Gear up for the final games of the NBA playoffs with this Game 7 sportswear on Amazon
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The NBA playoffs are in full swing! With just four teams left, it's almost time for the finals. Coming up, the New York Knicks are taking on the Indiana Pacers while the Minnesota Timberwolves are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While you wait for the finals, now is the perfect time to stock up on team merchandise, thanks to the Game 7 partnership with Amazon. Game 7 features shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants from all your favorite teams.
You can catch all the Playoff games right on Peacock, which costs just $7.99 per month. The NBA League Pass also features all the playoff games, as well as post and pre-game shows. You'll pay $16.99 per month for the regular League Pass.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are largely seen as the underdogs going into the series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but die-hard fans have seen the Timberwolves win time and time again. To show your love for your team, grab this Timberwolves gear on the Game 7 shop.
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This Minnesota Timberwolves pullover sweatshirt is a throwback to a more vintage style. The classic Timberwolves' logo paired with the stripped design will make you stand out in a crowd. The sweatshirt is officially licensed and comes in the official midnight blue of the Timberwolves. It's on the heavier side, so you'll stay nice and warm.
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Relax in style with these Minnesota Timberwolves joggers. Designed with a heavyweight NBA team logo patch, the sweatpants have a cuffed bottom that makes them comfortable for everyone. If you're staying home to catch the rest of the playoffs, these sweatpants are the perfect companion to show your team spirit while staying comfy.
Also in classic midnight blue is this Minnesota Timberwolves t-shirt. It features a unique Timberwolves picture with a howling wolf overlaying a basketball. The back of the shirt also has the Timberwolves' logo on it. Made from 100% cotton, you'll stay comfortable for every game of the playoffs.
Oklahoma dominated the Western conference during the regular season, and they've shown no sign of slowing down in the postseason. Set to play the Minnesota Timberwolves, many predict OKC will come out on top. Rep your team colors with this Oklahoma City merchandise.
Get noticed with a bright blue Oklahoma City Thunder pullover hoodie. Featuring the Oklahoma City logo and name on a thunder blue hoodie. This is a lighter sweatshirt, perfect for the early spring playoff days.
You'll never want to take off these comfy Oklahoma City Thunder jogger sweatpants. Lined with a soft fleece, these sweatpants have a small OKC Thunder logo on one side. The heather gray color pairs with any of the other Thunder merch on this list.
If you prefer Oklahoma City's sunset orange color, this OKC Thunder short-sleeve shirt will be your new favorite addition to your fan gear collection. The Oklahoma City logo stands out on the bright orange, and there's an additional logo on the back of the shirt.
The New York Knicks squeezed the Boston Celtics out of the playoffs, winning the series 4 to 2. After taking the lead early in the series, game six ended with the Knicks winning by 38 points. Next up, the Knicks are set to play the Indiana Pacers. Show your love for New York with some Knicks gear.
March Madness Gear Every Fan Needs, Plus Where To Stream All The Games
A New York Knicks zip-up hoodie is a sleek black hoodie with a Knicks logo on the front and back of the sweatshirt. With hints of Knicks orange along the sleeves, this sweatshirt goes with any other Knicks gear you get from the Game 7 shop.
This New York Knicks long-sleeve shirt shows your love for your favorite city and their best NBA team. The front of the shirt simply says New York with a basketball underneath. You get the Knicks' logo on the side of one of the sleeves. The shirt comes in black, so it goes with anything.
Go with the Knicks classic blue and grab a New York Knicks short-sleeve t-shirt. The comfortable, affordable shirt has the Knicks logo on the front over a giant "Knicks" font, so you really get the point across.
Indiana beat the Cavaliers in just five games in the last series. Now, the Indiana Pacers are taking on the New York Knicks. The Pacers are the number four seed, while the Knicks are number three. If you're supporting the Pacers in this series, grab this merch.
For a one-of-a-kind sweatshirt, go with Game 7's Indiana Pacers pullover hoodie. It comes in Pacers blue and features the Pacers' logo on the front. It's a fleece-lined sweatshirt that'll keep you warmer on colder nights while you're up watching your favorite team in the playoffs.
