Orediggers

<div>The Indiana Pacers medical team decided to clear Tyrese Haliburton to play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals despite an existing calf strain and that blunder resulted in a torn Achilles tendon. While understandable given the gravity of the situation, that decision proved to be very costly for not only the organization as a whole but more importantly to Tyrese Haliburton as it was just announced that he would miss the entire 2025/2026 season due to a torn achilles.&nbsp;</div>
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-1_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
<div>In contrast, this past summer, my daughter Imani Thomas class of 2026 was faced with a very difficult decision to play through an injury at Nationals and risk further more severe injury.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Here&rsquo;s the story: &nbsp;</div>
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<div>Imani had played through shin splints for the entire travel season with her team Maryland Juniors. These shin splints actually developed during her junior year high school season with Bishop McNamara, but she is a soldier and she pushed through like all athletes do.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>However, toward the end of her travel season, the shin splints continued to get worse. She did constant treatment and even started over compensating to protect her shin splints until one practice she could barely move. The assistant coach (Coach Ashley Williams) came up to me and said,&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;Imani is a beast, and she is not going to stop playing no matter what I tell her. But you need to get this checked out because it&rsquo;s visibly getting worse&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
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<div>So me and my wife Nichole took her to get X Rays and a MRI and it was discovered that her shin splints had turned into a stress fracture.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>She was devastated. Nationals were coming up and like any athlete she contemplated just sucking it up and playing through the pain.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The doctor was honest with us. He explained to us that if Imani was playing soccer, he would definitely not clear her to play because the likelihood of her getting kicked in her stress fracture was relatively high. If she played football or rugby or any contact sport, he would also not clear her. But she plays volleyball, and the likelihood of her getting kicked in her stress fracture was very low.&nbsp;</div>
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<div><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-6_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
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<div>However, if she landed wrong, the impact could be just as severe as if she got kicked. Then he asked how her mechanics were and I told him that she had been over compensating for quite some time. She&rsquo;s been pushing through and getting a lot of treatment but she has been in pain for a long time. And the doctor said honestly, it&rsquo;s a decision you have to make for her. She is going to want to risk it all and play. That&rsquo;s how athletes are.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>So we talked to Imani, explained the risks, and together we came to the decision that it would be best to sit out.&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>And it was a very difficult process for her as it would be for any athlete but long term over short term was what was important.&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Now, back to Tyrese Haliburton.</div>
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<div>NBA fans across the world witnessed what would have been a story of triumph. One for the archives of NBA history. The storyline would&rsquo;ve been.... Facing elimination in the NBA playoffs in a pivotal Game 7, Tyrese Haliburton battles through injury with superhuman perseverance and in heroic fashion to save the Pacers and propel them into victory solidifying this as one of the greatest finals performances in the history of the NBA. They probably would&rsquo;ve had a picture of Haliburton with a Superman emblem on his chest and a cape under his Warriors uniform. Would&rsquo;ve had his dad holding the same Pacers towel he waved in front of Giannis next to his son with the trophy. Would&rsquo;ve been a sportswriters dream as so many angles could&rsquo;ve been covered and explored.</div>
<div>
People love stories of heroics. Isiah Thomas hobbling around on one foot in game 6 of the 1988 NBA Finals against the Lakers and scoring 25 points in the 3rd quarter. Or Willis Reed walking out of the tunnel for the New York Knicks on his bum ankle in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals. Everything was set up for Haliburton to be added to that list.
High school, college and professional coaches across the country were just salivating to be able to use this as an example to their players to enforce the philosophy that &ldquo;pain is weakness leaving your body&rdquo;. They would&rsquo;ve used Haliburton as an example to young athletes that the game (not your health) is what matters most. And a real &ldquo;team player&rdquo; would sacrifice a &ldquo;little discomfort&rdquo; for their team.
I have seen this all before. During my tenure with the Washington Wizards, I witnessed team trainer Eric Waters misdiagnose player after player because what was best for the Wizards organization was for that player to play.
I saw Richard Hamilton go off on the entire training staff after he learned that&nbsp;he had been playing through a torn groin, only disclosed to him after the team was out of playoff contention. He had been complaining about his groin for weeks and the trainers were giving him treatment two and three times a day all the while knowing his groin was torn, but they wanted to push for the playoffs so they didn&rsquo;t tell him.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-3_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
I saw them tell Jarvis Hayes that he simply had a case of &ldquo;tendinitis&rdquo; in his knee and had him playing through the pain. Turned out he had a broken knee cap and ruined his entire career.&nbsp;
I saw them tell Kwame Brown that he was just experiencing a &ldquo;little discomfort&rdquo; in his leg and that he needed to play through the pain to show everyone that he was worthy of being the number 1 pick. Turned out later, he actually had a torn hamstring.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-4_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
I saw Eric Waters tell Deshawn Stevenson there was nothing seriously wrong with his back and had him getting ice and stem and playing through the pain. After the season, upon further review by an outside doctor it was discovered that he actually had an Inflamed L5 Nerve that was stuck underneath a disc that required not one but two back surgeries to repair.&nbsp;
My point in saying all of this is not to simply blast Eric Waters, I am showing that this happens all the time in professional sports. With team doctors and trainers, there is a conflict of interest and the sworn medical oath becomes blurred and effects their diagnoses. They are hired by the teams and are in essence employees of the organization not employees of the players. So they don&rsquo;t have the players best interest in mind, typically, they only have the organization&rsquo;s.
The Indiana Pacers medical staff basically RG3&rsquo;d Haliburton. They &ldquo;Any Given Sunday&rsquo;d&rdquo; him. They Eric Waters&rsquo;d him.
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-5_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
He shouldn&rsquo;t have been playing period.
The risks outweighed the rewards. Even from a team standpoint. This is your franchise player. This is a player who has the capability of single handedly turning an entire NBA championship finals series around. This is a player that you should&rsquo;ve done everything in your power to convey to him how important he is long term for them and how much they value his health and are looking out for his best interest etc etc. However, what they showed was the exact opposite.&nbsp;
It doesn&rsquo;t matter if Haliburton insisted on playing in Game 7, just like it didn&rsquo;t matter if Imani insisted on playing in Nationals.&nbsp;Sometimes, when it comes to their health, athletes need people to make the decision for them. That&rsquo;s our job as parents and we did that. That was also the job of the Pacers medical team, and they did not have the medical integrity to do that.&nbsp;
Imani had her boot off now and is starting rehab and will be back full strength in a few weeks. Haliburton&rsquo;s calf strain turned into a ruptured Achilles and he will have to sit out the entire 2025/2026 season.&nbsp;
In explaining the difference in how me and my wife Nichole handled her injury vs how the Pacers medical staff handled his, I started singing, &ldquo;They Not Like Us&rdquo; A Dad joke that fell flat with Imani but I don&rsquo;t care it was a good joke.&nbsp;
But in all seriousness, I hope all young players see this and learn that no matter what the circumstances or how big the game is, your health always comes first, and you ALWAYS get a 2nd opinion from your own doctors that have nothing to do with the organization like Kawhi Leonard did in San Antonio his last season there.&nbsp;
Let me refresh everyone&rsquo;s memory.
Everyone with a microphone dogged Kawhi that season. Skip Bayless was still going on his hateful rants and baseless criticisms of Kawhi even after the Raptors beat the 76ers in the playoffs.
Skip Bayless tweeted out
&ldquo;Well, I guess it worked for No. 2 to quit on the Spurs last season complaining of what Spurs doctors decided was no more than a thigh bruise. He wound up in the East, playing against a hobbled, sick Embiid and an overrated Giannis. "Crime" pays.&rdquo;
Kawhi delt with Coach Popovich taking shots at him, his teammates taking shots at him, the team questioning his injury because their &ldquo;team doctors&rdquo; said he was fine. But he got a 2nd opinion and was told otherwise and did what was in his best interest. Danny Green was reportedly playing through a torn groin after being misdiagnosed by the same team doctors that misdiagnosed Kawhi.
And the Spurs are one of the most respected organizations in the NBA with one of the most respected coaches in the NBA. But, the bottom line is, any organization will throw you out there in a heartbeat injured if they feel it is best for the organization. They will publicly criticize you if you don&rsquo;t play and if you play and re-injure yourself worst or just don&rsquo;t play up to their expectations (as if they don&rsquo;t know your playing injured) they will get rid of you in a New York minute just like The Washington Commanders did RG3 and just like the Washington Wizards did with Jarvis Hayes.
I remember watching Grant Hill. He was about to literally take over the league.
People were calling him out for not playing hurt. Said he was soft, overrated etc etc just like they were saying about Haliburton before he shut them all up this playoff series.
The Orlando medical staff derailed Grant&rsquo;s entire career.&nbsp;
Another example is the young Isiah Thomas. He shouldn&rsquo;t have been playing in Boston in the playoffs but he played, ended up hurting himself more, ended up needing surgery, cost himself 100 million dollars came back and played after losing his sister and they traded him that summer because they knew about his injury and knew that he needed surgery.
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-8_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
Kyrie Irving goes and gets a 2nd opinion and they say you need surgery, the Celtics doctors didn&rsquo;t tell him he needed surgery, so he had his surgery and came back the next year strong. There is a reoccurring theme here.
I immediately called my son Malcolm who is working hard at The University Of Dayton right now as I write this article I hope he learned the lesson in what just happened to Haliburton. Told my daughter Baby Sierra and Imani the entire way to school yesterday, like literally the whole entire way I was going on an endless rant.
Told them stories of Eric Waters and Ernie Grunfeld trying to get me to take a cortisone shot in my pubic bone and go out an play when I was suffering an abdominal strain that kept me sidelined for an extended period of time. But also how the 2nd opinion I received from my doctor was that if I did that, I would almost certainly hurt myself worse because the Cortisone show wouldn&rsquo;t exceed the healing process, it was just make it so I didn't feel the pain.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
But just think of it logically, your body sends pain signals to you when something is hurting to let you know to stop doing that. If you block that signal, you won&rsquo;t feel the warning you&rsquo;re supposed to feel. Made perfect sense to me so I told them no. And sure they tried to put pressure on me and have a beat writer pressure me through the power of the pin in a few articles (no I didn&rsquo;t have any actual proof of this but the timing and coincidence was way too convenient so I&rsquo;ll say &ldquo;allegedly&rdquo; had a beat writer pressure me through the media). But the end result was me standing firm and telling them no, I can&rsquo;t go.
However, the onus shouldn&rsquo;t be placed on the athlete&rsquo;s shoulders. Of course athletes are going to want to play but it shouldn&rsquo;t be up to them. A solution to this league wide issue was suggested to me by a lawyer by the name of Marlon Amprey. He explained that the Players Association should assemble a group of outside doctors/specialists (or specific doctors/specialists the player suggests) that have no connection to the team whatsoever.
That will provide 2nd &amp; 3rd opinions and give players detailed reports on their health and risk of injury. All doctors&rsquo; reports given by teams that drastically differ should go under review and there should be repercussions for team doctors and trainers who medically clear players who shouldn&rsquo;t be medically cleared to play.
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The Indiana Pacers medical team decided to clear Tyrese Haliburton to play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals despite an existing calf strain.

