With over a decade of covering the NBA, few nights in recent playoff memory have delivered the level of dominance and drama we witnessed last night. The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading back to the NBA Finals for the first time since the Kevin Durant era, while the New York Knicks showed grit and pride to stay alive in the Eastern Conference Finals.
As the 2025 NBA Playoffs continue to unfold, it’s clear that the hunger, history, and high stakes are reaching a fever pitch.
⚡ Thunder Stampede Into NBA Finals with Blowout Win Over Timberwolves
If there were any doubts about Oklahoma City’s championship credentials, they were emphatically silenced in Game 5. The Thunder obliterated the Minnesota Timberwolves 124–94, closing out the Western Conference Finals with a 4–1 series win. This marks the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2012, a team that at the time featured Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden.
🔥 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: MVP-Level Brilliance
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has grown into one of the most complete guards in the NBA, delivered a signature performance with 34 points on 13-of-20 shooting, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. His ability to control pace, hit clutch shots, and elevate teammates has been nothing short of elite throughout the playoffs.
“Shai isn’t just playing well—he’s dictating every game,” said head coach Mark Daigneault. “His leadership is as vital as his skill set.”
🌩️ Thunder’s Youth Movement Pays Off
With the likes of Chet Holmgren protecting the paint and Jalen Williams providing two-way versatility, the Thunder have become a model for rebuilding through the draft. Their 68–14 regular-season record wasn’t a fluke—this is a squad with depth, athleticism, and poise well beyond their years.
Chet Holmgren added 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Lu Dort’s perimeter defence stifled Anthony Edwards, who was held to just 17 points.
The win not only underlined Oklahoma City’s dominance but also showcased how much the team has matured. From 22-win seasons just a few years ago to now being four victories away from an NBA title, the turnaround is nothing short of spectacular.
đź—˝ Knicks Punch Back in the Garden to Force Game 6
Back in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks answered their critics with a defiant 111–94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5. Trailing 3–1 in the series, many had written off Tom Thibodeau’s men, but as someone who’s seen decades of Knicks basketball, this kind of resilience felt deeply familiar.
🎯 Jalen Brunson: The New Face of Knicks Grit
Jalen Brunson poured in 32 points, navigating through the Pacers’ defence with confidence and control. The Madison Square Garden crowd—famously volatile—was behind him from the opening tip, and the energy clearly fuelled his game.
“Knick fans don’t accept surrender,” Brunson told reporters. “We wanted to give them 48 minutes of heart.”
His ability to lead under pressure is reminiscent of past Garden greats. With Julius Randle sidelined and Towns still integrating post-trade, Brunson has stepped up as the emotional and tactical leader.
🧱 Towns Finds His Rhythm
Karl-Anthony Towns had his best performance of the series, registering 24 points and 13 rebounds. Criticised at times for fading in high-stakes moments, he found his groove early in Game 5, spacing the floor and attacking mismatches.
This version of Towns, confident and aggressive, could be a deciding factor if the series goes to seven games.
🔍 Tactical Breakdown: How the Knicks Forced a Game 6
Thibodeau adjusted defensively, switching to a high-pressure man scheme that disrupted Tyrese Haliburton’s flow. The Pacers’ tempo was visibly affected, and the Knicks capitalised by forcing 14 turnovers and converting them into 21 points.
On offence, they ran more pick-and-roll action through Brunson and Josh Hart, opening up driving lanes and creating corner threes.
RJ Barrett added 19 points, while Donte DiVincenzo chipped in crucial minutes on defence. The Knicks also out-rebounded Indiana 45–32, an area that had hurt them earlier in the series.
🏆 NBA Finals Picture: Oklahoma City Waits
With the Thunder booking their place in the Finals, they now await either the Pacers or Knicks—two very different opponents.
If It’s Indiana:
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The Pacers play fast, shoot well from deep, and spread the floor.
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Haliburton’s playmaking and Turner’s shot-blocking could challenge OKC’s system.
If It’s New York:
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The Knicks are physical, deliberate, and excellent in half-court sets.
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Oklahoma City would likely try to push pace and wear them down.
Regardless of who advances, the Thunder will host Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, 5 June, in what will be one of the most highly anticipated Finals openers in years.
🗓️ Key Upcoming Dates
| Event | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Game 6: Knicks @ Pacers | Saturday, 1 June | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| Game 7 (if needed) | Monday, 3 June | Madison Square Garden |
| NBA Finals Game 1 | Wednesday, 5 June | Paycom Center, Oklahoma |
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đź“Š NBA Playoffs 2025: Stats Snapshot
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | Notable Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 29.8 | 5.2 | 7.4 | 52% FG in playoffs |
| Jalen Brunson | 31.2 | 3.9 | 6.7 | 88% FT, 45% FG |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 21.0 | 9.3 | 2.2 | Double-doubles in 4 games |
| Bennedict Mathurin | 17.5 | 5.1 | 1.9 | 3PT: 41% |
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🧠Expert Take: What 11 Years in the NBA Tells Me
As someone who has spent over a decade covering everything from the Heat’s Big Three to the rise of the Warriors dynasty, I can confidently say this postseason is ushering in a new era of balance and unpredictability.
Oklahoma City is proof that patient, strategic rebuilding works—even in the age of super-teams. Meanwhile, the Knicks’ ability to defy expectations echoes the grit of their 1990s teams. Neither team was guaranteed this success, but they’ve built from the ground up with vision, culture, and effort.
đź”® My Prediction?
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If it’s Thunder vs Pacers: OKC in 5. They’re deeper and more versatile.
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If it’s Thunder vs Knicks: OKC in 6. The Knicks’ physicality will test them, but the Thunder’s firepower should prevail.
đź“Ł Final Thoughts
The 2025 NBA Playoffs have already given fans unforgettable moments—from buzzer-beaters to blowouts, comebacks to coronations. With the Thunder surging and the Knicks still swinging, expect even more fireworks as the Finals loom.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or tuning in for the first time, this postseason is everything the NBA could hope for: young stars taking over, legacy franchises fighting back, and a championship still up for grabs.
Stay with us for full NBA Finals coverage, player insights, and expert analysis as we count down to tip-off in Oklahoma City.