Add a pair of Indiana Pacers joggers to your collection and stay comfortable for the rest of the playoffs. Complete with the Pacers' logo on one side and the Game 7 logo on the other, the heather gray pants are lightweight but lined with fleece for added comfort.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals
Also in heather gray is this Indiana Pacers short-sleeve t-shirt. It matches the sweatpants and has a similar Pacers logo on the front. Made from 100% cotton, you'll be plenty comfy while watching games in person, from the comfort of your couch or at your favorite sports bar.Original article source: Gear up for the final games of the NBA playoffs with this Game 7 sportswear on Amazon
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New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
How Knicks and Wolves both won Karl-Anthony Towns-Julius Randle trade
Karl-Anthony Towns was hanging out with his father and a few friends at his house in suburban Minneapolis on the night of Friday, Sept. 29, when he got a knock at his door. Waiting on the other side was Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly. He had a bottle of tequila to present as a gift, and some difficult news to deliver that he could only do face-to-face, eye-to-eye. Advertisement The group gathered around a kitchen island and Connelly quickly let Towns know that the Timberwolves had agreed to trade him to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a future first-round draft pick from the Detroit Pistons. The room immediately went quiet. Towns had spent the first nine years of his career in Minnesota and was two days away from reporting for his 10th training camp with the Timberwolves. Along with Anthony Edwards, Towns was a face of the franchise who had just helped lead the team to its first Western Conference finals appearance in 20 years. He understood the business of the league and knew that after a loss to the Dallas Mavericks the team could look to change its roster. But once the summer came and went without any major moves to the team's core, Towns was ready to go to work with his team and try to take the final step. 'There was no part of me that was willing to leave,' Towns told The Athletic in December. 'And life had a different path for me. I was stunned.' He wasn't alone. Even a week before the deal was made, Connelly was content to start the season with, essentially, the same team that lost 4-1 to Dallas. He knew that the Wolves would eventually have to address their bloated payroll, but talks with the Knicks had gone nowhere and Connelly understood that for him to trade a player of Towns' caliber, he had to get financial flexibility and existing talent that would allow the Wolves to remain competitive. Finally on that late fall Friday, the Knicks put their best offer forward, and the deal quickly took shape. Four days earlier, across the country in New York, Randle was giving back to a community that had given him so much over the previous five years. And, in turn, the people offered him one more gift. Standing on a stage, surrounded by community members, former Knicks greats and current members of the franchise, as well as NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Randle was the focus at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball High School in the South Bronx. Randle was a longtime supporter of the school and, through his foundation, donates $500 for each 3-pointer he makes during the regular season. Advertisement Unbeknownst to Randle, though, part of the groundbreaking ceremony was to honor him, and it was revealed to the multi-time All-Star that the school's basketball court would be named after him. 'What a time,' Randle said on the Knicks' Instagram account following the event. 'Happy to be a part of it. These kids are doing amazing things so make sure you guys are following it and checking it out. And I got a court named after me, too, so that's pretty cool. 'I look forward to seeing you guys soon. It's going to be a great season.' Randle shared this moment with Knicks executives, many of whom stopped by to show support. Behind those beams of pride, though, was a secret that only a handful of the hundred or so people in attendance knew: Randle, who was far off on an agreement for a contract extension with New York, could be in his final days in orange and blue. Not long after Connelly was at the doorstep of Towns' home, the Knicks returned to work up in Tarrytown, N.Y. The annual media day festivities had commenced and the Knicks were light on bodies. The trade between the Timberwolves and Knicks had been agreed upon and reported, but was not yet made official, so every player and coach who spoke had to pretend like the news that shook the NBA landscape over the weekend never happened. 'We got KAT?!' Josh Hart said with phony shock as he looked over at the team's public relations official following a question about the trade. 'Whoa! Wow!' The deal took days to finalize. Once it became official, it changed the faces of two teams that had designs on making deep playoff runs in their respective conferences. And that is exactly what happened. The Knicks and Timberwolves went through their share of growing pains in the days, weeks and months following the deal. Both were also able to persevere through those issues to advance to the conference finals. Towns played a prominent role in the Knicks' first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years. Randle was one of the best players in the playoffs in Minnesota's victories over the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in the first two rounds out West. Advertisement In the end, one of the biggest deals of this NBA season turned out to be the rare blockbuster trade in which both teams appeared to get what they wanted. 'I think if you had asked either front office last year, 'Hey, worst-case scenario, you'll lose in the conference finals?' I think we'd have probably taken it even though we both have higher aspirations,' Connelly said this week. 