How to Analyze NBA Conference Finals for 2024-25

Excitement is tangible as NBA fans gear up for the thrilling climax of the season! Each team is ready to compete on the court with strong determination. They are facing off in one of the most exciting contests yet. As the stakes rise, powerhouse teams are giving it their all in the relentless pursuit of the championship title. Who will rise to the occasion and claim glory? The anticipation is electric! The NBA 2024-25 season has been exciting, with thrilling games, impressive player performances, and unexpected events changing the league. As the NBA season progresses, the race for playoff positioning and individual accolades is fiercely competitive, keeping fans captivated. This week, the anticipation peaks with pivotal Games 5 and 6 in key playoff series. Teams are in tough matches. They either fight to survive or try to win decisively, making every possession important. Top players are stepping up and making essential plays, changing the momentum of the NBA games. These games will be key moments of the season. Discover the freshest game news and the latest updates you won’t want to miss, all in one place. Stay ahead of the game!

The NBA Conference Finals rivalries week has delivered thrilling matchups, reigniting old rivalries and creating new ones. On May 18, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 125-93 in Game 7 of the Western Conference NBA semifinals. This victory moved the Thunder to the Conference Finals. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 132-100, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 35 points. Denver led early, but Oklahoma City dominated after halftime. The Thunder reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2016. On May 20, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88 in Game 1 of the Western Conference NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 31 points and nine assists, while Jalen Williams added 19 points and eight rebounds. The Thunder’s strong defense stifled Anthony Edwards, who finished with 18 points and nine rebounds, giving Oklahoma City a 1-0 series lead. The Indiana Pacers edged the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference NBA Finals on May 21, 2025. After trailing by 17, the Pacers rallied, with Tyrese Haliburton forcing overtime. Jalen Brunson scored 43 points for the Knicks, while Haliburton finished with 31. Indiana leads the series 1-0. Stay updated with the up-to-date news for all basketball fans.

On May 22, 2025, the Thunder beat the Timberwolves 118-103, leading the series 2-0. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points, while Jalen Williams added 26 and 10 rebounds. The Thunder dominated the third quarter, outscoring Minnesota 35-21. However, on May 26, the Timberwolves bounced back, winning Game 3 143-101. Anthony Edwards scored 30 points, leading Minnesota to a strong performance. They scored 72 points in the first half, a playoff-high, and narrowed their series deficit to 2-1.  On May 23, 2025, the Indiana Pacers won 114-109 against the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference NBA Finals. This victory gave the Pacers a 2-0 lead in the series. Siakam scored 39 points, and Haliburton added 14 points and 11 assists, helping the Pacers win despite Brunson’s 36 for the Knicks. In a turnaround in Game 3 on May 26, 2025, the Knicks mounted a dramatic comeback to defeat the Pacers 106-100 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The town scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Knicks to a 2-1 series deficit after beating the Pacers. Brunson added 23 points. The Knicks aim to tie the series in Game 4. Get the latest football news, predictions, team performances, and tools for fans.

Old Upbringings: Year in Review

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder had a countless 2023-24 NBA season, last first in the Western Conference with 57 wins and 25 losses. They won their first division title since 2016 and swept the Pelicans in the first round but lost to the Mavericks in the Conference Semifinals. The Thunder’s talented young roster struggled against experienced playoff teams, as seen in their series against Dallas. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and young stars, need to improve their defense and bench to become title contenders in the 2024-25 season.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves had a great 2023-24 NBA season, finishing third in the Western Conference with 56 wins and 26 losses. The Timberwolves lost 1-4 to the Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Anthony Edwards became the team leader, delivering key performances throughout the season. The Timberwolves had a strong season, winning over 50 games and reaching the playoffs for the third year. With a solid core and the best defense in the NBA, they aim to build on their success in 2024-25.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks had a successful 2023-24 NBA season, last second in the Eastern Conference with 50 wins and 32 losses. The Knicks had a 50-win season, beat the 76ers in the playoffs, and lost to the Pacers. They finished with a 120-119 overtime win against the Bulls. Jalen Brunson led the team with great performances, while OG Anunoby made a quick impact after his trade mid-season. Randle’s season-ending injury hurt the Knicks’ playoff depth, but with improvements and player development, they aim for a deeper run in 2024-25.

Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers had a solid 2023-24 NBA season, concluding 6th in the Eastern Conference with a 47-35 record. The team secured key wins, including 140-126 against the Knicks and 120-104 over the Bulls. Tyrese Haliburton averaged 31 points and 11 assists in the playoffs. Improving defensive efficiency is vital for the Pacers’ future success.

Future Locks

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Oklahoma City Thunder will clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves on May 28, 2025, at Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, United States, for game 5 of the NBA Conference Finals showdown.

Rankings

• Oklahoma City Thunder—1st position in the Western Conference
• Minnesota Timberwolves—6th position in the Western Conference

Previous Rivalry

The Oklahoma City Thunder had a rough start in the first quarter of Game 3. The Minnesota Timberwolves quickly built up a substantial lead, ending the first quarter with a score of 34-14. After that, the game was not close. This loss came after the Thunder had won the first two games by at least 15 points at home. In Game 3, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 14 points and made six assists, but he performed below his usual playoff level. Oklahoma City Thunder starters had limited minutes in a blowout loss. Jalen Williams scored 13 points and averaged 19.6 in the NBA (National Basketball Association) playoffs.

Conversely, the Minnesota Timberwolves faced a challenge, as no NBA team has ever returned from a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series. Therefore, winning Game 3 at home was crucial. The Timberwolves responded strongly, controlling the game from start to finish. They led by as much as 45 points and shot impressively from three-point range, finishing at 20 out of 40. Anthony Edwards stood out, scoring 30 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out six assists. This season, Edwards made the Second Team All-NBA and aimed to improve his outside shooting. The Timberwolves rank 9th in offensive efficiency and 7th in defensive efficiency. Thus, the Oklahoma City Thunder will likely hold on to a victory in their upcoming matches.

New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers

On May 29, 2025, the New York Knicks will conflict with the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden, New York, United States, for game 5 of the NBA Conference Finals 2024-25 season.

Rankings

• New York Knicks—3rd position in the Eastern Conference
• Indiana Pacers—4th position in the Eastern Conference

Previous Rivalry

The New York Knicks score an average of +2.3 points per game at home but only -2.5 points on the road, even though they have a winning record. All five of their road wins were by three points or fewer. This team shows that Jalen Brunson and his teammates can play well outside Madison Square Garden. In their last nine games, the Knicks have scored 4-4-1 in total points, while the Pacers have won 6 of their last nine games. The New York Knicks have met their point total in three of six road games this postseason. Over the previous 10 games, Robinson has had more playing time, averaging five points and seven rebounds in 21 minutes per game.

The Indiana Pacers lost Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against Milwaukee by 16 points. They also lost Game 3 against Cleveland by 22 points after leading the series 2-0. This team is a crucial game for Indiana, as they need to win, while New York must also win. After scoring only 215 points in Game 1 against Milwaukee, the Pacers have scored more than 223.5 points in their last four home games. According to their performances, the New York Knicks will have a home court to hold on to for a triumph in their forthcoming series.