2025 NBA Playoffs: Thunder Dominate To Reach Finals, Pacers?

The 2025 NBA Playoffs are racing toward an epic conclusion, rewriting the league’s power structure in real time, and as the Western and Eastern Conference Finals unfold, two franchises are writing new chapters in their histories.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder have surged into the NBA Finals behind MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers are currently one victory away from making their first Finals appearance in 25 years, leading the New York Knicks 3-1.

The City Thunder have already secured their spot in the NBA Finals with a commanding 4-1 series win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

With rising stars, blowout wins, and franchise-defining moments, this postseason is shaping up to be a historic changing of the guard. Will we witness a Thunder-Pacers clash that signals the NBA’s new world order—or can the New York Knicks stage an epic comeback in the Eastern Conference Finals? Here’s how the path to the 2025 NBA Finals is unfolding.

Key Highlights:

Thunder cruise past Timberwolves 4-1 to reach their first NBA Finals since 2008.
Tyrese Haliburton posts historic 32-12-15 game to give Pacers a 3-1 lead over Knicks.
Minnesota collapses in Game 5, scoring just 9 points in their worst playoff quarter ever.
Pacers steal two at MSG as Knicks fall to 3-5 at home in the postseason.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s eyes rare MVP-Finals MVP double, last achieved by LeBron in 2013.

Western Conference Finals: Thunder Dominate Timberwolves

Storm’s coming ⛈️ https://t.co/m3OvyTPIm0 pic.twitter.com/l6v6P43tks
— NBA (@NBA) May 29, 2025

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading a young, hungry roster, the Oklahoma City Thunder not only made it through the Western Conference, but they flourished. After taking a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder stumbled in Game 3 at Target Center, where the Timberwolves clawed back with a statement win. But Oklahoma City responded with poise and urgency, winning Game 4 in a gritty back-and-forth battle before closing the series in dominant fashion in Game 5.

“Nothing is promised,” said Timberwolves coach Chris Finch. “When you’re in the moment you’ve got to go for it. They’re positioned to go for it right now,” reported ESPN.

Finch’s words echoed the mindset Oklahoma City has embraced all season. With 80 wins in 98 games, the Thunder’s trajectory isn’t just a flash in the pan—it’s a potential dynasty in motion.

The series finale was a display of overwhelming force. After restricting Minnesota to 12-of-38 shooting and forcing 14 turnovers, Oklahoma City jumped out to a 33-point advantage in the first half. Gilgeous-Alexander was sensational, notching 20 points and five assists by halftime, matching Minnesota’s entire team output.

Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren added 15 points each before the break, turning the second half into a coronation for the Western Conference title.

Timberwolves Face Familiar Ending

Minnesota found itself in a painfully familiar situation—down 3-1 in the Western Conference Finals and out of rhythm in a decisive Game 5. They trailed 26-9 after the first quarter, marking their lowest-scoring playoff quarter in franchise history. Anthony Edwards had six points; the rest of the team combined for three on 1-for-15 shooting.

Despite a strong stretch run during the regular season—going 25-6 from March 2 through the start of the playoffs—the Wolves ran into a buzzsaw. They fell behind Oklahoma City by a total of 71 points in four of their five games, including three landslides at Paycom Center.

If Oklahoma City is the new gatekeeper of the West, Minnesota will need to recalibrate. Edwards and Jaden McDaniels were clearly outplayed by Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams. And with contract decisions looming for Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, roster construction around the young core will be under scrutiny this offseason.

Finals on Deck: Thunder Await Pacers or Knicks

Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with the Thunder holding home-court advantage regardless of their opponent. Oklahoma City swept both the Pacers and Knicks 2-0 during the regular season, further boosting their position as the overwhelming favorite.

Their rest advantage could prove crucial. Only Gilgeous-Alexander averaged over 34 minutes in the Western Conference Finals, while several Knicks and Pacers players have eclipsed that mark in the East’s tightly contested battles, including an overtime thriller in Game 1.

SHAI DOMINATES GAME 5.
⛈️ 34 points, 7 boards, 8 dimes
⛈️ 11th 30+ point game of playoffs
⛈️ WCF MVP
The @okcthunder win the West! pic.twitter.com/gr8pwazgHv
— NBA (@NBA) May 29, 2025

There’s more at stake than just a championship. Gilgeous-Alexander, recently crowned regular-season MVP, could become the first player since Stephen Curry in 2015 to win both MVP and an NBA title in the same season. If he also claims Finals MVP, he would be the first since LeBron James (2012–13) to achieve that historic double.

Eastern Conference Finals: Haliburton Lifts Pacers to 3-1 Lead

The Indiana Pacers are one victory away from a league-shaking return to the NBA Finals, while Oklahoma City waits and watches. Tyrese Haliburton, criticized for a quiet second half in Game 3, made good on his promise to bounce back.

“I got to be better there. And I will be better in Game 4,” he said.