The Indiana Pacers RG3’d Tyrese Haliburton

Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier, captains of their respective squads, have officially drafted the final rosters for the 2025 AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis on July 19 &ndash; live on WNBA Countdown and reported via ESPN and WNBA.com.
Using Clark&rsquo;s top fan vote privilege, she selected Aliyah Boston first, followed by Collier with Breanna Stewart, per WNBA.com&rsquo;s official draft log. The remaining starters in order were Clark&rsquo;s team: Sabrina Ionescu, A&rsquo;ja Wilson, Satou Sabally and Collier&rsquo;s team: Allisha Gray, Nneka Ogwumike, Paige Bueckers.
In round two, Collier picked first &ndash; key selections included Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Angel Reese, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum, Courtney Williams, and Kayla Thornton spread across both teams.
Team compositions stayed true to captain loyalties: Clark opted for her Indiana Fever teammates (Boston, Mitchell) and sharpshooters, while Collier leaned on UConn alumni (Stewart, Bueckers) and seasoned vets like Ogwumike and Reese.
In a first-ever twist, Clark and Collier swapped head coaches post-draft &ndash; Sandy Brondello will lead Team Clark and Cheryl Reeve directs Team Collier, aligning each coach with her respective players.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: Clark prioritized team chemistry, selecting Boston and Mitchell early, staying loyal to her Fever core. Collier showcased UConn pride with Stewart and Bueckers, reflecting her college and pro affiliations. The coach swap sent a strategic and symbolic signal, ensuring coherence between captains, coaches, and rosters.
With star-studded rosters and innovative storytelling ahead, WNBA fans can expect a fiercely competitive All-Star week. Tip-off from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on July 19, airing on ABC, Disney+, and ESPN+.

Captains Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier have officially drafted the final rosters for the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game.

Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier finalize 2025 WNBA All-Star rosters

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander continues his meteoric rise this summer&mdash;securing a league-record four-year, $285.4 million supermax extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder and earning the coveted spot as the standard‑edition cover athlete for NBA 2K26, both first reported by Shams Charania and confirmed by multiple outlets.
SGA&rsquo;s supermax deal, the largest average annual value in NBA history at approximately $71.35 million per year, slots him in OKC through the 2030&ndash;31 season. It comes on the heels of a historic 2024-25 campaign: he won NBA MVP, Finals MVP, the scoring title (32.7 PPG), and led OKC to its first NBA championship &ndash; a rare trifecta achieved by only three players in history .
Simultaneously, 2K Games officially selected SGA as the NBA 2K26 standard edition cover star, releasing the news via Shams Charania on X. The announcement highlighted his on-court dominance and off-court appeal, with the game&rsquo;s SVP praising SGA&rsquo;s &ldquo;elite IQ, ice‑cold composure and street style&rdquo;. The game, set for release on September 5, 2025, will also feature Angel Reese and Carmelo Anthony on other editions, with all three appearing on the deluxe Leave No Doubt edition.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: This is a huge move for the franchise stability of OKC, as they have now locked in its best player for half a decade, ensuring consistency around their young core and championship expectations. Moreover, being a primary NBA 2K cover athlete is a rare distinction &ndash; SGA joins the ranks of NBA icons and becomes the first Thunder player to earn a solo standard-edition cover since Kevin Durant. The partnership with 2K extends beyond the cover &ndash; SGA helped shape on-game aesthetics like playlists and introduction outfits. It's a marketing win for both the superstar and the NBA brand.&nbsp;
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander&rsquo;s summer moves are more than ceremonial &ndash; this is a franchise-defining era. From signing the richest deal in league history to gracing the cover of the most iconic basketball video game, he's cementing his legacy on and off the court. Oklahoma City&rsquo;s future will be measured by how well it builds around its undisputed leader.

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander continues his meteoric rise this summer with his supermax extension and being the NBA 2K26 cover.

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander cements elite year with historic extension and NBA 2K26 cover

The San Antonio Spurs have bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring veteran center/forward Kelly Olynyk from the Washington Wizards. In exchange, San Antonio sent young guards Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley, along with a 2026 second-round draft pick, to Washington, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Olynyk, a 12-year NBA veteran known for his floor-spacing skill set, shot a career-best 41.8% from deep last season while averaging 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across the Raptors and Pelicans. He joins a revamped Spurs frontcourt alongside Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet, offering both versatility and experience.
Branham and Wesley, both 22-year-old first-round picks struggling for rotation time in San Antonio, head to Washington as part of the Wizards' youth rebuild; the swap also grants them the least favorable of the 2026 second-round picks held by Dallas, Philadelphia, or Oklahoma City.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: For the Spurs, Olynyk adds a veteran shooting big to complement Wembanyama&rsquo;s inside presence. His ability to stretch the floor helps modernize the offense, and his contract is expiring, giving the Spurs valuable financial flexibility while reinforcing their depth.&nbsp;
For the Wizards, trading Olynyk opens an opportunity for younger players and clears space as the Wizards focus on developing their core. Branham and Wesley both offer upside and draft capital to accelerate the rebuild.&nbsp;
The Spurs continue their quiet, strategic offseason, prioritizing veteran depth without compromising cap control or long-term assets. Meanwhile, Washington gains future-oriented pieces in line with their youth-driven philosophy.

The San Antonio Spurs have bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring veteran center/forward Kelly Olynyk from the Washington Wizards.

Spurs add veteran stretch big Kelly Olynyk in trade with Wizards

The WNBA has unveiled the ten starters for the highly anticipated 2025 AT&amp;T WNBA All‑Star Game, set for July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Veterans Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) and Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) have already been confirmed as captains, earning the most fan votes &ndash; 1,293,526 for Clark and 1,176,020 for Collier.
Joining Clark and Collier in the backcourt are Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream), and Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty). Bueckers, the No. 1 overall rookie, leads her class in scoring and assists and becomes the first Wings rookie starter. Gray notches her third straight All‑Star nod, while Ionescu secures her fourth.
The frontcourt lineup showcases elite talent: Aliyah Boston (Fever), A&rsquo;ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Breanna Stewart(New York Liberty), Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle Storm), and Satou Sabally (Phoenix Mercury). Wilson and Stewart each earn their seventh All‑Star selection, while Ogwumike makes history with her 10th &ndash; a milestone tying legends like Tamika Catchings. Boston, in just her third pro season, maintains dominance with 15.9 PPG and 8.2 RPG. Sabally rounds out the frontcourt with her third nod.
The selection process combined fan (50%), player (25%), and media (25%) votes. Clark led guards in fan voting, while Wilson topped frontcourt tallies in player and media polls. Though star power in the voting was clear, several players, like Angel Reese, who are huge fan favorites, were snubbed, underscoring the high level of competition.
Looking ahead, All-Star reserves will be chosen by head coaches and announced on July 6, with team rosters revealed via a draft on July 8. The matchup kicks off All‑Star Weekend, spotlighting the WNBA&rsquo;s elite and celebrating its growing influence in women&rsquo;s sports.

