The Antechamber of Glory: Four Teams Seek the 2025 NBA Finals
Almost a month after the start of the 2025 NBA playoffs, the excitement intensifies. Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves are one step away from the final, promising series full of intensity and spectacle.
The Pacers, after eliminating the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and surprising the Cleveland Cavaliers, will face the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. Meanwhile, in the West, the Thunder, after defeating the Denver Nuggets, will face the Timberwolves, who eliminated the Lakers and Warriors.
With the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy in sight, we analyze the path taken by each team, the keys to each series, and the expectations of the championship contenders.
Eastern Conference: Knicks vs. Pacers
The Pacers’ Path
The Pacers, after a season with a shaky start, have established themselves as one of the strongest teams in the NBA. With a 42-16 record since January, including the playoffs, they managed to surpass the Bucks and Cavaliers, weakened by injuries, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level.
Tyrese Haliburton, with his leadership and scoring ability, has been key to the Pacers’ performance. His averages of 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 9.3 assists, the highest in the playoffs, drive the team’s offense. The confidence gained in the previous season has been fundamental to his performance.
The Knicks’ Rise
The Knicks, with a never-give-up mentality, have achieved a remarkable run in the playoffs. Despite an irregular performance in the regular season, they have demonstrated their ability to overcome challenges, including victories over the Celtics.
The team’s connection, led by Jalen Brunson, and the impact of Mitchell Robinson, have been determining factors. The team arrives at this point at the right moment, preparing to compete against Pacers in great form.
Series Keys
The series will be defined by the control of the game’s pace. The Knicks, with their focus on the half-court game, will face a Pacers team looking to impose a fast pace. The Pacers’ ability to maintain their fast-paced style of play will be crucial.
Individual matchups, such as Andrew Nembhard against Jalen Brunson, will be decisive. In addition, Robinson’s impact in the paint and the Pacers’ ability to counter it will be key factors.
Will the Knicks’ starting lineup be able to keep up with the Pacers? The Pacers’ consistency in the game, compared to the Knicks’ tendency to come back from adverse scores, could be decisive.
Western Conference: Thunder vs. Timberwolves
The Timberwolves’ Challenge
The Timberwolves, with an “underdog” mentality, have proven their worth by defeating the Lakers and Warriors. Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle have strengthened the team. Anthony Edwards, along with the defensive solidity of Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, and the experience of Mike Conley and coach Chris Finch, are looking to reach the final.
The team’s evolution, from a complicated start to the season to becoming a contender, reflects its growth. Edwards’ ambition and the team’s focus promise an exciting series.
The Thunder’s Domain
The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, has set a franchise record with 68 wins. Their defense and offensive efficiency have been key to their success, with Gilgeous-Alexander at a stellar level and Williams as his right-hand man.
The Thunder’s ability to convert opponent’s turnovers into points has been fundamental. The team’s defense, which led the league in steals and points off turnovers, will be crucial in the finals.
Series Expectations
Despite being the best team in the league, the Thunder face a challenge against the Timberwolves, a big and versatile team. The series promises to be intense, and the Thunder’s success will depend on their ability to score from the perimeter and maintain their defense.
The Timberwolves’ use of zone defense, which they already employed in the regular season matchups, could be a key factor. The Thunder’s ability to adapt to this strategy will be crucial.
