Latest news with #WesternConferenceFinals
New York Times
15 minutes ago
- Business
- New York Times
NBA playoffs results and takeaways: Thunder earn trip to NBA Finals with rout of Wolves
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012 after cruising to a 124-94 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals Wednesday at Paycom Center. Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 34 points and eight assists to lead the Thunder. He was particularly productive in the first half, scoring or assisting on 32 points to match Minnesota's total after two quarters. Gilgeous-Alexander was named Western Conference finals MVP. Advertisement Julius Randle paced the Timberwolves with 24 points while Anthony Edwards contributed 19. After a slow start that generated just nine points in the first quarter, Minnesota struggled to maintain possession and generally looked out of sorts. The Thunder flexed its dominant defense with 14 steals and eight blocks while limiting Edwards to his third sub 40-percent field goal game of the series. A 24-foot dagger from OKC guard Lu Dort with six-and-a-half minutes left in the fourth quarter put an exclamation point on the rout as fans sang 'Hey, hey, goodbye,' to the Timberwolves. Now, the Thunder awaits the result of the Eastern Conference finals with the knowledge that they will host the East champion to open the NBA Finals. The Indiana Pacers hold a 3-1 advantage over the New York Knicks with Game 5 slated for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. Game 1 of the NBA Finals is set for June 5. This time, there might be no stopping them. The Thunder advanced through the Western Conference Finals with a 4-1 series win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Oklahoma City will meet the winner between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks when the Finals begin on June 5. It will be the Thunder's first appearance since Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden led the franchise to the NBA Finals in 2012. The Thunder lost 4-1 to the Miami Heat that season, giving LeBron James his first championship. Now, the West's top-seeded Thunder, despite entering the season as the league's youngest team, will be the favorite to win it all. Gilgeous-Alexander is a major reason, and he showed why again with another dominant 34-point, seven-rebound, eight-assist closeout performance. Gilgeous Alexander averaged 31.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists in the series, earning Western Conference Finals MVP. Advertisement With co-stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder possess a similar three-headed monster to that trio Thunder fans loved in the franchise's early days. What separates this squad from that one — and will likely be the determining factor in the Finals — is defensive dominance. At halftime in Game 5, the Thunder hounded the Timberwolves into more turnovers (14) than made field goals (12). OKC's lead stood at 33 at that point and swelled to as much as 37. It was the Thunder's sixth win by at least 15 points in their 16 postseason games. Now, they are just four wins shy of capturing their first championship in the Oklahoma City era. — Darnell Mayberry, NBA senior writer This is the second consecutive postseason Anthony Edwards will head home looking like he's out of gas. Once again, the big need for him is to get into world-class shape. Play-until-June shape. Championship shape. Last year, he was completely spent at the end of the West Finals, having been summarily cooked by Kyrie Irving. But his fatigue was understandable after an epic seven-game series against Denver. But this year, the Wolves beat the Lakers and Warriors in 5 — and the win over Golden State didn't require him dealing with Steph Curry. Yet, Edwards has looked gassed since the second half of Game 4. Perhaps his Herculean effort in Game 3 took what he had left out of him. Yes, the Thunder's defense on him is special and designed to wear him down. But it seemed he hit empty trying to drive against OKC's perimeter stalwarts. He's not doing a lot of talking. He's visibly winded, grabbing his shorts. He couldn't even come close to impacting Game 5. He did play this summer in France. But several others did, too — including SGA — so that can't be a good enough reason to be out of energy this time of year. Tired is fine. Too exhausted to impose his will is not going to cut it. He's going to have to figure out this conditioning element. Advertisement He's only 23. So he can take that next step. And after two embarrassing exits, he should have the motivation to do so. But if he wants to win a title, and the Wolves can't make major upgrades, his load doesn't figure to get any lighter. — Marcus Thompson II, columnist A dominant first quarter by the finals-bound Thunder tested every ounce of the Timberwolves' resolve before Game 5's opening period ended. Minnesota opened the night with its lowest-scoring quarter of the season as the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander began the early workings of another masterpiece. The Timberwolves' nine first-quarter points were almost tripled by the MVP's output via scoring and assists by then (24 points). Stacks of missed shots, turnovers and defensive lapses made it impossible for the Timberwolves to get within striking distance. They took almost 20 minutes to crack the 20-point threshold, which should worry a team with a payroll over $200 million. Although Minnesota has clinched more Western Conference finals berths in the last two seasons (well, two) than its 34 years of existence, most of the Timberwolves' series against the Thunder showed the gap between both franchises. Of course, the latter's finals run is another step in separating from the league, but Minnesota must gauge what steps to take to inch closer to the title round. The possible free agencies of two key players (Julius Randle, Naz Reid), the future of an aging Mike Conley and the long-term viability of defensive anchor Rudy Gobert will be key puzzles for the Timberwolves to solve in an effort to get over the hump. — James Jackson, NBA editor (Photo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort: Zach Beeker / NBAE via Getty Images)
USA Today
24 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
How to buy Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Finals tickets
How to buy Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Finals tickets For the first time since 2012, the Oklahoma City Thunder are headed back to the NBA Finals. The Thunder dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 on Wednesday night to win the Western Conference Finals in five games. OKC was the best team in the NBA during the regular season, and despite a long series with Denver in the second round, have looked every bit the best team throughout the playoffs. While the Thunder's opponent in the NBA Finals is yet to be determined, the matchup could be set as early as Thursday night when the Indiana Pacers look to close out the New York Knicks. Here is everything you need to know in order to get Oklahoma City NBA Finals tickets and support the Thunder on their quest to win the team's first championship in OKC. Shop OKC Thunder NBA Finals tickets OKC Thunder NBA Finals tickets The Thunder had the best record in the league during the regular season, and thus earned home court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs including the upcoming NBA Finals. Oklahoma City will host Game 1 and Game 2, and then will also host both Game 5 and Game 7 should the series require it. NBA Finals schedule The NBA Finals will begin in Oklahoma City on Thursday, June 5. Tickets are on sale for the games in Oklahoma City, but tickets for Games 3, 4 and 6 will be available when either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks win the Eastern Conference Finals. See below for the full NBA Finals schedule, all times are ET. Game 1 in OKC: Thursday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. - Shop tickets Game 2 in OKC: Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. - Shop tickets Game 3 in TBD: Wednesday, June 11 at 8:30 p.m. Game 4 in TBD: Friday, June 13 at 8:30 p.m. Game 5 in OKC*: Monday, June 16 at 8:30 p.m. - Shop tickets Game 6 in TBD*: Thursday, June 19 at 8:30 p.m. Game 7 in OKC*: Sunday, June 22 at 8 p.m. - Shop tickets * = if necessary Shop OKC Thunder NBA Finals tickets
USA Today
24 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
How to buy Florida Panthers NHL Stanley Cup Finals tickets
How to buy Florida Panthers NHL Stanley Cup Finals tickets For the third consecutive season, the Florida Panthers are headed to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Panthers eliminated the Carolina Hurricanes in five games, winning all three road games in the series including a wild back-and-forth Game 5, and will once again represent the Eastern Conference in the upcoming finals. Florida defeated the Edmonton Oilers in seven games last year to win the team's first Cup in franchise history. While the Western Conference representative is not yet known, there's a good chance we will get a rematch of last year's finals, as Edmonton leads the Dallas Stars 3-1 in their best-of-seven game conference final. Here is everything you need to know in order to purchase Florida Panthers 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Finals tickets. Shop Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Finals tickets Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Finals tickets No matter which team comes out of the West, the Panthers will start the Stanley Cup Finals on the road. That means Amerant Bank Arena will host Game 3 and Game 4 of the finals, and would host Game 6 should the series progress that far. = if necessary NHL Stanley Cup Finals schedule The league has not yet released the Stanley Cup Finals schedule. It will likely depend on when the Western Conference Finals between the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars wraps up, which could be as soon as Thursday, May 29. Shop Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Finals tickets
