Latest news with #ChetHolmgren
Globe and Mail
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still hasn't achieved his main goal for the Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander achieved his short-term goals on Wednesday night and positioned himself to achieve his long-term one. He had 34 points, eight assists and seven rebounds to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals for a 4-1 series win and a spot in the NBA Finals. 'I know I wanted two things,' he said. 'I didn't want to go back to Minnesota. And then I wanted the fans to be able to enjoy the moment with us. I wanted them to be able to see it unfold in front of their eyes. I wanted them to celebrate tonight in our building, go home, get drunk, do whatever they do to have fun with the moment.' The league MVP and scoring champion did his part to make those things possible, and now he's got a shot at an NBA title. It was another example of how playoff basketball appears to have slowed down for him. He forced things at times in the first round against Memphis and in the second round against Denver. Against Minnesota, he was back to making the game look easy. He made 14 of 25 shots and committed just two turnovers in Game 5. 'I think he does a great job of playing aggressive and then letting the game tell him what the right play is,' Thunder forward Chet Holmgren said. 'Sometimes that's score, sometimes that's to pass. But you never really feel like watching him or playing with him – you never feel like he made the wrong read.' Gilgeous-Alexander had 12 points and five assists in the first quarter as Oklahoma City took a 26-9 lead. The Thunder led 65-32 at halftime and 88-62 heading into the fourth quarter. 'All we can do is come in at night and control our energy and our effort and our focus level, give these fans what they deserve and families what they deserve,' he said. 'Everyone that's sacrificed for us, they deserve this moment to celebrate at home. We took care of business from the jump. We were focused. We were together. We were energetic, we were aggressive and the game turned out the way it did.' Gilgeous-Alexander's big night went beyond measurables. Coach Mark Daigneault said his leadership helped the Thunder get off to the strong start. 'He just set an unbelievable tone,' Daigneault said. 'I think he understood his role in our mentality. He was a participant in that and he was a leader in that. And he was ready to play from the jump.' For the series, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.4 points, 8.2 assists and 5.2 rebounds a game and received the Magic Johnson Trophy for MVP of the Western Conference finals. None of that will matter when the Thunder play either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks in the Finals, starting June 5. The Pacers lead the Eastern Conference finals series 3-1 with Game 5 in New York on Thursday night. 'We have to be the best version of ourselves for four nights to reach the ultimate goal,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'We understand that, we know that and that's what we're focused on.'
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
From hip fracture to NBA Finals, Chet Holmgren reflects on long season journey
From hip fracture to NBA Finals, Chet Holmgren reflects on long season journey Like angering The Hulk, Chet Holmgren's basketball superpowers have grown the deeper the Thunder have gone in the playoffs. A three-month layoff from a hip fracture was quite the traffic jam the 23-year-old was stuck in for his season, but he's finally back to the open road and flirting with 85 MPH. The Oklahoma City Thunder's Big 3 headlined another playoff win. Holmgren finished with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, seven rebounds and three blocks. He shot 2-of-4 from 3 and went 4-of-6 on free throws. He also had three blocks. The Thunder jogged to an NBA Finals berth with their 124-94 Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to capture the Western Conference Finals. They steamrolled through the West with a 12-4 playoff record. When the Thunder drafted Holmgren, this was likely what they envisioned as his peak. A swat-shot machine that altered how often the opposition attacked the paint. Whether Anthony Edwards or Julius Randle, Minnesota's best players second-guessed themselves to the point they couldn't generate good looks. On the other end, Holmgren was busy underneath the rim. The seven-footer is the perfect play finisher and frequently cleans up his teammates' misses for easy second-chance buckets. When the jumper gets going like it did tonight, watch out. Things can get scary. This was the best the Thunder's star trio has looked. Before, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the one constant while Jalen Williams and Holmgren juggled between success and struggles. But for most of this series, the trio was equally dominant and helped OKC not get too anxious about the result of the Western Conference Finals. But talk about a long season for Holmgren. You can break it apart into several chapters centered around his hip injury. It's only been seven months since he fell against the Golden State Warriors and needed help off the floor. But it's felt like seven years. Safe to say he's back to form and playing a big role in OKC's NBA Finals berth was well worth the wait and struggles. "Obviously, I thought about it. Before getting hurt, it felt like it wasn't even the same season," Holmgren said. "We're still in this thing. Kinda thinking more about what we'll be doing moving forward than where we've been."