'But it was fun to watch. It was fun to see all the guys in the trade do well, and they're all really, really good guys.' Shortly before the start of training camp, the Knicks got word that center Mitchell Robinson would be sidelined for longer than anyone previously anticipated. The big man suffered multiple foot/ankle injuries the season before, and the initial belief was that Robinson would be back in time for the start of the new campaign. Then his return date got pushed back to December. Then, eventually, it got pushed back to February. New York was all-in on this roster, with hopes of becoming serious Eastern Conference contenders. The previous December, the Knicks traded R.J. Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a second-round pick to Toronto for OG Anunoby, who then signed a five-year, $212 million contract extension in June. New York's aspirations were further made clear in July when it traded five first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for swingman Mikal Bridges. Despite Bridges never making an All-Star Game, the organization saw his ability to defend and play as a complementary piece on offense as the perfect fit for a roster centered around the abilities of Jalen Brunson. With all of that commitment, and Robinson, who was slated to be the starting center, out for the foreseeable future, the Knicks didn't want to waste a second of their window. They pivoted and went back after Towns, whom the franchise had interest in for several years. New York saw Towns and Brunson as a damaging offensive duo. One of the best scoring guards in the league could have one of the greatest shooting big men at his disposal. The organization also viewed it as a way to get value back for Randle, as the two sides were nowhere close on a deal to keep him in New York long term. The Knicks were initially reluctant to put Donte DiVincenzo in the deal, league sources said, but ultimately viewed Towns as the perfect fit for their star guard. Towns was reunited with executive Gersson Rosas, who was the president of basketball operations in Minnesota from 2019-20. Towns is a CAA client, and the Knicks' lead decision-makers Leon Rose and William Wesley were big players in CAA before coming to New York. The trade also connected Towns with Tom Thibodeau, who he had a tricky relationship with at one time but was the first coach to give Towns a taste of team success with the Timberwolves. Advertisement 'There is some benefit to having coached him before and to know who he is as a person, but, also, that was more than five years ago,' Thibodeau said. 'He's in a different place, he's a different player. There is going to be a learning curve and we have to adjust quickly.' In a perfect world, the Timberwolves could have kept their entire core — Towns, Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid — together for the long run, leaning on the experience they gained in the playoffs and smoothing out the wrinkles as they chased an NBA Finals berth. But not long after the Wolves traded for Gobert in 2022, the league adopted a new collective bargaining agreement that placed significant roster-building restrictions on its big spenders. Despite being in a mid-tier market and having a team that had won two playoff series in 35 years prior to the 2024 run to the conference finals, the Timberwolves assembled one of the league's-highest payrolls to try to set a new standard on the court. Towns, Edwards and Gobert all were making max money. McDaniels and Reid were both paid handsomely as well. Ownership was willing to pay the luxury tax to chase a championship. What the Wolves, and many other teams, are discovering in this new financial landscape is that they cannot afford to stay above the second apron of spending for too long for other reasons. Second-apron teams cannot aggregate salaries in trades, lose their midlevel exception to sign free agents and, if they are above that apron for three of the five years, have their first-round pick frozen at the bottom of the round. As Connelly looked at his cap sheet, Towns was set to make $49 million in 2024-25 and $171 million in the three years after that. With Edwards emerging as the player the team planned to build around, Connelly just did not see a way to keep Towns and be able to have the salary-cap flexibility to add enough talent to sustain a contender. In an era where super-teams were going by the wayside and depth was starting to become a vital part of championship runs, Connelly looked for ways to break one of the big contracts into multiple, more affordable players. Towns, coming off of his fourth All-Star appearance and playing exceedingly well in playoff victories over the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets, had more value than Gobert, so Connelly believed that was the best way to move forward on a roster reconstruction. The Knicks had approached the Wolves several times over the previous year about Towns, league sources said, but Connelly was trying to thread a very fine needle. He not only wanted to gain financial flexibility, he wanted to avoid any kind of rebuilding phase after trading one of his most important players. Advertisement Once the Knicks included DiVincenzo and the Pistons pick in their offer for Towns, they shot to the top of Connelly's list of suitors. In Randle, he could get a player at Towns' position who had been productive for years in New York, and one that had a great rapport with Wolves coach Chris Finch because of their time together in New Orleans. DiVincenzo gave them a gritty shooter off the bench to bolster their scoring and defense, and the Pistons pick, which turned out to be No. 17 in this month's draft, gave Connelly another asset to either use in a trade or add a young player to the roster to develop. The trade not only alleviated a potential financial catastrophe down the road. It also, in the eyes of many of the Wolves' decision-makers, made them deeper, more versatile and a little tougher