Latest news with #2025Finals
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lakers Make First Announcement of 2025-26 Season
Lakers Make First Announcement of 2025-26 Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The 2025 Finals are all the remains of the NBA's schedule, and for the Lakers, concern about that series faded away not long after their elimination from the playoffs back on April 30, almost five weeks ago now. After a promising regular season and hopes that they might be a true contender in the West this year, it took only five games for the Timberwolves to dispatch L.A. Advertisement You'll forgive the Lakers, then, if they're eager to file that memory away and look ahead to next year. Much figures to change in the coming weeks and months--the team will pick 55th in the draft, they hope to sign or trade for a big man, they will play in summer league--but for the Lakers, 2025-26 can't get here fast enough. It'll be 93 days, in fact. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second quarter against the LA Clippers at Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images On Monday, the Lakers announced that they will begin their preseason schedule this year (the home portion, at least) on Oct. 3, 2025, with a home game against the Suns, though it won't be in L.A. It'll be in Palm Springs. The team announced: "Preseason tips off for the Lakers Oct. 3 in Greater Palm Springs at Acrisure Arena when the team hosts the Phoenix Suns. The organization has a rich history in Coachella Valley, the former home of Lakers training camp in the Showtime era. In 2023, the Lakers returned to Coachella Valley after a 26-year hiatus, bringing the Purple and Gold back to the desert with a sold-out preseason showing." Advertisement They also announced dates with the Warriors (Oct. 12) and Kings (Oct. 17). There's a preseason game with Mavericks (Oct. 15), as well, which will be played in las Vegas. The next NBA season is slated to tip off on Oct. 21, 2025. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Pacers and Thunder can thank Paul George for their 2025 NBA Finals berths
Pacers and Thunder can thank Paul George for their 2025 NBA Finals berths This Thursday, one of the more unconventional NBA Finals in some time will tip off between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. The funny twist is that this series likely never comes close to happening without the services of one ... Paul George. As a nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA player, George has clearly had one of the better careers of his generation. But for all his individual accomplishments, the Philadelphia 76ers forward hasn't been all that close to the NBA Finals in over a decade. That hasn't come from a lack of trying in dictating where he's played. It's thanks to George's insistence on his individual movement that the Thunder and Pacers built their championship-caliber teams in the first place. You see, when George, who originally began his career with the Pacers, wanted out of Indiana, the franchise dealt him away to the Thunder in 2017. In return, Indiana received Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. Approximately five years later, the Pacers used Sabonis to trade for Tyrese Haliburton, who has since become an arguable top-10 NBA player and the franchise's clear talisman. Oof. Unfortunately for George, that's not where his 2025 Finals story ends. To try and get Kawhi Leonard a No. 2 running mate in the summer of 2019, the L.A. Clippers acquired George by trading five first-round picks to the Thunder as well as a young Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. You know, the reigning MVP and a veritable top-five player in the league. Oh, man. Double oof. Call it a hunch, but I think the Clippers really regret this move now. You're reading this right, dearest readers. The Thunder and Pacers acquired their respective best players because both traded away George in less than half a decade's time. Triple oof. Well, if George wants to feel better about this, he does have a focus on his "Podcast P" platform while being mired on a 76ers team that is kind of stuck in neutral, thanks to his monster max contract. Oh, and the 76ers might try to trade him for Kevin Durant after George had one of the worst seasons of his career. Oh, wait. Never mind, that probably doesn't make him feel better.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NBA playoff bracket 2025: Schedule, times, scores for conference finals
The 2025 NBA playoffs are down to one last series, with the 2025 Finals pairing the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Indiana Pacers. The Thunder have looked very impressive during their run through the Western Conference. A first-round sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies was followed by their only serious gut-check of these playoffs, a seven-game triumph over the Denver Nuggets. The Western Conference finals figured to be a test, but Oklahoma City dispensed with the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. Advertisement In the East, the Pacers have been even more impressive. A feisty series with the Milwaukee Bucks was wrapped up in five, as was Indiana's second-round upset of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Saturday's win over the New York Knicks gave the Pacers a six-game series victory, setting up the battle in the NBA Finals with the Thunder. Here's the complete NBA playoffs schedule, including bracket, results and broadcast information: NBA bracket: Playoff schedule, scores and results 2025 NBA Finals schedule *-if necessary. All times Eastern. Game 1, June 5: Pacers at Thunder | ABC, 8:30 p.m. Game 2, June 8: Pacers at Thunder | ABC, 8 p.m. Game 3, June 11: Thunder at Pacers | ABC, 8:30 p.m. Game 4, June 13: Thunder at Pacers | ABC, 8:30 p.m. Game 5, June 16: Pacers at Thunder | ABC, 8:30 p.m.* Game 6, June 19: Thunder at Pacers | ABC, 8:30 p.m.* Game 7, June 22: Pacers at Thunder | ABC, 8 p.m.* Conference finals Eastern Conference Pacers win series 4-2 Western Conference Thunder win series 4-1 Advertisement NBA: No one will stop the Thunder from winning NBA championship NBA playoff results: Second round Eastern Conference (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Indiana Pacers Pacers win series 4-1 (2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) New York Knicks Knicks win series 4-2 Western Conference (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Denver Nuggets Thunder win series 4-3 (6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (7) Golden State Warriors Timberwolves win series 4-1 NBA playoff results: First round Eastern Conference (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat Cavaliers win series 4-0 (2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic Celtics win series 4-1 Advertisement (3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons Knicks win series 4-2 (4) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks Pacers win series 4-1 Western Conference (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies Thunder win series 4-0 (2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors Warriors win series 4-3 (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves Timberwolves win series 4-1 (4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers Nuggets win series 4-3 The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA playoff bracket: Schedule, times, scores for conference finals
