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2025 NBA Playoffs: Shocking Upsets & Conference Finals Preview

The 2025 NBA Playoffs have delivered unexpected twists, with both the defending champion Boston Celtics and perennial Denver Nuggets eliminated. Now, four teams—Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and New York Knicks—vie for a spot in the NBA Finals. Here’s a comprehensive review of the Conference Semifinals and a preview of the upcoming Conference Finals. CBSSports.com

🏀 Conference Semifinals Recap

Western Conference

🌀 Oklahoma City Thunder(1) vs. Denver Nuggets(4)

In a thrilling seven-game series, the top-seeded Thunder overcame the Nuggets. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with a 35-point performance in Game 7, propelling Oklahoma City to its first Western Conference Finals since 2016. CBSSports.comESPN.com

OKC wins series 4-3

🐺 Minnesota Timberwolves(6) vs. Golden State Warriors(7)

The Timberwolves showcased dominance by defeating the Warriors in five games. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle were instrumental, with Randle averaging nearly 24 points per game. This marks Minnesota’s second consecutive appearance in the Western Conference Finals. Canis Hoopus+1FTN Fantasy+1

Minnesota wins series 4-1

Eastern Conference

🏀 Indiana Pacers(4) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers(1)

The Pacers stunned the top-seeded Cavaliers, winning the series in five games. Tyrese Haliburton’s leadership and the team’s improved defense were pivotal in securing their second straight Eastern Conference Finals berth. FTN Fantasy

Indiana wins series 4-1

🗽 New York Knicks(3) vs. Boston Celtics(2)

The Knicks eliminated the injury-plagued Celtics in six games. Jalen Brunson’s clutch performances and the team’s resilient defense were key factors. This victory propels New York to its first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. SBNation.com+3CBSSports.com+3CBSSports.com+3

NY wins series 4-2

🔮 Conference Finals Preview

Western Conference Finals: Oklahoma City Thunder(1) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves(6)

  • Game 1: Tuesday, May 20, 8:30 PM ET, ESPN
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs Anthony Edwards

The Thunder, boasting the league’s best defense and a 68-win season, face a formidable Timberwolves squad led by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. Oklahoma City’s aggressive defense, featuring Luguentz Dort and Chet Holmgren, will aim to stifle Minnesota’s offense. The series is expected to be a tightly contested battle between two rising teams. Canis Hoopus

🏀 All-Time Head-to-Head Record

  • Regular Season: The Thunder hold a commanding lead with 92 wins to the Timberwolves’ 48 in their 140 regular-season meetings. Land of Basketball
  • Playoffs: Prior to the 2025 Western Conference Finals, the two teams had met once in the postseason during the 1998 first round, when the Thunder were known as the Seattle SuperSonics. Seattle won that series 3-2. Reddit

🔥 2024–25 Season Series

The 2024–25 regular season saw the Timberwolves and Thunder split their four-game series, 2-2.

Eastern Conference Finals: New York Knicks(3) vs. Indiana Pacers(4)

  • Game 1: Wednesday, May 21, 8:00 PM ET, TNT
  • Tyrese Haliburton vs Jalen Brunson

The Knicks and Pacers renew their storied rivalry. New York’s gritty defense and the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges bolster their lineup. Indiana’s high-paced offense, led by Tyrese Haliburton, and improved defense present a significant challenge. This series promises to be a clash of contrasting styles and a test of endurance. as.com+8timesofindia.indiatimes.com+8Baller Alert+8New York PostSBNation.com

🏀 All-Time Head-to-Head Overview

🔥 Notable Playoff Series

1994 Eastern Conference Finals

A classic seven-game series where the Knicks prevailed 4–3. Reggie Miller’s 25-point fourth quarter in Game 5 is legendary, but Patrick Ewing’s dominant Game 7 performance secured the Knicks’ first Finals appearance since 1973. WikipediaNew York Post