in the unforgiving Western Conference. The early days of the deal were difficult in Minnesota. Towns was a somewhat polarizing player locally, having racked up astronomical numbers and individual accolades by the bushel, but unable to lift the team from the gutter by virtue of his presence alone. There were plenty of Wolves fans who clamored for him to be traded after he struggled in the conference finals against the Mavericks. But Randle as the headliner of a deal for Towns was underwhelming for many, and Connelly started to take a lot of heat when the Wolves started the season 8-10 and were still just 22-21 in late January. Randle and DiVincenzo were both shocked by the trade, both needing to uproot young families days before camp. Both needed time to acclimate to a new city, new teammates and new coaches. And with Towns putting up huge numbers from the start in New York, the restlessness in the Target Center crowd was palpable. It reached full-on panic on Dec. 19, when Towns made his return to Minnesota and put up 32 points and 20 rebounds in a 133-107 Knicks wipeout. The Wolves tried to preach patience in the moment, but it wasn't easy for a scarred fan base that is used to the men's sports teams in the Twin Cities disappointing them. No men's professional team in Minnesota has won a title since the Twins in 1991, a drought that has conditioned sports fans in the area to expect the worst. Advertisement 'It's not normal to make a trade the day before the season,' DiVincenzo said after that game. 'So both sides, it takes time to adjust and great things take time. More so on our side, I believe that, but also on their side. KAT's playing really well, but it's going to take time to mesh and other guys adjust to what he does.' The Wolves missed Towns the most on two fronts. First, his chemistry with Gobert was the best on the team. Towns willingly included Gobert in the offense, throwing lobs to him in the half court to make sure opponents had to keep an eye on him on offense. One of the low points of the season for Minnesota came in a game at Toronto in November when Gobert purposely lingered in the lane for a 3-second violation because he was frustrated that Randle was not throwing him the ball. Secondly, one of the big things that held Minnesota back during the regular season was a frustrating lack of urgency against teams that were short-handed or languishing at the bottom of the standings. The Wolves lost in Portland twice, at home to Washington, at Utah and to Miami without Jimmy Butler, Milwaukee without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, and the Pacers without four of their starters. Team personnel privately acknowledged that having Towns' sheer talent likely would have been enough to help them win many of those games, which could have helped their playoff seeding. Even with Towns' fast start, Knicks fans felt some uneasiness as well. New York basketball returned to relevancy over the previous few seasons behind a tough, rugged team that embodied a lot of what the city grew to love. The 2023-24 Knicks were the epitome of that. That group competed every night. It defended at a high level. It was a breath of fresh air for a fan base that had spent a lot of time over the last 20 years talking itself into players like Frank Ntilikina and Damyean Dotson, just hoping for something to believe in. Randle wasn't everyone's cup of tea. His poor defense and unwillingness to move the ball at times earned him a lot of haters in New York. However, there was always a level of respect surrounding him. The Knicks' return to stability coincided with Randle's time in New York. From 2021-2024, Randle helped New York earn three playoff appearances, two of which ended in the second round. The Knicks made the playoffs zero times between 2014-2020. In Randle's five seasons in New York, he made three All-Star appearances. Yet, a large section of the fan base wasn't upset that the Knicks decided to move on from him. In fact, it was DiVincenzo's departure that provided the most angst. Advertisement New Yorkers grew to love the ''Nova Knicks,' the trio of DiVincenzo, Brunson and Josh Hart. Their camaraderie was palpable on the floor and off of it. The three college teammates reunited to help bring the franchise its first 50-win season in a decade. DiVincenzo's game-winning 3-pointer in a 2024 second-round playoff matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers will be remembered by Knicks' faithful forever. The departure of DiVincenzo depleted the Knicks' bench, which had already taken a hit with Robinson's injury and the financial limitations the franchise faced after its recent moves. There was worry that Towns wouldn't upgrade the team enough to warrant also giving up DiVincenzo and one of the few valuable draft picks that the Knicks had left at their disposal. Through all of the pain and suffering of the first three months of the season, the Wolves managed to hold together. Oddly enough, it may have been injuries to Randle and DiVincenzo in late January and early February that allowed the team to figure things out. Randle missed 13 games with a groin injury and DiVincenzo was out 19 games with turf toe, an injury that came five games after he joined the starting lineup and began playing well. The two watched from the bench as the Wolves soldiered on, and Randle said the time observing allowed him to gain a greater understanding of where he best fit with this team. He returned to the lineup in a win over Phoenix on March 2, which kicked off a 17-4 surge to the end of the regular season that moved the Timberwolves out of the Play-In Tournament field and into the sixth seed in the West. Randle became more of a playmaker than a lead scorer, DiVincenzo started to knock down shots from the outside and the Wolves stormed past the Lakers and Warriors in the first two rounds of the playoffs, beating both teams 4-1 to earn a return trip to the conference finals. Where last year's run seemingly came out of nowhere, this one was more satisfying because none of it was easy. Advertisement 'Just sticking together, having each other's backs and just battling through adversity together, not letting hard times split us up as a group,' Randle said after beating the Warriors. 