The 2025 NBA Playoffs have reached the Conference Finals stage, featuring matchups between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference, and the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference.
The Thunder, led by MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, secured their spot by defeating the Denver Nuggets in a decisive Game 7, with a commanding 125-93 victory. The Timberwolves advanced by overcoming the Golden State Warriors in five games.
In the East, the Knicks eliminated the defending champion Boston Celtics in six games, while the Pacers upset the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.
Key Players and Performances
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been instrumental for the Thunder, averaging 32.7 points per game during the regular season. His performance in the playoffs, particularly in Game 7 against the Nuggets, has solidified his status as a leading MVP candidate.
For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards has been a standout, leading the team with dynamic scoring and athleticism. The Knicks‘ success has been driven by Jalen Brunson, who earned the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year award. The Pacers have relied on Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking abilities to navigate through the playoffs.
Upcoming Schedule
The Conference Finals are set to begin on May 20, 2025. The Thunder will host the Timberwolves in Game 1, followed by the Knicks hosting the Pacers on May 21. The series will follow a 2-2-1-1-1 format, with games alternating between the higher and lower seeds’ home courts.
Regular Season Standings Recap
The regular season concluded with the Cleveland Cavaliers leading the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 record. The Boston Celtics followed closely with a 61-21 record, while the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers secured the third and fourth seeds, respectively.
In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder finished as the top seed, with the Minnesota Timberwolves securing the tenth seed and advancing through the play-in tournament.
Awards and Honors
While the MVP award has yet to be announced, the finalists include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Other notable awards include Coach of the Year, awarded to Kenny Atkinson of the Cavaliers, and the NBA Cup MVP, awarded to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Looking Ahead
As the Conference Finals commence, fans are eager to see which teams will advance to the NBA Finals, set to begin on June 5, 2025. With standout performances and intense matchups, the remainder of the playoffs promises to deliver exciting basketball action.
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