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NBA Playoffs: Cavaliers Hammer Heat in Historic 55-Point Blowout to Sweep Most Lopsided Series in NBA History

Cleveland Cavaliers completed a sweep of the Miami Heat with a dominant 138-83 win in Game 4, marking a historic 55-point margin of victory, the fourth-largest in NBA playoff history. The Cavaliers won the series by a combined 122 points, setting a new record for the most lopsided playoff series in NBA history.

The Cavaliers’ offense, which boasted the NBA’s best offensive rating in the regular season, paired with a defense featuring Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, proved too powerful for the Heat. Cleveland raced to a 12-3 lead early in the game and extended it to a 72-33 halftime advantage, the third-largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history.

Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with a near triple-double performance, contributing 14 points, 12 rebounds, and six steals. Despite playing without All-Star point guard Darius Garland, who was sidelined with a sprained big toe, the Cavaliers delivered a balanced effort with six players scoring in double figures.

The Cavaliers advance to the second round of the playoffs, where they will face either the Milwaukee Bucks or Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

NBA Playoff Weak Links and Must-Make Adjustments with Marcus Morris, Warriors-Rockets Series Breakdown

NBA Senior Analyst
April 29, 2025 at 9:55 PM UTC·2 min read

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Marcus Morris returns to The Kevin O’Connor Show, sharing bold opinions on various NBA topics. Morris critiques Anthony Edwards’ impact on JJ Redick’s rookie head coaching, defends Luka Doncic’s conditioning and defense, and outlines what the Lakers must do to turn their series around. He also discusses necessary changes for Ty Lue and the Clippers to overcome the Denver Nuggets, predicts Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential move to Miami, and suggests the Orlando Magic should trade for Trae Young. Morris doesn’t hold back, commenting on Pat Riley, Ja Morant, NBA referees, and expressing frustration over Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft slide.

Ethan Strauss and Sam Esfandiari join to analyze the Golden State Warriors’ 3-1 lead over the Houston Rockets. Ethan argues that the Steph Curry-Draymond Green duo has become an all-time legendary tandem, comparable to Stockton/Malone and Jordan/Pippen. Sam praises Draymond Green but notes that some Warriors fans remain critical. The discussion also touches on whether Steve Kerr is out-coaching Ime Udoka.

(0:26) Marcus Morris joins the show
(0:47) Clippers vs. Nuggets Game 5 preview
(12:17) ‘Weak link’ vs. ‘strong link’ NBA
(21:10) Lakers vs. Wolves Game 5 preview
(35:59) Ja Morant says ‘I had them figured out’
(38:59) Pistons vs. Knicks Game 4 replay review controversy
(45:01) Celtics vs. Magic Game 5 preview
(48:50) Bucks down bad after Damian Lillard injury
(57:33) Cavs sweep Heat
(1:00:45) NBA Draft’s Shedeur Sanders equivalent?
(1:08:47) Sam & Ethan join the show
(1:08:57) Warriors vs. Rockets Game 4 reaction
(1:36:39) ‘Weak link’ vs. ‘strong link’ NBA continued

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Sports Podcasts

Former NBA forward Stan Love, father of Miami Heat forward Kevin Love, passed away at 76. Kevin, who has been away from the Heat for personal reasons, announced the news on Instagram, referring to Stan as his “greatest teacher.” Kevin was present at Game 4 in Miami against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he shared an emotional embrace with former teammate Tristan Thompson before the game. Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers offered condolences to Kevin during his postgame interview. Stan Love played four seasons in the NBA, including stints with the Baltimore Bullets, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs. His brother, Mike Love, is a founding member of the Beach Boys. The Miami Heat released a statement expressing condolences to the Love family.

NBA playoffs: Draymond Green narrowly avoids ejection, leads Warriors past Rockets late to grab 3-1 series lead

Draymond Green got into a bit of trouble early on Monday night at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Despite his near-ejection, however, the Golden State Warriors are now just a single game away from knocking off the Houston Rockets and making it out of their opening-round playoff series.

The Warriors pulled away late on Monday night to grab a 109-106 win over the Rockets in Game 4 of their series. That gave them a 3-1 lead heading into Wednesday’s Game 5 in Houston, where they can officially close out the series and reach the Western Conference semifinals.