USA Today
41 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
OKC Thunder make the 2025 NBA Finals
OKC Thunder make the 2025 NBA Finals As the Minnesota Timberwolves tried to catch their breath, the Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a knockout punch. The first seed left zero room for hope with a 124-94 Game 4 win to win the Western Conference Finals. They return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. Returning home with a 3-1 series lead, the Thunder destroyed the Timberwolves to get over a week off before the NBA Finals start on Thursday, June 5. They led by as many as 39 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Jalen Williams had 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Chet Holmgren stepped up with 22 points and seven rebounds. The Thunder's Big 3 stepped up once again as Minnesota looked starstruck. Paycom Center turned into a party in the second half with a lopsided lead. The Thunder will await the winner of the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. The Pacers hold a 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Thunder dominate early in Game 5, eye NBA finals berth against Timberwolves
Thunder build early lead in Game 5 against Timberwolves The Oklahoma City Thunder surged to a commanding first-half lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals . Behind a fast-paced offense and stifling defense, the Thunder led 53-27 midway through the second quarter at Paycom Center. Jalen Williams was pivotal early, recording nine points, five rebounds, and a +21 plus-minus rating. His standout play included a steal and fast-break layup where he avoided Terrence Shannon Jr. in transition. Also read: NBA playoffs 2025 schedule, bracket, date, live streaming, where to watch Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren combined for 19 points in the opening quarter, powering Oklahoma City to a 26-9 lead. Holmgren contributed seven points in the early minutes, while Gilgeous-Alexander added 12 to maintain momentum. Defensively, the Thunder held the Timberwolves to just 16.7 per cent shooting from the floor and 11.1 per cent from three-point range through the opening frame. Oklahoma City's defensive execution continued into the second quarter, highlighted by Alex Caruso forcing turnovers and setting up transition opportunities, including a dunk by Gilgeous-Alexander. Live Events Thunder's defense continues to disrupt Timberwolves' offense Oklahoma City's defensive schemes have successfully limited Minnesota's scoring output throughout the series, and Game 5 followed a similar pattern. Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards struggled to find rhythm against tight coverage from Lu Dort and Alex Caruso. Their perimeter pressure denied Edwards clean looks and restricted his shot attempts. 'I got to take shots but not selfish shots. They were shooting the gaps. I just didn't get enough chances to shoot the ball. It was what they were doing, not what I didn't do,' Edwards said after Game 4. The Thunder's defensive formula has proven effective, particularly in keeping the Timberwolves' supporting cast from gaining traction. Through the early stages of Game 5, Minnesota shot just 3-for-20 from the field and 1-for-9 from beyond the arc, trailing significantly in all statistical categories. Also read: 2025 NBA Playoffs: Knicks aim to even series vs Pacers in Game 4 showdown Minnesota will need improved offensive contributions from Julius Randle, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Donte DiVincenzo to remain competitive. With their season on the line, the Timberwolves face the added pressure of winning on the road in a hostile playoff environment. Western Conference finals nears conclusion, Eastern Conference awaits Entering Game 5, Oklahoma City held a 3-1 series lead and looked to close out the Timberwolves at home. A win would secure the Thunder's first trip to the NBA Finals since 2012. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly named Kia NBA MVP, has averaged 30.8 points and 8.3 assists per game in the series. The Thunder have showcased depth and composure throughout the postseason, with Holmgren and Williams emerging as consistent contributors alongside Gilgeous-Alexander. Their balanced approach has propelled the team to the brink of the Finals. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers hold a 3-1 series advantage over the New York Knicks. Game 5 of that series will be held Thursday at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will try to avoid elimination. Also read: Tyrese Haliburton's dad returns to Pacers home games after NBA lifts ban sparked by Giannis incident — here's why it matters right now Oklahoma City remains focused on completing the task at hand. If the Thunder close out the Timberwolves in Game 5, they will advance to face the Eastern Conference champion in the 2025 NBA Finals.
