Hey Ballers,

It’s Basti and Benji.

On today’s game plan we’ve got:

• 🔥 NBA Recaps

• 🚀 BBB Udpates

Let’s get started!

🔥 NBA Recaps 🔥 

🏀 2025 NBA Playoffs: First Round Recap 🏀

This is what has happened in this first round so far:

Eastern Conference

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat

The Cavs made quick work of Miami, sweeping them 4-0.

Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland were absolutely electric, shredding the Heat defense night after night. ⚡️ 

Erik Spoelstra had no answer for Cleveland’s firepower, and Miami just couldn’t keep up with the pace or shot-making ability.

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

Boston closed out the series 4-1, but not without drama. After a sleepy first half in Game 5, the Celtics erupted with a 73-40 second-half beatdown. 🥊 

Tatum dropped 35, and Jaylen Brown added 23 in a reminder that this team has gears most can’t match. The Magic showed flashes but not enough fire.

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

The Knicks (leading the series 3-2) missed an opportunity to close the series in Game 5, losing 106-103.

Jalen Brunson tweaked his ankle late and Josh Hart left with an undisclosed injury - both huge blows as the Knicks tried to close the door.

Game 6 in Detroit is suddenly high stakes, and all eyes are on Brunson’s status. 👀 

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

The Pacers wrapped the series with a wild 119-118 OT win in Game 5.

Tyrese Haliburton iced it with a clutch game-winning layup, but the story was the Bucks losing Damian Lillard to a torn Achilles in Game 4. 😢 

Without Dame Time, Milwaukee’s offense struggled to find rhythm and firepower.

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies

The Oklahoma City Thunder landed the No. 1 seed for a second straight season with their MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and became the first team to advance to the second round after sweeping the No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies. 👋 

They set the tone early with a historic 51-point blowout in Game 1 - the largest margin of victory in a Game 1 in playoff history.

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

Golden State leads the series 3-1, looking like the Warriors of old.

🧙‍♂️ Steph Curry has been vintage in crunch time, and Draymond Green has turned back the clock defensively.

The Rockets have struggled to contain Playoff Steph and the expected X-factor, Jimmy Butler, who was dealt midseason and has turned up the heat at the right time.

Game 5 is do-or-die for the Rockets.

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

The Timberwolves lead the series 3-1.

Anthony Edwards has been instrumental, averaging nearly 30 points per game and is on a mission to eliminate LeBron from these Playoffs like he did it with KD last year. 🔥 

The Lakers, despite efforts from LeBron James and Luka Dončić, have struggled to contain Minnesota's offense.

All eyes are on Game 5!

(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers

By far the most entertaining series in the first round.

Denver leads the series 3–2 after a 131–115 victory in Game 5. Jamal Murray scored 43 points, propelling the Nuggets ahead. 🏔️ 

Back in LA for Game 6, the Clippers must respond or face another early exit.

Check out our german BBB Podcast for more NBA insights! 🏀

🚀 BBB Updates 🚀

Here is what has happened behind closed curtains at BBB lately:

🏠️ BBB HQ

Big news!

Basti has officially stepped away from his startup and is now fully dedicating his time and energy to Ballin Beyond Borders. 💯

After launching our first social projects in Lucerne, Switzerland, we’re now setting our sights on Berlin.

This marks a huge milestone and it’s just the beginning. 🌍

♻️ Pass the Gear

We were able to pick up 2 baskets, 2 rims, 2 scoring boards and more from the Steinhof school gym renovation.

Now we’re in talks with the Swiss Red Cross to bring this gear to refugee communities - so more kids can learn, play, and grow through basketball. 🙌 

The mission to make the game more accessible continues! 🙏 

❤️ Membership

We just wrapped up our very first member experience workshop, and it gave us some serious insight.

Here’s what the future of BBB membership could look like:

• 1️⃣ Tangible Benefits Exclusive BBB merch, NBA gear, game tickets, and more.

• 2️⃣ Community Perks Find open gyms, connect with other hoopers, join charity tournaments.

• 3️⃣ Mission-Driven Opportunities Take part in social projects, attend community events, help shape future initiatives.

• 4️⃣ Skills & Knowledge Access training plans, video breakdowns, and exclusive basketball insights from players and coaches.

We're taking our time to build real value first - so that when we launch, being a BBB member feels like a no-brainer. 🧠🔥

Want to join the family?

Just fill out the membership form on our website or click the button below! 👇️

Join us on our mission to make basketball accessible to everyone!

Quote of the Month

That’s it for this month!

Keep Ballin!

Much love ❤️,

Your BBB Team