The WNBA has unveiled the ten starters for the highly anticipated 2025 AT&T WNBA All‑Star Game, set for July 19.

Stars align: 2025 WNBA All‑Star Starters announced

The WNBA is making a bold move by expanding to 18 teams over the next five years, adding franchises in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030), following the recent additions of Toronto and Portland over the next two years and Golden State (Bay Area, San Francisco) this year.
New Markets, New Beginnings
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cleveland &ndash; Returning to the WNBA, the Cavaliers-backed team will play at Rocket Arena starting in 2028. Ownership by Dan Gilbert&rsquo;s Rock Entertainment Group signals strong institutional support.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Detroit &ndash; Reviving the league's presence in the city with the Shock&rsquo;s former ownership under Tom Gores, alongside Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and Jared Goff. The team will debut in Little Caesars Arena in 2029.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Philadelphia &ndash; A brand-new franchise entering a passionate basketball market in 2030, backed by Harris Blitzer Sports &amp; Entertainment (76ers ownership), and boasting plans for a downtown arena and strong community ties.</li>
</ul>
Each expansion group paid a record $250 million expansion fee, reflecting the league's surging valuation and revenue potential.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: What's driving the growth of women&rsquo;s basketball? It can be attributed to the culture and economic boom following Caitlin Clark&rsquo;s arrival in the WNBA, which sparked a fan and financial surge &ndash; league values are up 180%, averaging $269 million, driven partly by Clark&rsquo;s massive influence. With the NBA&rsquo;s infrastructure, all new teams are NBA-affiliated, ensuring strong operational support and facilities. Detroit and Cleveland will utilize existing NBA arenas, while Philadelphia is developing new infrastructure. Finally, the league&rsquo;s strategic momentum has these expansions aligning with a historic $2.2 billion media rights deal, a pending player-friendly CBA, and anticipated record-breaking free agency in 2026.
The WNBA is transforming from a 12-team league into a true coast-to-coast heavyweight by 2030. With franchises in key markets across the Midwest and East Coast, the league is poised to enhance rivalries, grow its fan base, and attract international attention.

The WNBA is making a bold move by expanding to 18 teams over the next five years - in Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia.

WNBA announces 3 new expansion teams: Cleveland, Detroit & Philadelphia

The Portland Trail Blazers and center Deandre Ayton have agreed to a contract buyout, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.&nbsp;
This paves the way for Ayton to enter free agency as the veteran center, who held one year and $35.6 million on his deal, will waive that salary to pursue a fresh opportunity elsewhere.
At 26, Ayton averaged a robust 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block over 40 games last season before a left calf injury ended his year early. A former No. 1 overall pick and member of the NBA All-Rookie First Team, he's maintained double-double averages across seven seasons, distinguishing himself among active centers.
Portland, fresh off adding young big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen through the 2024 and 2025 drafts, as well as carrying Robert Williams III and Duop Reath, had limited space for Ayton&rsquo;s minutes. Unable to find a suitable trade, the buyout became the most viable exit strategy.&nbsp;
After clearing waivers (expected by Wednesday evening), Ayton can sign with any NBA team &ndash; even those over the second apron &ndash; providing flexibility in his next move.
Portland retains Ayton on its cap until his new contract begins, potentially stretching the buyout over multiple seasons to maximize cap flexibility.
However, the move aligns with their development-first vision, granting floor time to Clingan, Hansen, and Williams without drafting another center-heavy rotation. 
The Blazers have offloaded a big salary to prioritize young frontcourt talent and cap health. For Ayton, this marks a fresh start, as he should draw interest from contenders seeking size and rebounding at a modest cost.

The Portland Trail Blazers and center Deandre Ayton have agreed to a contract buyout, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Trail Blazers agree to buy out Deandre Ayton

With the 2025 NBA championship hanging in the balance, the Indiana Pacers fed off their raucous home crowd and leaned on their leaders &ndash; both expected and unexpected &ndash; to stay alive. Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was do-or-die, and the Pacers played like it, overwhelming the Oklahoma City Thunder with energy, physicality, and shot-making to force a winner-take-all Game 7 back in OKC.
Here are four major takeaways from a gritty win by the Pacers:
Haliburton hero ball gutting through an injury inspires Indiana
Coming into the game, Tyrese Haliburton was officially listed as questionable with a strained left calf &ndash; a type of injury that typically sidelines players for multiple weeks. But with the season on the line, the All-Star guard suited up and gave Indiana everything he had.
Haliburton scored 14 points, including three big three-pointers, and played with visible pain at times. Still, his toughness and poise on the floor were invaluable. More than the numbers, it was his presence that galvanized the Pacers. He steadied the offense, spaced the floor, and refused to back down, embodying the grit Indiana has played with all postseason.
Thunder go cold from deep
For Oklahoma City, the formula for success this postseason has often hinged on knocking down threes and letting their defense flow from there. In Game 6, however, the shots simply weren&rsquo;t falling. The Thunder shot just 8-of-30 from long range (26.7%), while the Pacers drilled 15-of-42 (35.7%), accounting for a 21-point differential.
Open looks didn&rsquo;t fall. Even wide-open attempts from reliable shooters clanked off the rim. Whether it was the pressure of the moment, the intensity of Indiana&rsquo;s defense, or just a cold shooting night, the Thunder looked out of rhythm for much of the game. This wasn&rsquo;t the composed, sharp-shooting OKC team that had taken a 3-2 series lead.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse brought the noise
The Pacers entered Game 6 needing more than just strategy &ndash; they needed a spark &ndash;&nbsp; and their fans answered the call. Gainbridge Fieldhouse was deafening from tip-off, and that energy seemed to transfer directly onto the court. Indiana raced out to an early lead, pushed the pace, and fed off the crowd&rsquo;s emotion to build a margin as wide as 30 points.
Every dunk, every hustle play, and every steal sent the crowd into a frenzy. For a team with so many young pieces and first-time Finals participants, that emotional boost may have made all the difference in staving off elimination.
TJ McConnell, Indiana legend in the making
Few players in this series have made a bigger impact off the bench than TJ McConnell. Once again, the veteran point guard was everywhere &ndash; scoring 12 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, dishing out 6 assists, and swiping 4 steals. He set the tone defensively with his pressure, dictated tempo when Haliburton rested, and sparked multiple runs with his relentless hustle.
McConnell has carved out a cult-hero status in Indiana, and Game 6 only added to that legend. His impact was felt in all phases of the game, often providing the intangible boost the box score can&rsquo;t fully capture. He was the emotional engine.
Looking ahead: Winner-Take-All Game 7 on Sunday night
Now, it all comes down to Game 7.
The series shifts back to Oklahoma City, where the Thunder have been dominant all postseason. But Indiana has momentum, belief, and Haliburton still in uniform for the game despite his injury. It&rsquo;s been a wild, back-and-forth series, and it feels only right that it&rsquo;ll be decided in one final showdown for the Larry O&rsquo;Brien Trophy.

Tyrese Haliburton played through injury and TJ McConnell delivered an all-around gem as the Pacers defeated the Thunder in Game 6.

Thunder-Pacers Game 6 takeaways: Tyrese Haliburton displays grit for Indiana

The Houston Rockets have secured veteran center Steven Adams with a fully guaranteed three-year, $39 million contract extension, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
The move prevents Adams from hitting unrestricted free agency as he, 31, became a pivotal presence for Houston after being acquired mid-season from Memphis. His retention signals a strong commitment to continuity in the Rockets' frontcourt as they look to continue building from a rather successful season this year, grabbing the second seed in the West.
During the 2024&ndash;25 season, Adams appeared in 58 games off the bench, averaging 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 13.7 minutes per game following a return from PCL surgery. His impact extended beyond traditional stats &ndash; Houston outscored opponents by 5.0 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor and by 14.1 in the seven‑game playoff series against Golden State.
The deal pays Adams an average of $13 million per season, a modest increase over his previous salary of $12.6 million. Despite Houston navigating near the second luxury‑tax apron, the front office prioritized retaining a veteran anchor for their young core.
ANALYSIS: Adams&rsquo; role alongside emerging star Alperen Şeng&uuml;n in double‑center lineups added depth and toughness to the Rockets, earning praise from opposing coaches. His blend of offensive rebounding, interior defense, and veteran leadership will remain a key component under coach Ime Udoka as Houston builds on its 52‑win season.
With Adams locked in long-term, the Rockets now turn their attention to securing point guard Fred VanVleet &ndash; whose potential contract and $44.9 million option loom large in their salary cap strategy. Maintaining Adams ensures lineup stability and frontcourt continuity heading into the 2025&ndash;26 campaign.

The Houston Rockets have secured veteran center Steven Adams with a fully guaranteed three-year, $39 million contract extension.