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Finals schedule 2025: full game times, how to watch Thunder vs Knicks or Pacers live, and all the key streaming details you need
NBA Finals schedule 2025 is officially set, and basketball fans in the U.S. are getting ready for one of the most exciting championship showdowns in years. The Oklahoma City Thunder have punched their ticket to the Finals after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 4–1 in the Western Conference Finals. Now, all eyes turn to the East, where the Indiana Pacers are up 3–1 against the New York Knicks. Whether you're a die-hard Thunder supporter or just catching the Finals action, here's your full guide to the 2025 NBA Finals—including the complete schedule, game start times, and how to watch every moment live in the U.S. When do the 2025 NBA Finals begin and who has home-court advantage? The 2025 NBA Finals start on Thursday, June 5, with Oklahoma City hosting Game 1. Thanks to their outstanding 68–14 regular season record—which ties for the sixth-best in NBA history—the Thunder will have home-court advantage throughout the series. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Homeowners can claim a free boiler upgrade if they live in these postcodes Eco Green Tips Apply Now Undo This is the Thunder's first trip to the Finals since 2012, led by their newly crowned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, along with rising stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. The team has shown resilience and chemistry all season long, and they're entering the Finals with serious momentum. What is the full 2025 NBA Finals schedule in Eastern Time? Here is the full 2025 NBA Finals schedule for fans in the U.S., with all game times listed in Eastern Time (ET): Live Events Game Date Matchup Time (ET) Location 1 Thursday, June 5 Knicks/Pacers at Thunder 8:30 PM ET Oklahoma City 2 Sunday, June 8 Knicks/Pacers at Thunder 8:00 PM ET Oklahoma City 3 Wednesday, June 11 Thunder at Knicks/Pacers 8:30 PM ET New York/Indiana 4 Friday, June 13 Thunder at Knicks/Pacers 8:30 PM ET New York/Indiana 5* Monday, June 16 Knicks/Pacers at Thunder 8:30 PM ET Oklahoma City 6* Thursday, June 19 Thunder at Knicks/Pacers 8:30 PM ET New York/Indiana 7* Sunday, June 22 Knicks/Pacers at Thunder 8:00 PM ET Oklahoma City *Games 5 through 7 will only be played if necessary. All games will be available to stream or watch live using various options for U.S. viewers. How can fans in the U.S. watch or stream the NBA Finals live without cable? If you don't have cable, there are still plenty of ways to watch the 2025 NBA Finals live in the U.S. The games will be available to stream on the ESPN App and but you'll need to sign in with a valid TV provider account. If you prefer streaming, here are some popular live TV streaming services that carry major networks showing the Finals: fuboTV – Offers a free trial and includes national sports channels YouTube TV – A solid choice for sports fans, also offers a free trial Hulu + Live TV – Includes access to ESPN and live sports DirecTV Stream – Covers all major U.S. sports broadcasting options These services support a wide range of devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and desktops, and usually come with cloud DVR and replay options. Why is the 2025 NBA Finals matchup drawing so much attention? The Thunder's journey back to the Finals after 13 years has been nothing short of remarkable. After sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in Round 1, they edged out the Denver Nuggets in a tough 7-game series before cruising past the Timberwolves. On the Eastern side, the Pacers are just one win away from their first Finals appearance since 2000, while the Knicks hope to turn things around and reach the Finals for the first time since 1999. Either way, this matchup promises intense basketball, historic storylines, and a new chapter for both conferences. When should you tune in to watch the 2025 NBA Finals? The 2025 NBA Finals begin on Thursday, June 5, with each game scheduled for 8:00 or 8:30 PM ET—prime time for fans coast-to-coast in the U.S. Whether you plan to watch on TV, stream on your phone, or follow live updates online, this year's Finals are packed with drama, talent, and history. For all the latest updates and game-day coverage, visit or follow the league on social media. FAQs: Q1: When does the 2025 NBA Finals begin and who has home-court advantage? The 2025 NBA Finals begin on June 5, with the Thunder holding home-court advantage. Q2: How can I watch the 2025 NBA Finals live without cable in the U.S.? You can stream the 2025 NBA Finals live using ESPN app or services like fuboTV and YouTube TV.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chet Holmgren sets franchise record as Thunder clinches 2025 NBA Finals berth