'But us having the mental toughness and determination to say we're going to figure this thing out, because all of us, as a whole, believe how good we could be as a team. I'm extremely proud of everybody within this organization and this team.' After starting the season 6-6, New York won nine of its next 12 games and then rattled off a nine-game winning streak that helped put any unrest at ease. The Knicks were firmly one of the NBA's best teams by the start of the New Year, with an offense that had come together like the decision-makers envisioned. Brunson was playing at an elite level. Towns was, too. The skilled big man shot an absurd 43 percent from 3 from the start of the season until Dec. 31. As a collective, New York had the second best offense in basketball during that period. Even the defense was in the middle of the pack. The Knicks were 24-10 after Jan. 1. Both Towns and Brunson were named All-Stars. 'It's important for us to continue to stay consistent,' Brunson said during the winning streak. 'That's what we're working on.' Yet, when the calendar turned, the Knicks' flaws started to show more regularly. The offense, statistically, was tremendous through the first 35 games, but the team struggled to generate 3-point attempts. In the final months of the year, teams started consistently guarding Towns with smaller, athletic wings and putting their centers on Hart. That mucked up New York's offense and led to a major decline from January on. Both Brunson and Towns continued to put up tremendous counting stats, but the offense as a whole wasn't nearly as dynamic as it had been. From Jan. 1 until the end of the regular season, the Knicks' offense ranked 16th in the NBA. They were 28-21 in their final 49 games. New York couldn't beat the NBA's best teams, going 0-10 against the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Knicks even had a tough time with good and mediocre teams, squeezing out nail-biting victories seemingly every other night. If not for Brunson's heroics time and time again during a stretch that lasted from the end of February to early March, the Knicks might have dropped as far as the No. 5 seed in the playoffs. Advertisement However, the team's talent overcame most of its flaws. The Knicks ended up narrowly passing the likes of Indiana and Milwaukee in the standings. New York finished the regular season as the No. 3 seed, setting up a matchup with the young, feisty Pistons. Despite having the more talented team, New York struggled with Detroit. The series went six games and the Knicks trailed going into the fourth quarter on multiple occasions. Heroics from both Brunson and Towns, as well as Bridges, allowed the Knicks to escape the first round, and it set up a second-round matchup with the defending-champion Celtics, a team that was worlds better than New York during the regular season. The playoffs appeared like they would go the same way. The Knicks were down by 20 in Game 1 but pulled off a comeback for the ages. They did it again in Game 2. New York trailed by 14 or more points in nearly every game of the series against the Celtics but still found ways to win in six games. The team built an identity as a resilient group that didn't quit. Towns' defense was as good as it had been all season behind Thibodeau's plan to allow him to guard Boston's star players one-on-one. New York, for the first time in 25 years, went to the Eastern Conference finals. 'When you're in these situations, especially in the playoffs, we had that belief that we will never lose,' Towns said. 'If you want to go deep, you have to have that. I think we showed that in this series and it was special for us. In the last series, we showed we were able to finish games in the fourth quarter and, even in the close games, we'll find ways to win. This series was different because we had ourselves in deficits that were 20-plus and still found a way to win. That's a testament to these guys.' In the end, the results speak for themselves. The Timberwolves made back-to-back conference finals for the first time in franchise history. In an interesting twist, they actually improved on offense without Towns, going from 17th in offensive efficiency last season to eighth this year, but got worse on defense, falling from first last season to sixth this year. They won seven fewer games in the regular season without Towns, but ended up in exactly the same spot at the end. Advertisement DiVincenzo was a little streaky at times, but he gave the Wolves a tough-minded shooter off the bench with a great contract — $24.5 million combined over the next two seasons. 'The fans were amazing for me and my family,' DiVincenzo said. 'They made it feel like home right away. And comfortable. It's just the beginning. It was a helluva year.' Randle averaged 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists over the first two rounds of the playoffs and quickly grew to enjoy living in Minnesota with his wife, Kendra, their two young boys and a baby girl who arrived last month. 'I definitely found a comfort level and got used to the cold and blizzards in March and all that different type of stuff,' Randle said with a smile. 'So it was cool, man, and I enjoyed it, and I'll probably spend my summer here.' For all of the good feelings about what Minnesota accomplished and endured, there is some uncertainty. Randle can opt-out of his contract and become a free agent this summer. Through the first two rounds of the playoffs, he seemed destined to sign a new deal with the Wolves to stay for the long term. But Randle's struggles against Oklahoma City in the conference finals — he averaged 17.4 points and 3.6 turnovers in the 4-1 loss — make those decisions less straightforward. Connelly said that he hopes to bring Randle back, but also did not rule out another big trade if one presents itself and can get the Wolves closer to a championship. 