The game, while it was the best of the series so far, was incredibly contentious — especially in the first half when Green got into back-to-back altercations that felt like they were a few games in the making.

The first popped off after Green and Stephen Curry got into it with Houston forward Dillon Brooks in the second quarter. After Green set a hard screen on Amen Thompson, Brooks hip-checked Curry and sent him to the floor. Curry, taunting a bit, threw up two fingers at Brooks after he was called for a foul. Brooks then tried to grab the ball out of Curry’s hands, which sparked the incident and sent plenty of people rushing in to break it up. In the end, Curry, Green and Brooks were all hit with technical fouls.

Then just a few minutes later, Green got into another altercation with Tari Eason. Green fell on top of Eason and drilled him directly in the head with his feet after they were fighting for a loose ball — which sparked another, though less severe, dust up. Green held on to Eason’s collar briefly and then looked like he was going to lift him up by the leg, but the two were separated successfully. Green was assessed a flagrant foul there, which allowed him to avoid the automatic ejection. Eason was also given a technical foul.

The incidents were reminiscent of what happened in the wake of Game 3 on Saturday, when Green got into it with Rockets guard Jalen Green after the final buzzer sounded. Clearly, tensions from that game carried over a few days later.

“Steph [Curry] had a good game. The reason they won,” Jalen Green said on Saturday, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “Just talking. [Draymond] can’t really do much of anything else, so talking is his only way.”

After the chaotic first half, Houston took a seven-point lead into the locker room at halftime. The Warriors, though, erupted to start the second half. They opened the third quarter on an 18-1 run to take a 10-point lead almost instantly. The Rockets went 0-of-6 from the field as a team during that stretch, and hit only a single field goal after yet another chippy Green foul inside. Though Houston finally responded and tied the game up briefly, the Warriors held on to a two-point lead after the third.

Finally, after it looked like the Rockets were going to take off, the Warriors closed the night out. They went on a quick 5-0 run capped by a massive contested 3-pointer from Buddy Hield, which put them back up on top. Though Fred VanVleet tied the game back up down the stretch with a huge 3-pointer of his own, which was his eighth of the night, Jimmy Butler drew a foul on a 3-point attempt and hit all of his free throws to put the Warriors back out in front.

The Rockets had one last look at a shot, but Alperen Şengün’s jumper — which would have put Houston in the lead in the final seconds — was off the mark with Green in his face. Butler picked up the rebound, and hit a pair of free throws, to push Golden State to the three-point win.

Şengün led Houston with 31 points and 10 rebounds. VanVleet added 26 points and six assists after he shot 8-of-12 from behind the arc, and Thompson had 17 points and nine rebounds. VanVleet accounted for all but three of the Rockets’ 3-pointers, and Houston went just 19-of-31 from the free throw line as a team.

Butler, who was questionable coming into the game with a pelvic contusion that knocked him out for Game 3 of the series, led the Warriors with 27 points and six assists. He had 14 of his points in the fourth quarter alone, too. Brandin Podziemski added 26 points, and Stephen Curry finished with 17 points, three assists and three rebounds.

The series will now return to Houston, where the Warriors hold the advantage and are now poised to end the Rockets’ season. And, though he nearly fouled out and

NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash is set to join Amazon Prime’s NBA broadcast team next season, alongside Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin. This move marks Nash’s first foray into NBA broadcasting, following his recent success as a podcaster alongside LeBron James on “Mind The Game.” Nash, a two-time MVP, brings extensive experience from his tenure with Turner Sports’ UEFA Champions League coverage and his role as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. Amazon Prime’s 11-year, $20 billion NBA rights deal, which begins in October, will see Nash contributing to both studio and game coverage. He will be joined by Taylor Rooks, announced as the studio host in January, and former teammates Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin, who were hired as analysts. Despite past coaching roles, Nash intends to focus on his new broadcasting career rather than return to coaching.

Lakers star Luka Dončić has donated $5,000 to aid in the repair of a vandalized mural honoring Kobe Bryant in downtown Los Angeles. The mural, featuring Kobe and his daughter Gianna with the inscription “Mambas Forever” in Lakers colors, was recently defaced. Dončić’s foundation contributed to a fundraiser aimed at restoring the artwork, which has stood untouched since its creation in 2020 following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe, Gianna, and seven others. The donation will help the artist, Louis “Sloe” Motions, not only repair the mural but also apply a protective coating to prevent future vandalism. Dončić, who was traded to the Lakers this season, expressed his deep respect for Kobe and Gianna, emphasizing their significant impact on Los Angeles, the Lakers organization, and himself. Despite the Lakers trailing the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1 in their playoff series, Dončić’s gesture underscores the enduring legacy of Kobe Bryant and the community’s commitment to honoring his memory.