Houston Rockets resign center Steven Adams on three-year deal

The Indiana Pacers struck first in the 2025 NBA Finals, taking Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder after an improbable comeback in the 4th quarter clinched by a game-winning jumper from Tyrese Haliburton. While the series is far from over, Game 1 offered plenty of early lessons and adjustments to look out for in the coming games.
<h3>Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers</h3>
If there&rsquo;s one thing you can&rsquo;t do against the Thunder, it&rsquo;s turn the ball over. Oklahoma City isn&rsquo;t just elite in forcing turnovers &ndash; they&rsquo;re historically good. Game 1 was a harsh introduction for Indiana, who coughed up possession far too many times against a team designed to feast off mistakes &ndash; 24 of them to be exact.
OKC&rsquo;s perimeter defenders, from Alex Caruso to Jalen Williams to Lu Dort and Cason Wallace, excel at reading passing lanes and applying pressure without fouling. The Thunder swarmed Indiana&rsquo;s offense, collapsing on drives and disrupting flow. Their rotations were sharp, their closeouts disciplined, and their ability to generate live-ball turnovers turned defense into instant offense.
Given that this was Indiana&rsquo;s first Finals appearance in decades, some early jitters were expected. The energy inside Paycom Center was relentless, and the Pacers' miscues snowballed under pressure. Although they won Game 1 by a hair, moving forward the Pacers need to prioritize clean possessions and limit turnovers if they want a real shot at winning the series. Because let&rsquo;s be real, the Thunder are still heavy favorites despite squandering Game 1. Improved composure and better decision-making, especially from their lead ball handlers, will be key.
<h3>Too much space for the MVP</h3>
Indiana&rsquo;s defensive game plan allowed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander far too much room to operate. The newly crowned MVP carved up the defense with his signature patience, gliding into open mid-range jumpers and attacking downhill with minimal resistance. Time and again, he found the pockets of space he thrives in. SGA scored an astounding 38 points in his Finals debut, and Indiana should do a better job in crowding him and showing him bodies.
SGA&rsquo;s ability to control tempo is what makes him so difficult to guard. He's never rushed. He plays at his own pace, decelerating into stepbacks or slithering into floaters. In Game 1, Indiana gave him too much cushion and failed to show enough help at the point of attack.
To slow him down, the Pacers must adjust their coverage. They need to crowd his space, get physical, and throw multiple bodies at him. Blitzing pick-and-rolls, shading help early, and forcing the ball out of his hands should be top priorities. OKC&rsquo;s supporting cast is capable, but Indiana has to be willing to gamble by making others beat them. As it stands, SGA is getting exactly what he wants.
<h3>Bench scoring advantage</h3>
One area Indiana clearly won in Game 1 was bench production. Obi Toppin led the way with 17 points, including five made threes, providing crucial spacing and energy. His timely shooting helped the Pacers keep pace, particularly during stretches when their starters were stagnant.
TJ McConnell was equally impactful, igniting the Pacers&rsquo; second unit with relentless pace and dribble penetration. Whether pushing off makes or misses, McConnell kept OKC on their heels and helped Indiana stay within striking distance. His ability to find seams in the defense and collapse the Thunder&rsquo;s perimeter gave Indiana a much-needed offensive spark.
The Thunder, on the other hand, didn&rsquo;t get much juice from their reserves offensively aside from Isaiah Hartenstein. While their rotation depth helped defensively, the scoring disparity off the bench could be something to monitor as the series progresses. If Indiana&rsquo;s bench can continue to outperform OKC&rsquo;s, it could swing the momentum in tighter contests.
<h3>Rotation chess match</h3>
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault made some eyebrow-raising rotation decisions in Game 1. Most notably, he started Cason Wallace over Isaiah Hartenstein, opting for a smaller, switch-heavy group designed to disrupt Indiana&rsquo;s ball movement and prevent easy driving lanes.
The Thunder rarely used their double-big lineups, instead rotating between Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren at center while leaning into versatility and perimeter defense. At times, Daigneault even deployed a one-forward, four-guard setup &ndash; and in a few stints, a full five-guard lineup. The strategy prioritized switchability and speed, key components in disrupting Indiana&rsquo;s flow.
Daigneault went deep into his bench, using 11 players in total. The most surprising cameo came from rookie Ajay Mitchell, who logged a 4&ndash;5 minute stretch early in the second quarter. Mitchell went scoreless on 0-of-3 shooting and finished with a -3, which showed Daigneault&rsquo;s willingness to trust his young talent &ndash; even on the Finals stage. While it didn&rsquo;t pay dividends on the scoreboard, the experience could prove valuable if Mitchell&rsquo;s number is called again later in the series. However, with everything on the line and at stake, Daigneault must choose between developing and going all in and trust the veterans to win games for OKC.
On the other side, Rick Carlisle pushed all the right buttons. Thomas Bryant and Ben Sheppard delivered timely contributions, defending well and knocking down big shots. Carlisle staggered minutes well, ensuring McConnell and Toppin had favorable matchups. His ability to read the game and make real-time adjustments helped Indiana stay competitive despite the turnover woes.
<h3>Final thoughts</h3>
Game 1 gave us a glimpse of how Oklahoma City&rsquo;s swarming defense and MVP-led offense can control the tempo of this series. Their blend of length, athleticism, and discipline on defense creates chaos, while SGA&rsquo;s poise and scoring gravity center everything on offense. But it also showed Indiana has the bench depth, coaching flexibility, and offensive firepower to respond.
Expect the Pacers to clean up their turnovers and tweak their coverage on Gilgeous-Alexander heading into Game 2. They'll need to impose more physicality on defense and continue winning the bench battle. If they can take better care of the ball and throw OKC off rhythm, this series has the potential to get very interesting.
The chess match has only just begun.

Discover key takeaways from Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Thunder and Pacers, what we learned from each team.

