NBA Playoffs pressure meter: Luka Dončić faces new degree of Lakers heat, Jimmy Butler holds key for Warriors

NBA Playoffs pressure meter: Luka Dončić faces new degree of Lakers heat, Jimmy Butler holds key for Warriors

Here are 10 players about to be examined under the brightest postseason spotlight

"There’s not a guy that I think is better" - Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy on Draymond's DPOY chances, 'Playoff Jimmy' and more

Despite the Golden State Warriors mostly validating why he acquired Jimmy Butler before the trade deadline, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy declined to predict the team’s NBA title fortunes.

Warriors vs. Rockets in 2025 NBA playoffs: Predictions, schedule, series preview

Golden State vs. Houston will represent the old guard vs. the up-and-comers. Will Jimmy Butler be the key to the Warriors' fifth title in 11 years?

The Los Angeles Lakers, led by Luka Dončić, began their NBA playoffs campaign with a painful and high-scoring defeat. With the exception of the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers showed an extremely lackluster performance on home court, but the visitors ultimately won 117:95. Dončić was the best individual on the court with 36 points and eight rebounds, but this time he missed the help of his teammates. With the excepti…