Warriors edge Rockets in Game 4 thriller, taking 3-1 series lead

The Golden State Warriors secured a hard-fought 109-106 victory over the Houston Rockets, gaining a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. Brandin Podziemski had a career night with 26 points, while Jimmy Butler delivered crucial performances in the second half, scoring 23 of his 27 points. Butler’s resilience, despite a bruised pelvis, was pivotal, especially in the final moments when he grabbed a critical rebound and sank two free throws to extend the lead.

Podziemski’s performance was instrumental, providing stability and crucial scoring as the Warriors navigated foul trouble and defensive pressure. His 26 points, along with five rebounds, five assists, and a block, showcased his potential as a key player for the Warriors.

The Rockets struggled with free throws, missing 12, which proved decisive in the close game. Despite strong performances from Alperen Şengün, Fred VanVleet, and Amen Thompson, who combined for 73 points, the team couldn’t overcome the Warriors’ clutch plays and consistent three-point shooting.

Looking ahead, the Rockets must find solutions to their turnovers and three-point shooting deficiencies if they hope to extend the series. The Warriors, on the brink of advancing to the Western Conference semifinals, will look to close out the series in Game 5 and secure some rest before the next round.

The NBA is considering a significant change to its All-Star Game format, exploring the possibility of replacing it with an international competition. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed that the league is discussing the idea of a “U.S. versus rest of the world” matchup, inspired by the NHL’s successful 4 Nations Face-Off event. This potential shift comes as the 2026 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled to coincide with the Winter Olympics, prompting the league to consider a more globally themed event. Silver and President of League Operations Byron Spruell have expressed interest in having NBA players represent their countries or regions, moving away from the traditional East vs. West format. The format for this new competition is still uncertain, but it could either be a single game or a mini-tournament similar to the NHL’s model, which saw high viewership and positive reception. Silver has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the current All-Star Game, describing the 2025 event as “a miss,” and this proposed change aims to revitalize the event and capture the excitement of international competition.

2025 NBA Playoffs: How to watch the L.A. Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets game tonight

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Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets will face the L.A. Clippers in Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs tonight, here’s how to watch.

Of all the NBA Playoff series this year, so far the most evenly matched seems to be the Denver Nuggets vs. L.A. Clippers. The series is currently 2-2, with the Nuggets winning Game 4 by just two points thanks to a buzzer-beating dunk from Aaron Gordon. Game 5 is set to tip off tonight at 10 p.m. at Denver’s Ball Arena. Which team will take the lead in the series? We’ll have to wait and see. Here’s everything you need to know about how to tune in to the Nuggets vs. Clippers game tonight, and how to watch the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

How to watch the Clippers vs. Nuggets Game 5:

Watch TNT, ESPN, NBA TV, local ABC and more

DirecTV MySports Pack

Try free at DirecTV

Watch ESPN, ESPN3, TNT

Sling Orange

$36 for your first month at Sling

Date: Tuesday, April 29

Time: 10 p.m. ET

TV channel: TNT

Streaming: Max, Sling, DirecTV and more

Where to watch the Clippers vs. Nuggets game:

You can tune into the Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers game on TNT, which is available on platforms like DirecTV, Sling, and Hulu with Live TV. The game will also be streaming on Max.

NBA Playoffs channel:

The NBA Playoffs will air across ESPN, ABC, TNT and NBA TV.

How to watch the NBA Playoffs without cable:

Watch TNT, ESPN and more

DirecTV MySports Pack

DIRECTV’s MySports pack is a curated live TV package geared toward sports fans, with access to ESPN’s suite of channels, TBS, TNT, USA, FS1 and an included subscription to ESPN+ for $69.99/month. The MySports pack guarantees access to thousands of live televised events, plus all the live-streaming and library content on ESPN+, all on one interface and one bill. You can try it for free for five days before committing.