The post Chet Holmgren sets franchise record as Thunder clinches 2025 NBA Finals berth appeared first on ClutchPoints. Chet Holmgren will earn his first taste of the NBA Finals. His Oklahoma City Thunder pummeled the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 to clinch the Western Conference title. The Thunder big man hit franchise history on his way to a Finals berth. Advertisement Holmgren dropped 22 points on the T-Wolves. He swooped up seven rebounds too. Then he turned to his long arms to block three Minnesota shot attempts. He's the youngest player to hit those marks in a WCF game, per StatMuse. Holmgren blitzed the T-Wolves right away with scoring seven of OKC's first 11 points. Including throwing down this thunderous dunk off a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander assist. The towering Holmgren energized an early 26-9 first quarter lead for the home team. He showed a mix of jubilation but focus for the next step he and OKC must take. Chet Holmgren reacts to heading to NBA Finals with Thunder Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images The versatile forward-center walked into the WCF facing his hometown team. Holmgren hailed from Minnesota and called the conference final a 'full circle moment.' Advertisement He helped make quick work of the feisty T-Wolves — winning in five games. The former No. 2 overall pick from the 2022 NBA Draft earned hefty praise for leading this new Thunder run. But he chose to deflect the credit. 'We have 17 dudes on the roster who works hard every single night,' Holmgren told the crowd postgame. But is he satisfied with getting OKC back into the Larry O'Brien Trophy hunt? 'I wouldn't say it's satisfying. It's a step in the journey,' Holmgren told ESPN's Lisa Salters in front of the Paycom Center crowd. 'We still have some season to play. Never take it for granted cause I couldn't even walk for two months.' Advertisement Holmgren sat for nearly 50 games with a right iliac wing fracture (also a pelvic fracture). He sustained the ailment on November 10, 2024. The Thunder welcomed him back in Feb. 2025 — and the rest became history. Now Holmgren and the 2025 Western Conference champs await the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks.
CBC
a day ago
- Business
- CBC
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still hasn't achieved his main goal for the Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander achieved his short-term goals on Wednesday night and positioned himself to achieve his long-term one. He had 34 points, eight assists and seven rebounds to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals for a 4-1 series win and a spot in the NBA Finals. "I know I wanted two things," he said. "I didn't want to go back to Minnesota. And then I wanted the fans to be able to enjoy the moment with us. I wanted them to be able to see it unfold in front of their eyes. I wanted them to celebrate tonight in our building, go home, get drunk, do whatever they do to have fun with the moment." THE BUZZER Why SGA won MVP The league MVP and scoring champion did his part to make those things possible, and now he's got a shot at an NBA title. It was another example of how playoff basketball appears to have slowed down for him. He forced things at times in the first round against Memphis and in the second round against Denver. Against Minnesota, he was back to making the game look easy. He made 14 of 25 shots and committed just two turnovers in Game 5. "I think he does a great job of playing aggressive and then letting the game tell him what the right play is," Thunder forward Chet Holmgren said. "Sometimes that's score, sometimes that's to pass. But you never really feel like watching him or playing with him — you never feel like he made the wrong read." Gilgeous-Alexander had 12 points and five assists in the first quarter as Oklahoma City took a 26-9 lead. The Thunder led 65-32 at halftime and 88-62 heading into the fourth quarter. "All we can do is come in at night and control our energy and our effort and our focus level, give these fans what they deserve and families what they deserve," he said. "Everyone that's sacrificed for us, they deserve this moment to celebrate at home. We took care of business from the jump. We were focused. We were together. We were energetic, we were aggressive, and the game turned out the way it did." Gilgeous-Alexander's big night went beyond measurables. Coach Mark Daigneault said his leadership helped the Thunder get off to the strong start. "He just set an unbelievable tone," Daigneault said. "I think he understood his role in our mentality. He was a participant in that and he was a leader in that. And he was ready to play from the jump." For the series, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.4 points, 8.2 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game and received the Magic Johnson Trophy for MVP of the Western Conference Finals. None of that will matter when the Thunder play either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks in the Finals, starting June 5. The Pacers lead the Eastern Conference finals series 3-1 with Game 5 in New York City on Thursday night.
