2025 NBA Conference Semifinals Mirror 2024, 7 of 8 Teams Return With One Dramatic Change

The NBA teams have maintained consistency when it comes to deep runs and performances on the court. So consistent, in fact, that almost all the teams from last year’s semis have returned to the 2025 NBA Conference semifinals. Some teams have shown immense improvement while others have also maintained their dominance in the league.

7 teams from the 2024 NBA semi-finals have qualified for this season’s semi-finals. Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, and New York Knicks from the East made it to the second round last year. In a similar pattern, all these teams have qualified for the 2025 NBA Conference semifinals.

Cleveland Cavaliers have significantly improved from last year as well while maintaining their place. The side went through coaching changes as well where Kenny Atkinson replaced J.B. Bickerstaff. Their roster has also undergone positive changes especially the increased depth has come to their aid.

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The Cavaliers swept the series like the Western Conference top seed OKC Thunder. The Oklahoma based franchise has looked more dominating this season due to their young core tasting more experience. SGA is now the frontrunner as well for the MVP award. Cavaliers and OKC Thunder look most dominating, but both have been dealt with an upset in the first game.

In the East, the New York Knicks are looking more daunting after making roster changes. In the 2024 NBA Conference semifinals, the Knicks were beaten by the Indiana Pacers in a closely fought 4–3 series. This season, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns are leading the side into domination. The Knicks even managed to beat the Boston Celtics in game 1 of the 2025 NBA Conference semifinals.

Warriors, Mavericks Shuffle for the 2025 NBA Conference Semifinals

Among the last 8 participants from the semi-finals, 7 of them have repeated their achievement in 2025. However, the Dallas Mavericks who were at the top of their game last season are the only side to miss out in the 2025 NBA Conference semifinals. While the Golden State Warriors replaced them this season with a fine deep run.

The Dallas Mavericks, who were on course to at least qualify for the playoffs, couldn’t even do that as the regular season came to an end. Mavericks despite starting the season well fell apart due to multiple issues. Luka Doncic was shockingly traded away that too for very little in exchange.

Anthony Davis who was brought with a win-now mindset by the General Manager Nico Harrison suffered constant injuries. The ACL tear for Kyrie Irving was another blow to the Mavericks’ season. Eventually, the whole season of last year’s NBA finalists derailed, paving the way for the Golden State Warriors’ presence.

GSW were struggling till the trade window sitting at the 11th position of the points table. The acquisition of Jimmy Butler changed fortunes for the Warriors. They went on to a deep winning run making a case for themselves in the postseason. Butler not only hit the ground running but also improved other players through his leadership skills.

As a result of that, the Golden State Warriors overcome Play-In tournament, a young second seed Houston Rockets in the first round. They are now going to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA Conference semifinals. It remains to be seen if the Conference finalists barring Mavericks will also remain the same from last year or there will be changes this time around.