The 2025 NBA Playoffs have entertained fans with electrifying moments, and as the second round begins, excitement continues to build.
Among those weighing in is NBA legend Magic Johnson, whose tone marks a notable shift from his previous critiques of player effort and game quality.
Johnson offered high praise for this postseason, describing it as the best in recent memory and crediting NBA commissioner Adam Silver for the positive direction.
“I want to send a big congratulations to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver because everything he wanted is coming to fruition! Years ago, he shared that he wanted a competitive balance in the NBA,” Johnson wrote. “… These Playoffs have been the best I’ve seen in the last 5-10 years because of the talent, competitiveness and physicality. They are must-see TV!”
I want to send a big congratulations to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver because everything he wanted is coming to fruition! Years ago, he shared that he wanted a competitive balance in the NBA. With Commissioner Silver reshaping the salary cap system and acknowledging the challenges…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 5, 2025
Johnson specifically highlighted how changes to the NBA salary cap are creating more parity across the league.
With Silver acknowledging the increasing difficulty of trades, smaller-market franchises are finally breaking through.
This season proved the point as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers finished with the top records, while the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets are making impressive playoff runs.
This shift demonstrates how strategic roster construction now yields results beyond traditional powerhouse cities, including Johnson’s beloved Los Angeles Lakers.
The second-round matchups promise compelling basketball across the board.
Beyond the Pacers taking on the Cavaliers, fans will witness the New York Knicks battling the Boston Celtics, the Golden State Warriors facing the Timberwolves, and the Thunder challenging the Nuggets.
NEXT: Stephen Curry Gets Honest About Rockets’ Defense On Sunday