And he delivered in one of the most electrifying playoff performances in recent memory:

32 points
12 rebounds
15 assists
Four steals
Zero turnovers
+16 in 37 minutes

Haliburton meticulously planned the Pacers’ offense while his father watched from the seats. By halftime, he had nearly recorded a triple-double: 20 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds—and no turnovers.

It was the first time a player had ever registered such a line in one half of a conference finals game, according to ESPN Research.

With his 31 points, Pascal Siakam further demonstrated why he is the perfect partner in Indiana’s fast-paced system. For a team eager to regain its prominence, coach Rick Carlisle has meticulously assembled a group that thrives on movement, cooperation, and unrelenting pace.

“It’s Haliburton at the controls,” wrote Tim Bontemps of ESPN. “The Pacers have gone from a fun, frisky team to one that is in the Eastern Conference finals for a second year in a row and on the verge of returning to the Finals.”

Oklahoma City’s pressure-heavy defense is similar to Indiana’s pass-heavy, team-first philosophy. Fans may witness an intriguing clash of styles if the two face off in the Finals.

Knicks Stumble Again at MSG

The New York Knicks, down 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals, are staring at a tough climb. Game 4 was a missed opportunity, as New York entered the fourth quarter down double digits—just like in Game 3—and failed to mount a consistent comeback.

Though they trimmed the lead to six in the final minutes, early fouls and defensive lapses helped Indiana build an insurmountable cushion. Josh Hart was replaced in the starting lineup by Mitchell Robinson, who had a terrible game.. The Knicks were outscored by 20 points with Robinson on the floor, and he didn’t close either of the last two games.

Coach Tom Thibodeau now faces critical rotation decisions heading into Game 5. While the Knicks will have home-court advantage for two of the potential three remaining games, they’re just 3-5 at Madison Square Garden this postseason. The Pacers, on the other hand, have two victories at MSG and are a playoff-best 6-1 away from home.

No team in NBA history has come back from a 3-0 deficit, but 3-1 comebacks have happened 13 times. Eight of those came from teams with home-court advantage—something the Knicks will have if the series goes the distance.

Game 5 tips off Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a Finals duel between Gilgeous-Alexander and Haliburton or a Knicks comeback for the ages, the 2025 NBA Playoffs are proving to be a showcase for the league’s next generation of superstars.

With Oklahoma City poised to claim its first NBA championship since moving from Seattle in 2008, and Indiana closing in on a return to the biggest stage in basketball, this postseason has delivered everything: drama, dominance, and history in the making.

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1. Who made it to the 2025 NBA Finals?

Answer: The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their spot in the 2025 NBA Finals after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder will face either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks for the championship.

2. How did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander perform in the 2025 NBA Playoffs?

Answer: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered standout performances throughout the 2025 NBA Playoffs, leading the Thunder with remarkable scoring and playmaking. He was named the 2025 NBA regular-season MVP and is a favorite to win Finals MVP.

3. What happened in the Thunder vs Timberwolves Western Conference Finals series?

Answer: The Thunder vs Timberwolves Western Conference Finals saw Oklahoma City dominate with a 4-1 series win. Oklahoma City sealed the series in Game 5, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, showing their strength as championship contenders.

4. Can the Indiana Pacers make it to the NBA Finals in 2025?

Answer: Yes, the Indiana Pacers are just one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, leading the Eastern Conference Finals 3-1 over the New York Knicks. Tyrese Haliburton has been pivotal in their success.

5. What did Tyrese Haliburton do in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals?

Answer: In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Tyrese Haliburton posted an unforgettable line with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists, leading the Pacers to a crucial win and putting them one step closer to the NBA Finals.

6. Why are the New York Knicks struggling in the 2025 playoffs?

Answer: The New York Knicks are down 3-1 in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals due to inconsistent play and critical mistakes, including poor defense and rotation decisions by Coach Thibodeau in Games 3 and 4 against the Indiana Pacers.

7. What’s at stake for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the 2025 NBA Finals?

Answer: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is eyeing a historic achievement in the 2025 NBA Finals, with a chance to become the first player since LeBron James (2013) to win both NBA MVP and Finals MVP in the same season, solidifying his legacy.

8. How has Indiana performed on the road in the 2025 playoffs?

Answer: The Indiana Pacers have been impressive on the road, posting a 6-1 playoff record, including two wins at Madison Square Garden in the Eastern Conference Finals, proving their resilience in hostile environments.

9. What does the Thunder vs Pacers NBA Finals matchup look like?

Answer: The potential Thunder vs Pacers NBA Finals matchup will showcase the Oklahoma City Thunder’s defense-first approach against the Indiana Pacers’ fast-paced, team-oriented offense, creating an exciting clash of styles for basketball fans to enjoy.

10. How many teams have come back from a 3-1 deficit in NBA history?

Answer: 13 teams have come back from a 3-1 deficit in NBA playoff history. Of those, eight teams had home-court advantage, offering hope for the New York Knicks as they try to overcome a 3-1 hole against the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.

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