Thunder-Pacers Game 1 Takeaways: What we learned from the NBA Finals opener

Indiana overcomes 15-point deficit behind late-game brilliance to steal series opener
In their playoffs full of improbable comebacks, the Indiana Pacers added their most dramatic one yet &ndash; stealing Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder, 111-110.
For the 43 minutes and 59.7 seconds of game time, the Pacers never once led. But as they&rsquo;ve done all playoffs long, they clawed their way back from a daunting double-digit deficit and delivered a perfectly-timed knockout punch when it mattered most.
How did the Pacers do it? The shift began in the third quarter, when Indiana initiated a pair of offensive sets to get Benedict Mathurin involved. First, they ran simultaneous actions: a high pick-and-roll between Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam at the top of the key, while Thomas Bryant set a pindown for Mathurin on the wing. Mathurin caught the pass, drove middle, and dropped it off to Bryant for a thunderous one-handed jam.
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Mathurin drop pass to Bryant <a href="https://t.co/mZAm4rIbJn">pic.twitter.com/mZAm4rIbJn</a>
&mdash; Mon Anthony Valmoria (@MorvalNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorvalNBA/status/1931021125523501159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a>
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On the ensuing sideline out-of-bounds play, the Pacers simplified things &ndash; Mathurin ran a high pick-and-roll with Bryant at the top. He got downhill quickly and drew a foul on Isaiah Hartenstein. Though OKC challenged the call, the review was unsuccessful &ndash; costing the Thunder their last challenge and later proving costly. Mathurin knocked down both free throws, trimming the lead to single digits at 70-79 for the first time since the first quarter.
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Mathurin straight line drive, fouled <a href="https://t.co/zV7a8jB8da">pic.twitter.com/zV7a8jB8da</a>
&mdash; Mon Anthony Valmoria (@MorvalNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorvalNBA/status/1931021129893978546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a>
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After an OKC three, Indiana immediately countered by Indiana as TJ McConnell pushed the ball on the other side right after the make. Using his quickness, McConnell blew past SGA on an empty corner downhill drive and got a paint touch off of it. Hartenstein left his man Bryant on the left corner to challenge the drive, then McConnell delivered a no-look pass to Bryant who then knocked down a three to answer, bringing the lead back to single digits again.
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Bryant corner three <a href="https://t.co/nDmbPRjklx">pic.twitter.com/nDmbPRjklx</a>
&mdash; Mon Anthony Valmoria (@MorvalNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorvalNBA/status/1931021133664645510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a>
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Those two Mathurin plays were important as OKC shifted their focus to him. With OKC now devoting more defensive attention, the Pacers continued manipulating matchups. On the final Indiana possession of the quarter, McConnell motioned for Mathurin to set a screen. The Thunder attempted a pre-switch between Caruso and SGA, trying to neutralize the threat. But the slight miscommunication allowed McConnell to zip a pass to Siakam, who was left alone in the right corner. Siakam calmly buried the three, bringing Indiana within six at 76-82. SGA answered with a buzzer-beater triple, but the Pacers had already shifted the tide.
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Siakam corner three <a href="https://t.co/HuZStoN4Ps">pic.twitter.com/HuZStoN4Ps</a>
&mdash; Mon Anthony Valmoria (@MorvalNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorvalNBA/status/1931021139733783030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a>
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Still, that was all Indiana needed &ndash; to cut the lead down to single digits before the start of the 4th quarter to make it a manageable deficit, as they try to conjure their signature end game runs that they have been doing all playoffs long.
OKC even pushed the lead to as high as 15 points, 94-79, after a turnover by the Pacers that led to a Jalen Williams breakaway jam &ndash; but Indiana never panicked.
The Pacers just would not quit and as they have been doing in these playoffs, fought and crawled back into the game.
A series of scores for the Pacers ensued: Mathurin attacked Caruso for a strong layup. Then, Andrew Nembhard blew by Caruso for a tough and-one. Myles Turner hit a corner three. Obi Toppin knocked down his fifth three of the game. In just a matter of minutes, the lead had evaporated to 91-98.
Indiana got even closer with yet another beautiful sideline out of bounds play: Nembhard got the ball to the middle off the screen from Myles Turner, then he turned around to set yet another screen for Haliburton (who inbounded the ball), but instead it turned to a flare screen and Turner popped out. He got Chet Holmgren off his feet and proceeded to drill a tough stepback three off the glass from the left corner to cut the lead to 4, 94-98, marking a 12-2 over the last three minutes for the Pacers.
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Turner stepback three <a href="https://t.co/eMowGKcsju">pic.twitter.com/eMowGKcsju</a>
&mdash; Mon Anthony Valmoria (@MorvalNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorvalNBA/status/1931021144095936685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a>
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Next time down, Indiana went to Turner again as Nembhard found him again off the pick and pop action for a right elbow jumper. 96-100 OKC
Off another OKC miss, Haliburton grabbed the rebound, ran the length of the floor, surveyed it for potential passing options, before doing a hesitation dribble that confused SGA. It allowed Haliburton to blow past him and earn a layup on the break &ndash; something the Pacers had not had much of this game.
Oklahoma City responded with a tough SGA finish and four free throws to stretch the margin back to nine, 105-96. But Indiana came right back, with Aaron Nesmith burying a left-corner three off a broken play to make it 102-108.
Next play down, Indiana survived once again after Jalen Williams missed a wide-open three-point attempt. Nembhard brought the ball the other way and did a series of dribble moves on SGA before drilling the impressive stepback three from the left wing. The Pacers have now come all the way from 15 down to cut the lead to just 3, 105-108 with 2 minutes left in the game.
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Nembhard stepback three <a href="https://t.co/8WGH4gHHR5">pic.twitter.com/8WGH4gHHR5</a>
&mdash; Mon Anthony Valmoria (@MorvalNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorvalNBA/status/1931021149242364050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a>
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The Thunder briefly steadied themselves with a Lu Dort block and an SGA layup to go up 110-105, but that would be their last field goal of the night.
Nembhard calmly sank two free throws, and Siakam followed a crucial block on SGA with a hustle play on the other end &ndash; putting back a missed three to make it 109-110 with under a minute to play.
After forcing two stops &ndash; one on Williams, another on SGA &ndash; the Pacers got the ball back off a rebound with the game on the line. Rick Carlisle trusted his team to find the right shot. It was when Haliburton delivered: an off-balance 18-foot jumper from the right wing that rattled in to give the Pacers their first &ndash; and only &ndash; lead of the game with 0.3 seconds remaining.
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Haliburton for the win <a href="https://t.co/mWrlgNpFJf">pic.twitter.com/mWrlgNpFJf</a>
&mdash; Mon Anthony Valmoria (@MorvalNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorvalNBA/status/1931021156833984600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a>
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OKC was not able to get a shot off for the final possession of the game and thus completed another wild Pacers comeback.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;&nbsp;
In the end, OKC missed their shots on offense as they had a hard time protecting the lead, while Indiana got to their offense more with flow and rhythm in the 4th.
The Thunder shot 5-of-17 in the final frame and they were not able to make shots as Indiana chipped away possession by possession. Meanwhile, the Pacers executed with precision and confidence. Whether through elaborate sideline plays or simple two-man actions, they kept creating looks &ndash; and more importantly, they kept converting them.
Game 1 was a microcosm of Indiana&rsquo;s identity in these playoffs: resilient, relentless, and fearless in the face of deficits. With the win, they&rsquo;ve now stolen home court and placed all the pressure on Oklahoma City to respond in Game 2.

Take a deep dive on how the Pacers came back once again this time against the Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

Comeback kings strike again: How Indiana stole Game 1 vs OKC

In a surprising move, the New York Knicks have dismissed head coach Tom Thibodeau, just days after the team's first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years.
Despite leading the Knicks to a 51-31 regular-season record and a deep playoff run that lasted through the Eastern Conference Finals, the organization has decided to seek new leadership in pursuit of its first NBA championship since 1973.
During his five-season tenure, Thibodeau compiled a 226-174 record and was named NBA Coach of the Year in the 2020-21 season. Under his guidance, the Knicks returned to playoff contention, making four postseason appearances and achieving consecutive 50-win seasons for the first time since the 1990s.
The decision to part ways with Thibodeau has elicited mixed reactions. Knicks President Leon Rose emphasized the organization's commitment to winning a championship, stating that a change in leadership was necessary to achieve that goal.&nbsp; However, players like Josh Hart and fans, including actor Ben Stiller, expressed gratitude for Thibodeau's contributions and were surprised by the timing of the move.
As the Knicks begin their search for a new head coach, names like Mike Malone and Mike Budenholzer have emerged as potential candidates. The organization aims to build upon the foundation laid during Thibodeau's tenure and take the next step toward championship contention.

The Knicks have dismissed head coach Tom Thibodeau, just days after the team's first Eastern Conference Finals appearance.

Knicks part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau following East Finals run

The NBA has officially unveiled its All-Defensive First and Second Teams for the 2024&ndash;25 season, highlighting both seasoned defenders and emerging talents who made significant impacts on the court.
All-Defensive First Team
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers): The 2024&ndash;25 Defensive Player of the Year led all vote-getters, securing 99 out of 100 first-team votes. This marks his second consecutive First Team selection, underscoring his role as a defensive cornerstone for the Cavaliers.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors): Earning his fifth First Team nod and ninth overall All-Defensive selection, the 35-year-old veteran continues to anchor the Warriors' defense with his versatility and leadership.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks): In his breakout season, Daniels secured his first All-Defensive First Team honor, reflecting his emergence as a premier perimeter defender.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Luguentz Dort (Oklahoma City Thunder): Known for his tenacious on-ball defense, Dort's first First Team selection highlights his pivotal role in the Thunder's league-leading defense.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets): In just his second NBA season, Thompson joins an elite group by earning First Team honors, showcasing his exceptional defensive versatility and impact.</li>
</ul>
All-Defensive Second Team
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Toumani Camara (Portland Trail Blazers): Making his debut on the All-Defensive Team, Camara's defensive prowess has been a bright spot for the Trail Blazers.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves): With his eighth All-Defensive selection, Gobert continues to be a dominant force in the paint, anchoring the Timberwolves' defense.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies): Securing his third All-Defensive honor, Jackson's shot-blocking and rim protection remain integral to the Grizzlies' defensive schemes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder): Earning his first All-Defensive selection, Williams' versatility and defensive acumen have been key to the Thunder's success.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Clippers): Zubac's interior defense and rebounding have earned him his inaugural All-Defensive Team recognition, highlighting his growth as a defensive anchor.</li>
</ul>
These selections underscore the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent shaping the NBA's defensive landscape, reflecting the league's emphasis on defensive excellence.
&nbsp;

The NBA has officially unveiled its All-Defensive First and Second Teams for the 2024–25 season.

NBA Announces 2024–25 All-Defensive Teams

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2024&ndash;25 NBA Most Valuable Player, marking a significant milestone in both his career and the Thunder's franchise history. This honor places him alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as the only players in Thunder history to receive the league's highest individual accolade.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in scoring, averaging 32.7 points per game, and contributed 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. His exceptional performance was instrumental in guiding the Thunder to a franchise-best 68&ndash;14 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference.
In the MVP voting, Gilgeous-Alexander received 71 out of 100 first-place votes, surpassing Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jokić, who averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, finished as the runner-up.
During the MVP award ceremony, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an emotional speech, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his wife, Hailey Summers, for her unwavering support. He also acknowledged his teammates, fulfilling a promise by gifting each of them Rolex watches as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the team's success .
Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP season not only highlights his individual brilliance but also signifies the Thunder's resurgence as a formidable force in the NBA. With a young and dynamic roster, Oklahoma City is poised for continued success in the seasons to come.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2024–25 NBA Most Valuable Player.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Captures 2024–25 NBA MVP, Cementing Thunder's Resurgence