1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals

The Pacers avenged the previous year’s loss, winning the series 4–3. Miller’s “8 points in 9 seconds” in Game 1 remains one of the most iconic moments in NBA playoff history. Wikipedia

1999 Eastern Conference Finals

An underdog Knicks team, seeded eighth, upset the Pacers 4–2. Larry Johnson’s four-point play in Game 3 was pivotal, propelling the Knicks to the Finals. New York Post+1Posting and Toasting+1

2000 Eastern Conference Finals

The Pacers, led by Miller’s 34 points in Game 6 at Madison Square Garden, defeated the Knicks 4–2, advancing to their first NBA Finals. New York Post

2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals

The rivalry was rekindled as the Pacers, with a strong defensive lineup, overcame the Knicks 4–2. Wikipedia

2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals

In a tightly contested series, the Pacers edged out the Knicks in seven games, showcasing the emergence of Tyrese Haliburton as a playoff leader. Posting and Toasting

📅 2024–25 Season Matchups

During the 2024–25 regular season, the Knicks and Pacers faced off three times, NY winning 3-1.

Team History

🏆 New York Knicks

  • Championships: 2 (1970, 1973)
  • Finals Appearances: 8 (most recently in 1999) Diario AS
  • Notable Era: The early 1970s were golden years for the Knicks, with legends like Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, and Bill Bradley leading the team to two championships. Their last Finals appearance was in 1999, where they reached the Finals as an eighth seed, a remarkable feat in NBA history.
  • Current Outlook: The Knicks are experiencing a resurgence, led by standout performances from Jalen Brunson. Their advancement to the Eastern Conference Finals marks their deepest playoff run in over two decades. WSJ

🏀 Indiana Pacers

  • NBA Championships: 0
  • NBA Finals Appearances: 1 (2000) Encyclopedia Britannica+3FOX Sports+3Wikipedia+3
  • ABA Championships: 3 (1970, 1972, 1973)
  • Notable Era: Before joining the NBA, the Pacers were a dominant force in the ABA, securing three championships. Their sole NBA Finals appearance came in 2000, led by Reggie Miller, where they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers.
  • Current Outlook: The Pacers have shown significant progress, with emerging talents like Tyrese Haliburton propelling them to the Eastern Conference Finals. Their quest for a first NBA title continues.

🐺 Minnesota Timberwolves

  • Championships: 0
  • Best Playoff Performance: Reached the Western Conference Finals in 2004 and 2024
  • Notable Era: The early 2000s saw the Timberwolves, led by Kevin Garnett, make their deepest playoff run in 2004. After a period of rebuilding, they returned to the Conference Finals in 2024, signaling a potential new era of competitiveness.
  • Current Outlook: With a young and dynamic roster, the Timberwolves are poised to challenge for their first NBA Finals appearance.

⚡ Oklahoma City Thunder

  • NBA Championships: 1 (1979 as Seattle SuperSonics) FOX Sports
  • Finals Appearances: 4 (1978, 1979, 1996, 2012)
  • Notable Era: The franchise’s championship came in 1979 during their time as the Seattle SuperSonics. After relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008, they reached the Finals in 2012, led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, but fell to the Miami Heat.
  • Current Outlook: The Thunder have rebuilt effectively, with a talented young core including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, making them strong contenders in the Western Conference.

🏆 What’s at Stake:

  • New York: A chance to reclaim a legendary legacy.
  • Indiana: The opportunity to win its first NBA title and settle old scores.
  • Minnesota: A historic Finals appearance that could redefine the franchise.
  • Oklahoma City: A shot at redemption—and a second title for the franchise’s split identity.

🎤 Final Thoughts:

This year’s Conference Finals don’t feature the usual suspects, but that’s what makes it so exciting. These four teams and cities are starving for success, and every game will feel like a battle for more than just a championship—it’s a battle for pride, redemption, and a place in basketball history.

Who are you rooting for in these matchups?

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