'Fingers crossed, our ability to be a little more flexible could serve us well this season,' Connelly said. The Wolves' end of the deal was also aided by the unexpectedly successful season from the Pistons. The pick they acquired from New York in the trade was lottery protected, but Detroit advanced to the playoffs, allowing it to convey this year, which is important because the Wolves do not have their own pick because of the Gobert trade. Ultimately, this Knicks season was a success. The team won 51 regular-season games, one more than last year and the most in over a decade. It reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Both Brunson and Towns earned All-NBA honors. GO DEEPER Knicks' vibes weren't always immaculate, but this historic season gave plenty of hope Yet, the vibe around the organization wasn't that of one that just reached new heights. For most of the second half of the season, the team spoke about pushing egos to the sides. They spoke about sacrificing. The Knicks were a collection of talented players that never consistently jelled as one. 'We have a bunch of great guys in that locker room,' Towns said. 'We hope to put ourselves in this position again and succeed next time.' Advertisement The trade helped them go further than they have in decades, and they still weren't satisfied. They fired Thibodeau after the season ended with a Game 6 loss to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals and will continue their journey toward the elusive NBA title with a new voice on the sideline. Whomever takes over as head coach has to find a way to maximize a core that had a negative net rating from Jan. 1 on. The new coach has to find a way to hide the defensive deficiencies of its two star players. With that said, it's not out of the realm of possibility for New York to follow up its coaching decision with major roster moves. Towns, based off his contract alone, could be a casualty if the Knicks decide to go big-game hunting. Overall, though, Towns' first season in New York was a success. He was one of the 15 best players in the NBA, finished second in the league in rebounding with 12.8 rebounds per game and delivered one of the most memorable moments of the season when he scored 20 points in the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals to rally the Knicks to a win over the Pacers. He was given the nickname 'Bodega KAT,' his Dominican roots and late mother's affinity for the Knicks fostering a natural connection with the city. However, with the franchise's determination to bring a championship back to the Mecca for the first time in over 50 years, anything could be on the table this summer. 'Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans,' Rose said in a statement following the firing of Thibodeau, the most successful Knicks coach this century. Zooming out, both teams came out winners in the trade, a rarity for a deal of this magnitude. They were two of the NBA's final four, thrilling their fan bases with exhilarating rides to the conference finals. And yet, they both feel like unfinished products, still searching for the final pieces to move them from contenders to champions. (Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; top photos: Al Bello / Getty Images, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
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Anthony Edwards Explains Why Chet Holmgren Was The Game Changer For OKC In Game 4
May 26, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) makes a pass against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the second half during game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves saw a crushing 128-126 loss in Game 4 at home on Monday night. While discussing the key players for the Thunder, Edwards had to give props to OKC's big man, Chet Holmgren, for his performance. "JDub had a bunch of open ones, made some tough ones too. Shai made some tough ones. I think Chet changed the game for them more than anything. The easy points he had, easy rebounds, putbacks. All his points, I think. That was the game changer." Advertisement Holmgren has been a key factor in the Thunder's success this season, and in an important game, he stepped up for his team. OKC's big man notched 21 points and seven rebounds, along with three blocks for the game. His ability to stretch the floor was also seen as he shot 2-4 from beyond the arc on an overall efficient 9-14 shooting for the night. The big man's length posed a challenge to Minnesota's frontcourt, as they struggled to get around him. Wolves forward Julius Randle, who has otherwise been an absolute force in the playoffs, notched only five points in Game 4. The Thunder saw some tremendous performances to close out the game on the road. The league's MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, had another incredible performance, racking up a near-triple-double of 40 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists. Meanwhile, his co-star, Jalen Williams, came up with another huge scoring night with 34 points on 6-9 shooting from the three-point line. While OKC's output was tremendous, it wasn't like the Wolves played poorly at all. Minnesota saw some valuable contributions from their bench, who effectively carried their weight for the game. Advertisement The bench mob was led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who had 23 points on 5-8 shooting from three-point territory. He was closely supported by Donte DiVincenzo, who added another 21 points and five assists as well. Overall, the bench combined for 64 points, compared to the starters' 62. Where Minnesota fell short in Game 4 was the lack of offensive output provided by their star pair of Randle and Edwards. The Wolves guard, who had put on an offensive masterclass in Game 3, seemed like a non-factor on Monday. Edwards disappeared on a night when his team needed him to be more dominant, contributing 16 points on 5-13 shooting, another game where he took fewer shots than he should. The only positive contributors in the Wolves' starting lineup were Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. McDaniels led the starters in scoring with 22 points and some solid defensive work by racking up four steals. Meanwhile, Gobert notched 13 points and nine rebounds along with a block. Advertisement A loss in Game 4 sees Minnesota in a significantly worse position than before. Having given up a 3-1 lead to the Thunder before hitting the road, the Wolves will be battling to avoid elimination in Game 5 on Wednesday at 8:30 pm ET. Related: Charles Barkley Says All The Pressure Is On Timberwolves; Predicts Series Ends In Game 5 If They Lose Game 4
