The Houston Rockets knotted their West first round series with the Golden State Warriors at one game apiece, on the same night both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics defended their home turf.
Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Green, and Jaylen Brown produced big-time performances to banner their respective teams to Game 2 victories at home. | Photos: Cavaliers, Rockets, Celtics
Reigning champion Boston and East top seed Cleveland defended home-court while the Houston Rockets leaned on Jalen Green’s brilliant performance to get on board in the 2025 NBA playoffs.
CAVS, CELTICS SEIZE 2-0 SERIES LEADS; ROCKETS RETURN FAVOR TO WARRIORS
- Cleveland Cavaliers (2-0) def. Miami Heat (0-2), 121-112: Donovan Mitchell erupted for 17 of his 30 points in a sizzling fourth quarter takeover, helping the Cavaliers fend off a late Heat uprising and took a 2-0 East playoff series lead.
- Spida Takeover: Mitchell scored half of Cleveland's 28 points in the final frame, including a personal 8-0 run that kept the East no. 1 seed in command en route to back-to-back wins.
[ALSO READ: Donovan Mitchell says he's just 'doing his job' in Game 2 takeover for Cavs vs Heat]
- Boston Celtics (2-0) def. Orlando Magic (0-2), 109-100: Without ace player Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown stepped up big-time thanks to a 36-point, 10-rebound double-double that paced the champion Celtics Game 2 victory.
Boston now travels to Orlando for Games 3 and 4 carrying a commanding 2-0 series lead.
[ALSO READ: Jaylen Brown’s 36 anchors Tatum-less Celtics past Magic in Game 2 for 2-0 series lead]
- Houston Rockets (1-1) def. Golden State Warriors (1-1), 109-94: Jalen Green atoned for his lackluster postseason debut by scoring a playoff career-high 38 points, taking command of a series-tying win for the Rockets in Game 2.
[ALSO READ: Jalen Green, Rockets pounce on early Jimmy Butler exit to knot series vs Warriors at 1-1]