The Oklahoma City Thunder didn&rsquo;t just win a Game 7 &ndash; they passed a rite of passage.
It was gritty, and it was emotional. It was everything that defines a turning point. On Sunday afternoon, inside a frenzied arena where the air was thick with tension, the Thunder outlasted the Denver Nuggets in Game 7. The final buzzer didn&rsquo;t just signal the end of the series, but it marked the beginning of something bigger &ndash; something real.
For a team that&rsquo;s been slowly building in the shadows, amassing assets, developing talent, and waiting for its window, this series was more than just a playoff checkpoint. It was the moment where potential finally collided with performance under pressure. This win was necessary &ndash; an experience that fast-forwards a young team&rsquo;s growth in ways no regular-season run or early-round playoff series ever could.
Battle-tested by the one of the best
Oklahoma City didn&rsquo;t just beat anyone. They beat the team that has made it before and won it all. The Denver Nuggets came in with the best player in the world, Nikola Jokic, the NBA&rsquo;s three-time MVP, and a team that knows exactly what it takes to climb the mountain and hoist the Larry O&rsquo;Brien Trophy. Jokic had carved up defenses all season and into the playoffs and Jamal Murray returned to his playoff form. This team was poised to win the deciding game with all their experience in their belt, and yet the Thunder were the ones left standing.
And they did it by growing up before our eyes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has played like the NBA&rsquo;s MVP all season, but this series demanded more. In Game 7, he wasn&rsquo;t just a scorer &ndash; he was a leader, a closer, a composed floor general in a storm. Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Cason Wallace all played beyond their years, taking hits, absorbing the moment, and coming back with even more fire.
There&rsquo;s no manual for winning a Game 7. There&rsquo;s no shortcut for the intensity that builds in every possession. Even SGA admitted to being nervous after the game going into his first ever Game 7. To play in one is one thing. To perform in one is another. To win? That takes something different. It takes nerve. And Oklahoma City just proved they&rsquo;ve got it.
A crucible that creates champions
This wasn&rsquo;t just about the win. It was about the journey &ndash; about facing adversity and coming through on the other side with a new identity. For most of this roster, this was their first taste of a Game 7, and it was nothing short of a trial by fire.
There&rsquo;s a type of emotional resilience that only emerges in these moments. The game slows down and speeds up at the same time. Every cut, every rotation, every decision matters. One mistake can send you home. One stop can etch your name in franchise history.
It&rsquo;s in these crucibles that bonds are formed. These are the games players remember in the offseason, in practice, in the next series when the legs are tired and the confidence wavers. You learn who can be trusted in the foxhole. You learn how far you can push yourself &ndash; and each other.
OKC will carry this Game 7 win for years. This is a foundational building block for a future contender.
Timberwolves await: The next test
Of course, the road doesn&rsquo;t get any easier. Next up are the battle-hardened Minnesota Timberwolves &ndash; another team on the rise, but one that has already been to the Western Conference Finals and is hungry for more.
Anthony Edwards is a force of nature. His rise mirrors that of SGA in many ways &ndash; two young stars trying to grab the torch and never let go. The Wolves have size, depth, and defensive versatility that will challenge OKC in ways even Denver didn&rsquo;t. Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels form a frontcourt wall that will test Holmgren&rsquo;s poise and toughness.
But the Thunder come in with something new: belief forged in battle.
They now know what it takes to win under duress. They&rsquo;ve felt the pressure of the moment and responded with poise. That experience matters. It travels. And as much as Minnesota presents matchup capabilities, OKC presents a different kind of threat &ndash; a team that&rsquo;s fearless, well-coached, and now, proven under fire.
SGA vs Anthony Edwards is the kind of series that could define this generation of NBA stars. Two leaders, two teams, two destinies intersecting on the playoff stage.&nbsp;
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
For years, Oklahoma City was a patient rebuild. The Russell Westbrook-Paul George era to the Chris Paul chapters came and went, but through it all, Sam Presti stayed the course. He stockpiled picks, gambled on high-upside players, and trusted in internal growth. Many wondered when &ndash; or if &ndash; it would all come together.
Game 7 was the answer.
This isn&rsquo;t just a feel-good story anymore. This is real. This is sustainable. The Thunder are here, and they&rsquo;re not backing down from anyone &ndash; not even the moment.
So as the Western Conference Finals loom, one thing is clear: The Thunder have arrived. Not just as a team with promise, but as a team with proof.
And once you get that first taste of victory under playoff fire, it changes you. It elevates your standard. It fuels your hunger. And if you&rsquo;re Oklahoma City, it marks the start of something even bigger.
Because sometimes, the only way forward&hellip; is through the fire.

The Thunder defeat the Nuggets in Game 7, marking a defining moment in their rise. How OKC's gritty win fuels their playoff growth?

Thunder’s Game 7 triumph over Nuggets signals arrival of a contender

The New York Knicks didn&rsquo;t just beat the Boston Celtics. They unmade them.
It was never just about winning a series. It was about proving a point. About silencing the doubt that crept in after four straight regular-season losses. About validating every roster move, every inch of grit, and every ounce of sweat poured into this season. It was about showing the basketball world &ndash; loudly and unmistakably &ndash; that this team wasn&rsquo;t just trying to contend. They were trying to conquer.
When the final buzzer sounded in Madison Square Garden and the scoreboard read 119&ndash;81, the Knicks had done just that &ndash; burying the defending champions in a Game 6 demolition and clinching their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years.
But the mission is far from over.
A blueprint forged in Celtics&rsquo; green
From the jump, New York&rsquo;s front office operated with one adversary in mind: Boston. The Celtics were the gold standard, the defending champions, and the measuring stick for anyone serious about owning the East.
Leon Rose and company tailored this roster to match up directly with Boston&rsquo;s strengths. They re-signed OG Anunoby and traded for Mikal Bridges &ndash; two of the league&rsquo;s premier wing defenders &ndash; to neutralize Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Then came the blockbuster deal to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns, who gave the Knicks a stretch big man to go toe-to-toe with Kristaps Porzingis.
Everything was calculated. Every move had Boston&rsquo;s name on it.
And yet, the regular season was a humbling reminder of how far they still had to go. The Celtics swept the Knicks 4&ndash;0, and did so with such ease that New York&rsquo;s grand design felt naive. What good was a plan if the execution failed? If Boston could anticipate every counter, every scheme, every attempt at disruption?
But that&rsquo;s the thing about belief &ndash; it doesn&rsquo;t disappear with setbacks. It adapts. It evolves. It waits for its moment.
A series that changed everything
Heading into the second round, the Knicks were underdogs by every metric. They had a seven-man rotation, an ailing Mitchell Robinson, and a superstar in Jalen Brunson carrying an enormous load. Boston had depth, pedigree, and the confidence of having dismantled them all season.
But the Knicks weren&rsquo;t interested in narratives. They were there to rewrite them.
New York stunned the Celtics by taking Games 1 and 2 in Boston &ndash; punctuated by two clutch defensive stops from Mikal Bridges. In Game 1, it was a strip of Jaylen Brown. In Game 2, it was a game-sealing closeout on Tatum. That was the turning point&mdash;when the Knicks wrestled control from the defending champs and refused to let go.
OG Anunoby was nothing short of sensational. His defense on Tatum was suffocating, but it was his offensive output that tilted the series. He punished Boston with timely threes, strong drives, and unrelenting pressure. By the end of Game 6, he had cemented himself as one of the best two-way performers of the postseason.
Karl-Anthony Towns reminded everyone why the Knicks traded for him. He provided invaluable floor spacing, softening Boston&rsquo;s paint defense and making their double-big lineups less effective. His rebounding and decision-making gave the Knicks versatility they sorely lacked in previous playoff runs.
Josh Hart, the team&rsquo;s emotional engine, played like a man possessed. He chased every loose ball, battled for every rebound, and made hustle plays that sent the Garden into a frenzy. In Game 6, he notched the franchise&rsquo;s first playoff triple-double since 1972. He was the spirit of the Knicks personified.
Mitchell Robinson, matched against the veteran Al Horford, was a force on the glass and in the paint. His size and activity made Boston work for everything. And the Towns-Robinson pairing &ndash; while unconventional &ndash;&nbsp; at times gave New York an edge in rim protection and rebounding.
Miles McBride, the fan favorite, was the exclamation point. His clutch shooting and relentless defense made the most of his minutes. The Garden roared every time he touched the ball, and in Game 6, he gave fans even more to cheer for with 10 points and relentless pressure on the perimeter.
And, of course, Jalen Brunson. The league&rsquo;s Clutch Player of the Year showed why he earned that title. Whether it was a floater in traffic, a step-back jumper, or a drive through contact, Brunson delivered in every critical moment. He averaged 26.2 points in the series and captained the Knicks with poise, toughness, and swagger.
He was, and continues to be, the heart of New York&rsquo;s renaissance.
More than just a win &ndash; it&rsquo;s a revival
The impact of this series win goes beyond the scoreboard. It reverberated through the city. New York, a basketball town starving for success, erupted in celebration. Celebrities poured out of the Garden. Streets were flooded with fans chanting &ldquo;Go New York Go New York Go!&rdquo;. Timoth&eacute;e Chalamet &ndash; yes, even the &lsquo;Lisan Al Gaib&rsquo; &ndash; joined in in support of his favorite NBA team
It lit up the NBA world. What was supposed to be Boston&rsquo;s coronation turned into a Knicks uprising. The defending champs were outclassed, outcoached, and outworked. And the league took notice.
It reaffirmed the Knicks&rsquo; vision. Every decision, every gamble &ndash; they were worth it. This wasn&rsquo;t just a team that got hot. This was a team that executed its plan to perfection when it mattered most.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
However, the job is not yet done.&nbsp;
The Knicks have their work cut out for them from here on out. Two series down, two series to go. Now, it&rsquo;s on to Indiana.
The Pacers are no easy out. Led by All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton and a deep, versatile supporting cast, they&rsquo;ve steamrolled through the playoffs with pace, ball movement, and shooting.
The Knicks, meanwhile, continue to rely on a tight, seven-man rotation. They&rsquo;ll enter the series with the same urgency, the same intensity &ndash; but also with heavier legs.
It&rsquo;ll be a clash of philosophies: New York&rsquo;s top-heavy, defense-first grind versus Indiana&rsquo;s spread attack and bench firepower. But if the Celtics series proved anything, it&rsquo;s that the Knicks are more than just a system. They&rsquo;re a team that believes &ndash; fiercely and completely.
They believe in each other. They believe in the plan. And now, for the first time in decades, the entire city believes alongside them.
So no, the job&rsquo;s not done, but the Knicks are exactly where they believed they&rsquo;d be.
And they're just getting started.