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NHL Stanley Cup 2025: Oilers' win over Stars sets up finals rematch against Panthers
This year, the Stanley Cup Finals will look familiar, as the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Florida Panthers for the second straight year. The 2024 Finals rematch will begin next week in what is likely to be another exciting series. Edmonton secured its 2025 Finals appearance with a 6-3 win over the Dallas Stars on Thursday, icing a 4-1 series win and the Western Conference championship. The victory set up a rematch against Florida, who picked up its own 4-1 series win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday. Advertisement As the Oilers chase their first Stanley Cup since 1990, their final obstacle will once again be the Panthers, who defeated Edmonton in a thrilling series in 2024. Florida went up 3-0 in the series before Edmonton went on a run to force a Game 7; the Panthers staved off a historic collapse with a 2-1 victory over the Oilers to earn the franchise's first title. It's been more than 30 years since a Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup — and the Oilers, out for revenge, have extra motivation to break that drought. Edmonton will also open the series as a slight betting favorite over the Panthers. Hockey superstitions may also come into play here. After not touching the Clarence S. Campbell trophy last year and subsequently losing the Finals, Oilers captain Connor McDavid grabbed it right away this year — opening the hope that Edmonton's luck might change. Both teams have been on strong postseason runs heading into the rematch. Florida kicked off the playoffs with a 4-1 series win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, before dashing the Toronto Maple Leafs' postseason dreams with a 6-1 Game 7 victory. Advertisement As for Edmonton, the Oilers pulled through the first two rounds with a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings with a 4-2 win and a 4-1 win over the Las Vegas Knights before dispatching the Stars. The Stanley Cup Finals will begin on June 4, with Edmonton hosting the first two games.
New York Post
16-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Liberty looking to make statement with ‘first punch' as they open title defense
Plenty of outside doubt has hung over the Liberty the past few weeks. Only 20 percent of WNBA general managers believe the Liberty will win it all again. Advertisement And coach Sandy Brondello has seen what the papers and national pundits have been saying about her team's chances. Before winking at The Post reporter who picked the Lynx over the Liberty in a preseason 2025 Finals projection, Brondello on Friday said, 'I've seen no one's really picking us at the moment.' The Liberty — this season's team to beat — haven't shied away from the challenge that lies ahead. Winning back-to-back titles is hard. Advertisement Only three teams have done it in the league's 28-years history. But the Liberty, who are once again led by Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, are setting out to join the exclusive club and continue to build their legacy in this golden era of the WNBA. 5 Breanna Stewart drives to the basket during the Liberty's preseason game May 12. Getty Images Advertisement 'Everybody knows if you're here, you know what we're trying to do. We're not trying to do anything else except win,' Stewart said. 'And at the same time, knowing that doesn't happen overnight. Taking it one game at a time, not looking ahead to October but staying here in May.' The Liberty's first step in their title defense comes Saturday when they host the Las Vegas Aces in their season opener. But before they take the court, New York will celebrate the 2024 champions one last time in a pregame ceremony. 5 Sandy Brondello addresses reporters after practice May 8. NBAE via Getty Images Advertisement A banner will be unveiled and the winners will receive their ring boxes. But once that's over, it likely will be the last you'll see of the Liberty basking in championship glory. 5 The Post staff predictions for the 2025 WNBA season. 'It's important for us to come out, throw the first punch as a message to the league,' Natasha Cloud said. 'That target is on our backs as the New York Liberty as the returning finalists, the winners of last year, so we're excited for that.' The Liberty return plenty of familiar faces, but they also look different than the team that won last year's Finals against the Lynx by the skin of its teeth. Stewart, Ionescu, Jones, Nyara Sabally, Kennedy Burke, Marquesha Davis and Jaylyn Sherrod are all back. So is the breakout star of last year's playoff run, Leonie Fiebich. Rebekah Gardner is finally healthy, and Marine Johannès is back in the mix after taking last season off to focus on the Olympics. Advertisement Newcomers include Cloud, who instantly bolsters the Liberty's perimeter defense and adds another exciting piece to the team's offense, and Isabelle Harrison, who provides additional frontcourt depth. 5 Breanna Stewart is pictured during the Liberty's practice May 8. NBAE via Getty Images The Liberty have had 12 practices and two preseason games to prepare for this season. Advertisement They're integrating a more five-out, read-and-react offense and have made some tweaks defensively. They're still building chemistry with one another and finding their flow. 5 Natasha Cloud is pictured during the Liberty's preseason game May 12. Getty Images 'Are we where we need to be? No,' Brondello said. 'We know we got so much more room for improvement and we just got to come out and be really intentional about how we want to play and making sure that we're playing hard.' Advertisement The Liberty's opening stretch is no easy task. After opening their season against the championship-contending Aces, the Liberty hit the road to play at Chicago and Indiana late next week. Cloud welcomes the test and is eager for what's to come. 'It's not how you start the season, it's where you get to the middle and when you want to start hitting your strides, it's towards the end and in the playoffs,' Cloud said. 'We're ready for [Saturday.] When that ball goes up, you're going to see the New York Liberty, and we're just going to keep chipping away and trying to get 1 percent better.'
