First-Time Playoff Wins and Big Surprises: A Recap Of The G-league Playoffs Up and Until The Finals

The busiest time of year for basketball fans has arrived, with March Madness having finished and the NBA playoffs starting in less than a month. But also the G-League playoffs. What has happened in the NBA minor league's first 3 rounds? And what can we expect for the finals?

(Image credit to the NBA G- League)

Western Conference

The first round saw the Lakers, Vipers, Kings, and Remix advancing. The biggest surprise of that first round in the conference was the 7th seed Rip City Remix defeating the second seed Mexico City Capitanes in their first-ever playoff win.

In the second round, the reigning champion Kings beat the Remix, so their playoff glory was short-lived. The 1 seed South Bay Lakers beat the Vipers to head to face off against the Kings in the conference finals. 

The conference finals crowned the Kings as conference champions for the second year in a row after they beat the Lakers by 4 points.

Eastern Conference

The Eastern Conference first round saw the Magic, Cruise, Go Go, and Swarm heading on. The biggest surprise in this conference was the 6th seed Go Go beating the third seed Cavaliers to head on to the second round.

The second round saw the Magic beating the cruise, sending home the team from Detroit. The Swarm beat the Go Go to advance to their first conference finals in franchise history. 

In the conference finals, the second-seeded Swarm beat the Magic. In total, the Hornets' affiliate trailed for less than a minute on its way to the finals

The finals will be played from the 8th to the 13th of April. Games 1 and 3 (if needed) will be played at the Swarm’s home court, and Stackton will host Game 2.

Article written by Norah d’Hont ©Norah d’Hont 2026