Nuggets 117–83, led by Kawhi Leonard’s 28 points and suffocating defense, forcing Nikola Jokić into a rare off-night. The New York Knicks eked out a 118–116 thriller against Detroit, with Jalen Brunson drilling a last-second floater to shake the Pistons. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards exploded for 32 points in a 116–104 upset of the Lakers, showcasing the Timberwolves’ newfound grit.

The night’s other Game 3 highlights included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 42-point onslaught in OKC’s 117–115 win over Memphis—31 of those points came in the second half and overtime as the Thunder completed a furious comeback. In Boston, Jayson Tatum’s 37 points led a stingy 95–93 win over Orlando, handing the Magic a shocker at TD Garden. Cleveland’s stars went off in a 124–87 rout of Miami—Donovan Mitchell (29 points) and Evan Mobley (18 rebounds) turned the Heat’s home court into their highlight reel. And in San Francisco, Stephen Curry poured in eight three-pointers en route to a 104–93 Warriors victory over Houston, underlining his status as the postseason’s deadliest shooter.

Game 4 built on these storylines, swinging momentum further. The Pacers responded with a 129–103 blowout of Milwaukee as Myles Turner tallied 25 points and 12 boards, while Haliburton’s 11 assists set the pace in a balanced attack. Denver clawed back to avoid the sweep, edging L.A. 101–99 behind Aaron Gordon’s 18 fourth-quarter points. The Knicks and Pistons traded another one-point thriller—this time, New York prevailed 94–93 on Evan Fournier’s dagger triple. The Timberwolves survived another OT scare, beating the Lakers 116–113 as Russell’s clutch three erased a late LA lead. Oklahoma City eked out a 117–115 win in Memphis courtesy of late free throws from Chet Holmgren, who bullied the glass with 16 rebounds. Boston returned fire in Game 4 with a 107–98 road win in Orlando, as Jaylen Brown (30 points) throttled the Magic’s transition offense. Cleveland completed a sweep with a historic 138–83 demolition of Miami—Jarrett Allen compiled a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double—while the Warriors held off Houston 109–106 despite a late Rockets rally led by Jalen Green’s 26 points.

GAME 3 FINAL SCORES

GAME 4 FINAL SCORES

Performance Shifts & Strategic Adjustments

Across Games 3 and 4, coaches and players made rapid strategic tweaks that proved decisive in the NBA Playoffs. Stung by two straight losses, the Bucks returned to a defensive scheme that prioritized off-ball switching and limiting opponent transition—an adjustment that stifled Indiana’s early pace in Game 3. In Game 4, Indiana countered by pushing the ball relentlessly and crashing the offensive glass, resulting in a 26–8 second-chance points advantage.

Denver head coach Michael Malone experimented with a small-ball lineup in Game 3, aiming to keep pace with L.A.’s speed, but the gamble backfired as the Clippers smoked them in transition. For Game 4, Malone reverted to a bigger frontcourt, reintroducing Gordon and Zeke Nnaji to secure boards and contest Leonard. This change allowed Denver to claw back, though it ultimately fell short.

Tom Thibodeau’s relentless full-court pressure in New York forced 17 Detroit turnovers in Game 3, but the coach recognized his team’s fatigue. For Game 4, he dialed back the traps, focusing instead on half-court defense and crisp help rotations, resulting in a more sustainable 94–93 victory. Chris Finch of Minnesota responded to LeBron James’s attack in Game 3 by doubling James on pick-and-rolls and sliding Karl-Anthony Towns into corner rotations. That adjustment carried into Game 4’s OT thriller, as Minnesota’s switching schemes snuffed out several LA drives.

Mark Daigneault in OKC stayed true to his defensive identity, prioritizing paint protection in both games—holding Memphis below its season scoring average of 112 points in Game 3 and Game 4. Boston’s Joe Mazzulla emphasized ball reversal and weak-side closeouts, resulting in a 43% three-point percentage across two games in Orlando. Meanwhile, J.B. Bickerstaff unleashed a 4–1 zone in Cleveland to suffocate Miami’s ball-handlers, forcing 19 Heat turnovers in Game 3, then switched to man-to-man in Game 4 to let Allen & Mobley feast inside.

Confronted by Houston’s pace, Steve Kerr reinserted Draymond Green for Game 3 to anchor defensive rotations and relied on Curry’s gravity to create open catch-and-shoot opportunities. By Game 4, Kerr added Brandin Podziemski’s length on the wing, improving help-side coverage and limiting Green’s drives in the final minutes of a 109–106 win. These rapid adjustments underscore the tactical chess match that defines the NBA Playoffs.

Game 5 Predictions: Trending Momentum

Drawing on observable trends, several teams look poised to extend their series leads in Game 5. The Indiana Pacers, having dispatched Milwaukee in Games 3 and 4 by a combined 52 points, appear primed to sweep at home—Myles Turner and Haliburton’s playmaking edge makes Indiana a tough out. In Denver–L.A., expect a third straight close contest; the Nuggets’ frontcourt depth may finally tip the balance in a 105–102 type game, narrowly in Denver’s favor.

The Knicks, riding Brunson’s late-game heroics, have the edge at MSG over Detroit—look for a decisive 2–3 point Knicks victory in Game 5. Minnesota’s ability to hit clutch shots gives it the upper hand against the Lakers in LA, but expect a back-and-forth affair decided in overtime again. Oklahoma City’s momentum under SGA is undeniable; an OKC win by 5–7 points seems likely. Boston’s dominance in Orlando suggests a series-clinching Game 5 win by 8–10 points. Cleveland should complete its sweep in Miami; look for a 115–90 Cavs win as Allen and Mobley feast on the boards. Finally, Golden State’s veteran poise at home makes it a narrow favorite—perhaps a 112–108 Warriors triumph in the series-clincher. With home court and tactical prowess on their sides, these teams look well-positioned to close out their series in Game 5.

Wrap-up thoughts on the Game 3 & 4 Highlights of the NBA Playoffs

Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Playoffs featured everything fans crave: historic blowouts, razor-thin finishes, and masterful coaching adjustments. Indiana and Cleveland asserted dominance, Milwaukee and Denver fought valiantly, and the Clippers, Knicks, and Warriors showcased veteran resolve. Timberwolves and Thunder upsets highlighted the depth of the West, while Boston’s balanced attack continues to shine. As we look ahead to Game 5, several series appear ready to conclude, while others promise further drama and overtime thrills. Regardless of your bracket or betting slip, one thing is certain: the NBA Playoffs remain must-watch TV, with every game offering new storylines, rising stars, and unforgettable moments.

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NBA PLAYOFFS, GAME 3, GAME 4, HIGHLIGHTS, STANDINGS, RECAP