The Knicks finally beat the Celtics in a dramatic 6-game series, validating their season-long mission, but the job's not finished yet.

The Knicks were built to beat the Celtics – now they’re built for more

Anthony Edwards' meteoric rise in the NBA continues relentlessly. The 23-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves superstar has added another chapter to his burgeoning playoff legacy, leading his team to a 4-1 series victory over the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals. This triumph not only propels the Timberwolves to their second consecutive Western Conference Finals but also reinforces Edwards' growing reputation as the league's premier "legend killer."
The term "legend killer" may have been used in jest by fans and analysts, but it's becoming more apt with each passing series. Edwards is carving out one of the most impressive early playoff resumes in recent memory, routinely stepping up against the game's brightest stars and emerging victorious.
Slaying giants and legends is becoming a playoff tradition for Edwards
Edwards' postseason journey reads like a who's who of NBA royalty. Last year, he spearheaded the Timberwolves' stunning run through the Western Conference, eliminating a Phoenix Suns team led by future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. In the following round, they went toe-to-toe with reigning MVP Nikola Jokić and the defending champion Denver Nuggets &ndash; and prevailed.
This season has followed a similar narrative. In the first round, Edwards and the Wolves dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Edwards outdueled both LeBron James and Luka Doncic on both ends of the floor and delivering clutch baskets in high-pressure moments.
Now, in the semifinals, he's taken down a Warriors team that boasted championship pedigree and playoff-tested veterans in Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green &ndash; and would have had Stephen Curry, were it not for injury.
It's no wonder the nickname "legend killer" has started to stick. Edwards is not just winning playoff series; he's ending runs and ushering in a new era of stardom. Few players his age have compiled such an impressive list of postseason victims &ndash; and he's doing it as the unquestioned leader of a franchise that hadn&rsquo;t been to the Conference Finals in 20 years before his arrival.
Golden State&rsquo;s fortunes took a major hit just minutes into Game 1 when Stephen Curry pulled up lame, clutching his left hamstring. The team initially called it &ldquo;tightness,&rdquo; but subsequent scans revealed a strain that would sideline the two-time MVP for the remainder of the series.
Curry&rsquo;s absence was devastating. In Game 1, the Warriors managed to win despite him being out for the majority of the game, and Golden State was within striking distance. But without him, the Warriors lacked spacing, cohesion, and a consistent scoring threat. Butler, whom the Warriors acquired midseason for a late title push, averaged a decent amount of points in the series but struggled to find rhythm without Curry drawing double teams. Draymond Green&rsquo;s defensive prowess and playmaking were neutralized by Minnesota&rsquo;s size and physicality.
Minnesota, meanwhile, smothered Golden State with a vaunted defense led by Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, and Edwards. The Wolves&rsquo; game plan was simple yet effective: deny Butler clean looks, collapse on drives, and force role players to beat them. Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield were rather inconsistent, while Jonathan Kuminga, though promising, lacked the polish to carry the scoring load for the entire series. The Warriors ultimately lost four straight games after taking the opener.
Timberwolves' strategic mastery&nbsp;
Minnesota&rsquo;s resurgence is as much about front-office vision as it is about Edwards&rsquo; emergence. The franchise made a controversial decision last summer, trading long-time star Karl-Anthony Towns &ndash; the face of the franchise for nearly a decade &ndash; to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
Initially panned as an overreaction to last year&rsquo;s Conference Finals loss, the move has aged like fine wine. Randle brought a rugged interior presence and a scorer's mindset that perfectly complements Rudy Gobert&rsquo;s defense-first approach. In these playoffs, Randle has arguably been playing the best basketball of his life, often bullying smaller defenders in the post while spacing the floor just enough to allow Edwards room to operate.
DiVincenzo, a tenacious defender and underrated shooter, has been an x-factor despite struggling a bit in the playoffs. He has consistently hit timely threes while guarding opposing guards with a relentless motor. His chemistry with Edwards has flourished, allowing the Wolves to maintain intensity on both ends without sacrificing floor spacing.
Add in the steady leadership of Mike Conley and the rim protection of Gobert and Naz Reid off the bench and the perimeter defense by McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and you&rsquo;ve got one of the most well-balanced teams left in the playoffs.
With this series win, the Timberwolves have secured their second straight appearance in the Western Conference Finals &ndash; a feat that once seemed unimaginable for a franchise long plagued by mediocrity. They fell to Dallas in last year&rsquo;s WCF, but the lessons from that loss are clearly paying off.
This version of the Wolves is deeper, more experienced, and far more adaptable. They&rsquo;ve shown they can win gritty, defensive battles or shoot it out when the game opens up. Coach Chris Finch has masterfully balanced rotations and drawn up sets that accentuate Edwards&rsquo; strengths while keeping Randle, Gobert, and DiVincenzo involved.
The next step now is breaking through to the NBA Finals &ndash; something no Timberwolves team has ever accomplished.
Being the &lsquo;face of the league&rsquo;
As the NBA&rsquo;s long-standing icons gradually wind down their careers, the league is searching for its next torchbearer. While players like Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are all in the mix, few have made as loud a postseason statement as Anthony Edwards.
His playoff numbers &mdash; 27.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists per game &mdash; don&rsquo;t just tell the story of a rising superstar, they scream franchise cornerstone and future MVP. More importantly, Edwards has embraced the spotlight, asking for it and owning the pressure of delivering wins against the best in the world.
He&rsquo;s charismatic, fiercely competitive, and fearless. His ability to elevate his game in the postseason, rise above elite opponents, and close out games has drawn comparisons to legends of the past. And with every &ldquo;legend&rdquo; he defeats, Edwards inches closer to becoming one himself.
Anthony Edwards isn&rsquo;t just adding to his playoff resume &mdash; he&rsquo;s building a legacy. One legendary opponent at a time.
And if the &ldquo;legend killer&rdquo; keeps this up, the next generation of NBA stars might be defined by who manages to take him down.

Anthony Edwards continues his rise as the NBA’s “Legend Killer,” leading the Timberwolves past the Warriors to reach the WCF again.