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How Sam Presti Really Constructed 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder
How Sam Presti Really Constructed 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder stormed their way to the NBA Finals as the league's No. 1 overall seed, finishing with a 64-18 record, the franchise's best since relocating from Seattle. This wasn't a fluke by any means. Advertisement They led the NBA in net rating (+12.8), ranked first in defensive rating (107.5), and were fourth in scoring (120.5 PPG) and third in offensive rating (120.3). More than just stats, this team has an identity: young, fearless, unselfish, and surgical on both ends of the court. At the heart of it all is Sam Presti, the most quietly powerful general manager in the NBA. While other franchises obsess over superstar trades (no need to mention the Phoenix Suns), Presti took the long road; accumulating draft picks, betting on character as much as talent, and building a roster that fits together. Presti did it without tanking, either. From drafting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's co-stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, to fleecing teams in trades, to trusting development over desperation; Presti turned the post-Durant and Westbrook teardown into a Finals contender. Here is how the best GM in the NBA did it, starting with how he acquired the league MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Trade With Clippers) May 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; NBA commissioner is Adam Silver presents Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the most valuable player award for the 2024-25 season before game two of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images On July 2019, the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a blockbuster trade that sent Paul George to L.A. The Thunder received Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and a haul of draft picks, including multiple unprotected first-rounders. At the time, SGA was a promising rookie, but few anticipated the meteoric rise he would experience in Oklahoma City. Advertisement By the 2024-25 season, Gilgeous-Alexander had blossomed into the league MVP, averaging 32.7 points per game during the regular season and 31.4 in the Western Conference Finals. His leadership and clutch performances have been instrumental in propelling the Thunder to the NBA Finals, solidifying his status as a top-two player in the NBA alongside Nikola Jokic. Jalen Williams (2022 NBA Draft) Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Jalen Williams was selected 12th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Thunder, using a pick acquired from the Clippers in the same trade that brought in Gilgeous-Alexander. Coming out of Santa Clara, Williams was considered a mid-to-late first-round prospect, but the Thunder saw potential in his versatility and two-way play. Advertisement Williams quickly outperformed expectations, becoming a key contributor and earning All-Star honors in the 2024-25 season after posting 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively has made him an indispensable part of the Thunder's core, complementing Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren effectively. Chet Holmgren (2022 NBA Draft) May 26, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) makes a pass against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the second half during game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images© Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images The Thunder selected Chet Holmgren with the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Despite missing his entire rookie season due to injury, Holmgren returned in the 2023-24 season and made an immediate impact with his unique combination of size, shooting, and shot-blocking ability. This season, Holmgren posted 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. Advertisement His presence in the paint and ability to stretch the floor have been crucial in the Thunder's deep playoff run, and the big man could just be getting started with a Defensive Player of the Year trophy and All-Star appearance seeming very likely in his future. Luguentz Dort (2019 Free Agency) Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Undrafted in 2019, Luguentz Dort signed a two-way contract with the Thunder and quickly proved his worth with tenacious defense and physicality, giving James Harden major problems in the 2020 Playoffs. Recognizing his value, the Thunder signed him to a multiyear deal. Dort's defensive prowess, particularly on the perimeter, has been a cornerstone of the Thunder's identity, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best scorer. Dort finished 4th in DPOY voting this season and made the All-NBA Defensive First Team. Isaiah Hartenstein (2024 Free Agency) Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images In the 2024 offseason, the Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million deal, adding size and experience to their frontcourt. Many thought that the Thunder had overpaid, but Presti noticed Holmgren needed help around the rim and they made sure the former Knicks center got his money to come to Oklahoma City. Advertisement Hartenstein's ability to protect the rim, rebound, and facilitate from the high post has provided the Thunder with a reliable presence in the paint, complementing Holmgren's skill set. The big man posted impressive averages of 11.