The NBA playoffs 2025 have reached their crescendo, delivering basketball at its absolute finest as four elite franchises battled through the conference finals with championship aspirations hanging in the balance.
The postseason drama has been nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the depth of talent across both conferences and setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable NBA Finals showdown.
NBA Playoffs 2025: Conference Finals News, Schedule, Scores and Highlights
There’s lots of tea to spill, so let’s get started.
Thunder Advance to Finals with Dominant Western Conference Performance
The Oklahoma City Thunder have officially punched their ticket to the 2025 NBA Finals after dismantling the Minnesota Timberwolves in a convincing 4-1 series victory in the Western Conference finals.
This marks the Thunder’s first appearance in the conference finals since their 2016 run when superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook led the franchise to the precipice of basketball’s grandest stage.
The Thunder’s path to the Finals has been marked by exceptional team basketball and the stellar play of NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has emerged as one of the league’s premier talents.
Oklahoma City’s balanced attack and defensive prowess were on full display throughout their playoff run, first outlasting the Denver Nuggets in a thrilling seven-game conference semifinals series before methodically handling Minnesota’s challenge.
Thunder’s Dominant Conference Finals Performance
Oklahoma City wasted little time establishing dominance in the Western Conference finals, opening with consecutive blowout victories at home. Game 1 saw the Thunder cruise to a 114-88 victory, setting the tone with suffocating defense and balanced scoring.
The following night, Oklahoma City maintained their momentum with a 118-103 triumph, effectively silencing the raucous home crowd and putting the Timberwolves in a precarious 0-2 hole.
Minnesota responded with their backs against the wall in Game 3, delivering their most complete performance of the series with a stunning 143-101 blowout victory on their home court. The Timberwolves’ offensive explosion temporarily shifted momentum, but the Thunder quickly regained control in the subsequent contests.
Game 4 proved to be the series’ most dramatic encounter, with Oklahoma City edging Minnesota 128-126 in a thriller that showcased both teams’ championship-caliber talent. The narrow victory positioned the Thunder one win away from the Finals, and they seized the opportunity decisively in Game 5 with a 124-94 statement victory that clinched the Western Conference championship.
Eastern Conference Finals: Pacers-Knicks Rivalry Renewed
The Eastern Conference finals have produced one of the most compelling playoff storylines, featuring a renewed rivalry between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. This classic matchup has rekindled memories of their historic playoff battles while creating new chapters in their storied confrontations.
Currently, the series stands at a pivotal juncture with the Pacers holding a 3-2 advantage after five games of intense basketball. The back-and-forth nature of this series has exemplified playoff basketball at its finest, featuring clutch performances, defensive battles, and the kind of basketball drama that makes the NBA postseason legendary.
Series Recap: Pacers Strike First
Game 1 delivered immediate fireworks as the Pacers stunned the Knicks 138-135 in overtime at Madison Square Garden. The marathon contest featured multiple lead changes and clutch plays from both sides, with Indiana ultimately prevailing in the extra session to steal home-court advantage from New York.
The Pacers maintained their momentum in Game 2, securing a 114-109 victory to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. Indiana’s balanced offensive attack and improved defensive intensity proved too much for the hometown Knicks, who found themselves facing a daunting deficit heading back to Indianapolis.
Knicks Fight Back
New York showed their championship mettle in Game 3, responding with a crucial 106-100 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Knicks’ veteran leadership and playoff experience shone through in the hostile road environment, cutting their series deficit to 2-1 and providing hope for their passionate fanbase.
However, the Pacers answered right back in Game 4 with a dominant 130-121 performance that showcased their offensive firepower. Tyrese Haliburton delivered a spectacular triple-double performance that highlighted his emergence as a legitimate superstar capable of carrying his franchise to unprecedented heights.
The series took another dramatic turn in Game 5, as the Knicks delivered their most complete performance with a commanding 111-94 victory. New York’s balanced attack and defensive intensity forced a pivotal Game 6 back in Indianapolis, setting up what promises to be an electric atmosphere for the potential series-clinching contest.