Try free at DirecTV Stream

NBA games on TNT

Max Standard plan

Max, aka “the one to watch,” has select live sports available through its Bleacher Report Sports add-on, which is included free of charge for ad-free Max subscribers. On top of NBA games on TBS, TNT and TruTV, Max has buzzy shows including The Pitt, The White Lotus, The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, Dune: Prophecy and more. Ad-supported Max starts at $10/month. The Standard plan (which includes B/R Sports free of charge) costs $17/month.

$16.99/month at Max

Watch ESPN, ESPN3, TNT

Sling Orange

While Sling doesn’t offer a free trial these days, the playoffs will last longer than any free trial anyway. With Sling Orange, you can get access to playoff games on ESPN, ABC (simulcast via ESPN3) and TNT. Plus, Sling also has an option to bundle Max in with your Sling Orange subscription and save $5 on the overall price.

$36 for your first month at Sling

Watch ESPN and more

Fubo TV

Try free at Fubo

Who is playing in the NBA playoffs?

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies (Thunder wins series 4-0)

(2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors

(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves

(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) LA Clippers

Eastern Conference

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat (Cavs win the series 4-0)

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic

(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons

(4) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks

2025 NBA playoffs TV schedule:

All times Eastern.

Tuesday, April 29

Game 5: Magic at Celtics, 8:30 p.m. (NBA TV)

Game 5: Pistons at Knicks, 7:30 p.m. (TNT, TruTV, Max)

Game 5: Bucks at Pacers, 6 p.m. (NBA TV)

Game 5: Clippers at Nuggets, 10 p.m. (TNT, TruTV, Max)

Wednesday, April 30

Game 5: Warriors at Rockets, 7:30 p.m. (

Heat Require More Than Culture to Escape Basketball Purgatory

After a series that unfolded largely as expected—though it spiraled out of control towards the end—the Miami Heat’s season has concluded at the hands of the superior, more efficient, and more appealing Cleveland Cavaliers. In truth, this team never stood a real chance. Despite a valiant effort through the play-in tournament and the emergence of Davion Mitchell, the Heat lack the high ceiling, especially after trading Jimmy Butler at the deadline.

Despite the enduring presence of #HeatCulture, this team lacks the quality and depth needed to make a significant playoff run. Swedish guard Pelle Larsson even saw first-quarter minutes in the decisive Game 4, highlighting the team’s struggles.

Miami appears to be stuck in the middle, with limited flexibility moving forward. The Heat don’t have their own draft pick this year, and while Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Andrew Wiggins are solid players, they are not spectacular enough combined to elevate the team.

The idea of a complete rebuild is tempting, but the Heat’s commitment to maintaining competitiveness and not tanking stands in the way. They are adamant about remaining competitive until forced into a corner where that’s no longer viable. Despite stumbling upon a potential future building block in rookie big man Kel’el Ware, expect much of the same next season.

2024-2025 Record: 37-45

Highlight of the Season
While Tyler Herro’s improved play deserves recognition, the revelation of Kel’el Ware stands out. Finding a legitimate 7-footer with an inside-outside game and defensive upside is rare.

Biggest Offseason Need
The Heat need a no-nonsense No. 1 guy who can be the primary playmaker. Acquiring a star like Tyrese Haliburton or Tyrese Maxey is unlikely, making it a challenging task. Trading their remaining picks for a significant player might just be delaying the inevitable unless that player is a true Tier 1 star.

Projected Draft Picks (Pre-Lottery)
No. 20 (via Golden State)

Draft Focus
With Ware on board, Miami should look for an impactful defender at the four spot who can switch effortlessly, do the dirty work, and function as a hub. South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles fits this description, though he may be out of reach at pick 20. A trade-up could be intriguing.

Key Free Agents
Davion Mitchell (RFA)
Duncan Robinson (ETO)

Salary-Cap Breakdown
The Heat are in reasonable shape regarding the luxury tax but lack spending money. Terry Rozier’s $26.6 million deal is particularly burdensome. With the cap projected at $154.6 million and few teams able to absorb money, Miami is unlikely to be a buyer in free agency.

Next Season’s Goal
One can hope the Game 4 massacre will force the organization to change course, but assuming it sticks with the philosophy of never tanking, it will likely seek ways to strengthen the current roster. The real goal should be to initiate a major overhaul, though that seems unlikely.