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game this season. To his credit, Hartenstein's push shot around the rim is also one of the best in the NBA and he hits it time and time again. Cason Wallace (2023 NBA Draft) Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images The Thunder traded up to select Cason Wallace with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Known for his defensive intensity and basketball IQ, Wallace has contributed significantly off the bench, providing energy and stability in the backcourt. Advertisement His development has been a testament to the Thunder's emphasis on drafting high-character, versatile players. Wallace posted 8.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game on 35.6% from three, and his growth defensively has been particularly impressive to watch. Alex Caruso (Trade With Bulls) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) reacts after scoring a three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during game one of the Western Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images In a strategic move to bolster their defense and veteran leadership, the Thunder acquired Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Josh Giddey in 2024. Caruso's championship experience with the Lakers alongside LeBron James and his defensive acumen have been invaluable, particularly in high-pressure playoff situations, where his ability to disrupt opposing offenses has shone. Advertisement Today, Thunder fans are still thanking the heavens for being able to cheer Caruso as he dives for loose balls and comes up with key defensive plays time and time again. If Caruso does win another NBA title, he will be following the same mold as players such as Jrue Holiday and Danny Green who just know how to make their team win. Isaiah Joe (2022 Free Agency) Mar 29, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) moves past Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesCredit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images After being waived by the Philadelphia 76ers, Isaiah Joe signed with the Thunder and quickly became one of the league's most efficient three-point shooters. Recognizing his value, the Thunder secured him on a four-year, $48 million deal in 2024. Advertisement Joe's shooting has been a critical component of the Thunder's spacing and offensive success. The sharpshooter posted 10.2 points per game on 41.2% from three this season, impressive numbers. Aaron Wiggins (2021 NBA Draft) Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Selected 55th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Aaron Wiggins has developed into a reliable role player for the Thunder. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, and his energy off the bench provides a spark for the team. Posting 12.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on 38.3% from deep this season, Wiggins' progression exemplifies the Thunder's ability to identify and develop talent beyond the lottery. Kenrich Williams (4-Team Trade) Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Acquired in the 2020 offseason in a 4-team trade that was set in motion by the Thunder trading Steven Adams to the New Orleans Pelicans, Kenrich Williams has been a steadying presence for the Thunder. His hustle, defensive versatility, and unselfish play have made him a fan favorite and a valuable contributor to the team's culture and success. Anytime Williams hits the court, Thunder fans know he will give it his all at any point. Jaylin Williams (2022 NBA Draft) Mar 9, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) celebrates after a basket against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Drafted 34th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Jaylin Williams has provided depth in the frontcourt with his physical play and rebounding. His willingness to do the dirty work and his high basketball IQ have earned him a consistent role in the rotation and another fan-favorite. Nikola Topic (2024 NBA Draft) Nikola Topic is pictured during the Thunder media day at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Sept. 30, NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Thunder selected Serbian point guard Nikola Topic with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Although he missed the 2024-25 season due to an ACL injury, Topic is expected to bring playmaking and size to the backcourt upon his return, adding another dynamic to the Thunder's already potent lineup. Ajay Mitchell (2024 NBA Draft) Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Ajay Mitchell was selected 38th overall by the Thunder in the 2024 NBA Draft. Known for his scoring ability and court vision, Mitchell is viewed as a developmental prospect with the potential to contribute in the future. Ousmane Dieng (2022 NBA Draft) Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images The Thunder acquired Ousmane Dieng in the 2022 NBA Draft, trading multiple picks to secure the 11th overall selection. Dieng's length and versatility on both ends of the floor make him a high-upside project, and the Thunder are investing in his development as part of their long-term vision. Dillon Jones (2024 NBA Draft) Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Dillon Jones was selected 26th overall by the Thunder in the 2024 NBA Draft. His all-around game and physicality are expected to add depth to the roster, with the potential to grow into a more significant role as he adapts to the NBA level. Related: OKC Reach 2025 Finals With Youngest Roster In NBA; Still Boasts 20 Draft Picks Over Next 5 Years This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