Key Players and Performances
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: MVP Leading Championship Charge
The Thunder’s championship aspirations rest heavily on the shoulders of NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose exceptional playoff performance has elevated Oklahoma City to elite status.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to score at all three levels, combined with his improved playmaking and defensive contributions, has made him one of the league’s most complete players.
Throughout the conference finals, Gilgeous-Alexander consistently delivered clutch performances when his team needed them most.
His leadership both on and off the court has been instrumental in the Thunder’s success, and he enters the Finals as the betting favorite for Finals MVP at -550 odds according to recent sportsbook listings.
Tyrese Haliburton: Pacers’ Rising Star
Indiana’s championship dreams are being carried by the explosive play of point guard Tyrese Haliburton, whose dynamic performances have captured the attention of the basketball world. Haliburton’s ability to create for teammates while also providing explosive scoring has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
His Game 4 triple-double against the Knicks exemplified his complete skill set and demonstrated why he’s considered one of the league’s brightest young talents. With +600 odds to win Finals MVP, Haliburton has established himself as a legitimate candidate to lead the Pacers to their first championship since their ABA days.
Supporting Cast Excellence
Both conference finals have featured exceptional contributions from role players who have elevated their games when their teams needed them most. Josh Hart has been a rebounding machine for the Knicks, recording double-digit rebounds in three of four games against Indiana. His versatility and energy have provided crucial contributions off the bench.
For the Thunder, the supporting cast has been exemplary throughout their playoff run. Players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have provided the perfect complement to Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance, while the team’s defensive depth has been a key factor in their success.
Championship Odds and Finals Preview
With the Thunder advancing to the Finals, they enter as overwhelming favorites to capture the 2025 NBA championship. Current odds have Oklahoma City listed at -650 to win the title, reflecting their dominant playoff performance and overall team depth.
The Eastern Conference representative will face significantly longer odds, with the Pacers currently positioned at +550 to win the championship should they advance. The Knicks, despite their resilient playoff run, face +2800 odds to complete an unlikely championship run.
Historical Context and Significance
The 2025 conference finals carry significant historical weight for all participating franchises. The Thunder’s return to championship contention represents the culmination of their patient rebuilding process following the departure of their previous superstar core. Their success validates the organization’s commitment to player development and smart roster construction.
For the Pacers, their conference finals appearance represents their deepest playoff run since their Eastern Conference championship in 2000. The franchise’s return to prominence has been built around the development of Haliburton and a supporting cast that has exceeded expectations throughout the season.
The Knicks’ playoff run, regardless of the ultimate outcome, represents significant progress for a franchise that has struggled to achieve consistent success in recent decades. Their resilience and competitive spirit in the conference finals have provided hope for the future and validated their aggressive roster construction approach.
Finals Implications
As the Eastern Conference finals continues to unfold, the basketball world eagerly anticipates the Finals matchup that will crown the 2025 NBA champion. The Thunder await their opponent while maintaining their preparation and focus, understanding that championship success requires sustained excellence across multiple series.
The contrast in playing styles between the potential Finals participants promises to create compelling basketball. Oklahoma City’s balanced attack and defensive versatility would face either Indiana’s explosive offense led by Haliburton or New York’s grind-it-out approach built around veteran leadership and defensive intensity.
A Postseason for the Ages
The NBA playoffs 2025 have delivered everything basketball fans could hope for: compelling storylines, exceptional individual performances, and the kind of dramatic moments that define championship runs.
As we prepare for the Finals, the journey to this point has showcased the incredible depth of talent across the league and the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball.
Whether the Pacers complete their remarkable journey or the Knicks author a stunning comeback, the Eastern Conference finals will be remembered as a classic playoff series that exemplified the competitive spirit and excellence that makes the NBA postseason special.
The Thunder, meanwhile, have positioned themselves as the championship favorite through dominant play and the exceptional leadership of their MVP point guard.
The stage is set for a memorable conclusion to what has already been an unforgettable playoff campaign, with championship glory awaiting the team that can maintain their excellence through the final hurdle of the NBA Finals.