Anthony Edwards adds to ‘legend killer’ legacy as Wolves eliminate Warriors in 5

The 2025 Western Conference Semifinals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets have lived up to the hype, with the series knotted at 2-2. As the teams prepare for a crucial Game 5 in Oklahoma City, both squads face pressing questions and necessary adjustments to gain the upper hand. With a trip to the Western Conference Finals on the line, every possession, coaching decision, and hustle play will matter more than ever.
-- -- --
Thunder's path to regaining control
Assert themselves on the boards
The Thunder&rsquo;s lack of consistent rebounding has emerged as one of their most glaring weaknesses in this series. Despite boasting athletic bigs and switchable wings, they&rsquo;ve repeatedly been outmuscled on the glass by Denver&rsquo;s physical frontcourt led by Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon. The Nuggets have often out-rebounded the Thunder, securing offensive boards that led to multiple second-chance scoring opportunities. Those extra possessions have proven costly for OKC in close games.
Part of the issue stems from the Thunder often playing smaller lineups, which prioritize speed and switchability over size and physicality. While that identity served them well in the regular season, playoff basketball demands toughness in the paint. Oklahoma City will need to play more of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein to go up against Jokic and Gordon, and commit more to boxing out and crashing the boards. Their guards must also help secure long rebounds and quickly push the ball in transition, turning defensive stops into offensive chances.
To win Game 5 and take control of the series, the Thunder cannot afford to give the Nuggets repeated second opportunities. Rebounding isn&rsquo;t just about size, it&rsquo;s about desire, positioning, and timing. If OKC can neutralize Denver&rsquo;s rebounding edge and limit their putback chances, it could be a decisive swing factor on their home floor.
Rediscover offensive fluidity
Oklahoma City has struggled to find its usual offensive rhythm over the past two games. The Thunder's offense is built on movement, ball-sharing, and improvisation &ndash; playing freely with joy and confidence. But as the series has worn on and the physicality has ramped up, OKC has looked more rigid and hesitant, settling for tough isolation plays instead of generating quality looks through movement.
In Games 3 and 4, Denver&rsquo;s defense disrupted OKC&rsquo;s pace by pressing up on ball-handlers and switching effectively on screens. The Thunder have sometimes become overly reliant on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to bail them out in late-clock situations. While SGA is an elite shot-creator, Oklahoma City&rsquo;s offense thrives most when all five players are involved. Getting back to their roots &ndash; cutting off the ball, pushing in transition, and trusting each other&rsquo;s instincts &ndash; can unlock the offensive flow that&rsquo;s been missing.
Reclaiming that offensive identity also means trusting players like Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe to take open shots and make quick decisions. Jalen Williams, who has flashed brilliance at times, must stay aggressive and attack mismatches. If the Thunder return to playing free and fearless, as they did in their Game 2 blowout win, they&rsquo;ll be much harder to guard and far more dangerous heading into a pivotal Game 5.
MVP-caliber performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
While SGA has delivered solid numbers throughout the series, Oklahoma City needs a transcendent Game 5 performance from their MVP candidate. Through four games, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 28.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists &ndash; but his impact hasn&rsquo;t always translated to late-game success. Denver has thrown multiple defenders at him, forcing tough midrange shots and limiting his trips to the free-throw line. For OKC to thrive, SGA must assert himself early and often, controlling the tempo and creating high-quality looks for both himself and his teammates.
This is the kind of moment where MVPs rise above the game plan. Whether it's hunting mismatches, collapsing the defense to kick out to shooters, or making timely defensive plays, SGA has the tools to take over. In Game 2, his 33-point performance was a reminder of what he&rsquo;s capable of when he&rsquo;s in attack mode and dictating the pace. The Thunder need that version of Shai to show up again in Game 5.
It&rsquo;s also about leadership. This young Thunder team looks to SGA not just for scoring, but for composure and direction in critical moments. With the home crowd behind him and the series on the line, this is his opportunity to put a stamp on his MVP-caliber season and carry his team one step closer to a conference finals berth.
Nuggets' strategies to steal Game 5
Elevate Nikola Jokic&rsquo;s impact
Nikola Jokic has not been his usual dominant self across all four games. While he&rsquo;s still managed to put up triple-doubles and impact the game in subtle ways, the Thunder have made him work harder than usual with their quick double teams and constant help defense. In Game 4, Jokic finished with 22 points on just 9-of-22 shooting&mdash;a rare inefficient night for the two-time MVP. For the Nuggets to win on the road, Jokic must return to the ultra-efficient playmaker and scorer who lifts everyone around him.
One adjustment could be to get Jokic more touches at the elbow and the top of the key, where he can orchestrate Denver&rsquo;s offense without dealing with immediate post pressure. From those areas, he can see the floor better and exploit mismatches or cutters. Additionally, running more two-man actions with Jamal Murray or Aaron Gordon could help relieve pressure and force OKC to defend multiple threats simultaneously.
Jokic&rsquo;s presence alone bends defenses, but when he&rsquo;s assertive and efficient, it unlocks the Nuggets&rsquo; full offensive potential. Denver will need their franchise cornerstone to set the tone with physicality, precision, and poise in the hostile OKC environment of Game 5.
Improved Three-Point shooting
The Nuggets&rsquo; offensive success often correlates with their outside shooting. In the games where they&rsquo;ve played, Denver pulled away with convincing wins. But when the shots haven&rsquo;t fallen, their offense has looked sluggish and overly reliant on Jokic or Murray to create something late in the shot clock. Getting back to crisp ball movement and creating open looks from the perimeter is a priority heading into Game 5.
Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun must convert the clean looks they&rsquo;re getting. Porter, in particular, has the shooting gravity to stretch OKC&rsquo;s defense and create spacing for Jokic&rsquo;s interior play. Even Aaron Gordon&rsquo;s willingness to take open threes can help Denver keep defenders honest. Making threes forces OKC to chase and rotate, which opens up driving lanes and cutting opportunities that Denver thrives on.
Expect head coach David Adelman to emphasize early ball reversals and inside-out play to generate quality three-point chances. If Denver shoots well from deep, it could swing momentum and silence the Paycom Center crowd in what promises to be a raucous Game 5 environment.
Boost bench production
In tight playoff matchups, bench production often makes the difference. For Denver, the second unit has been a mixed bag this series. They have a particularly shallow bench led by Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson, and the Nuggets need consistent contributions from both of them to keep pace with OKC&rsquo;s energetic rotations.
The key is maintaining offensive rhythm and defensive intensity when Jokic sits. Braun&rsquo;s ability to defend, rebound, and finish in transition adds a valuable spark. Westbrook&rsquo;s experience and steady playmaking can provide structure when Murray rests. And Watson&rsquo;s length and athleticism make him a disruptive presence on both ends. Each of them must be ready to seize the moment in what could be the turning point of the series.
Adelman might also consider tightening his rotation or staggering starters more effectively to ensure a balance of scoring and defense. With so much on the line, every possession from the bench unit carries weight. If Denver&rsquo;s reserves can sustain leads &ndash; or even swing momentum &ndash; it could give them the edge they need to take Game 5 on the road.
-- -- --
As Game 5 approaches, the series hangs in the balance. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, but only one can emerge with a crucial win to take control. The adjustments made and executed in this game will likely determine who advances and who faces an offseason of questions. In a battle between the Thunder and the Nuggets, Game 5 promises to be a war of wills, strategy, and superstar moments.

With the 2025 NBA Playoffs series tied 2-2, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets prepare for a pivotal Game 5.

2025 NBA Playoffs: Key adjustments as Thunder, Nuggets look to seize series

The 2025 NBA Playoffs delivered high-stakes drama as both the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors emerged victorious in their respective Game 7s, advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals.&nbsp;
Nuggets survive Clippers
The Denver Nuggets showcased their championship pedigree by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 120&ndash;101 in Game 7 of their first-round series. All the Nuggets&rsquo; five starters scored in double figures, with Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun leading the way with 22 points and 21 points, respectively. Nikola Jokić had 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double, for another superb performance.
Denver's depth was on full display, with six players scoring in double figures. The Nuggets dominated the second and third quarters, outscoring the Clippers 37&ndash;21 and 35&ndash;19, respectively, building a lead that proved insurmountable. Russell Westbrook contributed significantly off the bench, adding 5 steals to the team's defensive efforts.
The victory marks Denver's sixth trip to the Western Conference Semifinals in the past seven seasons, underscoring their consistent excellence in the postseason. They now prepare to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in a highly anticipated matchup featuring MVP contenders Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Warriors prevail over Rockets
The Golden State Warriors demonstrated their playoff experience by defeating the Houston Rockets 103&ndash;89 in Game 7. Buddy Hield led the scoring with 33 points, shooting an impressive 9-of-11 from three-point range, setting a Game 7 NBA record. Stephen Curry added 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, with 19 of his points coming in the second half.
The Warriors' defense played a crucial role, limiting the Rockets to 40.5% shooting from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Draymond Green contributed 16 points and two blocks, while Jimmy Butler III added 20 points. Golden State's strategic adjustments, including a disruptive matchup zone defense, effectively stifled Houston&rsquo;s offense.
This victory marks the Warriors' fifth playoff series win over Houston since 2015 and propels them into a second-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The series is notable as it's only the third time in NBA history that a sixth seed faces a seventh seed in the second round, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this year's playoffs.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;&nbsp;
As the Western Conference Semifinals approach, both the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors carry momentum from their Game 7 victories. Their upcoming series promises to deliver high-quality basketball, with seasoned veterans and emerging stars vying for a spot in the Conference Finals.

The 2025 NBA Playoffs delivered as both the Nuggets and the Warriors emerged victorious in their respective Game 7s.

Denver, Golden State eke Game 7 wins over LA, Houston

The Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green and Stephen Curry have been recognized for their exceptional contributions during the 2024&ndash;25 NBA season. Green received the Hustle Player of the Year award, while Curry was honored with the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award.​
Draymond Green: 2024-2025 Hustle Player of the Year
Draymond Green, known for his relentless energy and defensive prowess, secured the Hustle Player of the Year award for the 2024&ndash;25 season. This accolade celebrates players who make impactful plays that often go unnoticed in traditional statistics.Green distinguished himself by ranking among the top 40 in all nine hustle categories, including deflections, loose balls recovered, charges drawn, screen assists, contested shots, and box-outs. Throughout the season, he averaged 9.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks over 68 games. At 35, Green becomes only the second player, alongside Marcus Smart, to have won both the Defensive Player of the Year and Hustle Award in their careers.&nbsp;
Stephen Curry: 2024-2025 Teammate of the Year&nbsp;
Stephen Curry's influence extends beyond his scoring ability; his leadership and camaraderie have earned him the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award for the 2024&ndash;25 season. This award honors players who exemplify selfless play, mentorship, and dedication to their team. Curry received 66 first-place votes and totaled 1,257 points, narrowly surpassing Houston Rockets center Steven Adams, who finished with 1,237 points. This marks Curry's first time receiving this honor, adding to his illustrious career that includes four NBA championships and two MVP awards.
The achievements of Green and Curry underscore the Warriors' culture of excellence, resilience, and teamwork. Their recognition serves as a testament to their enduring impact on and off the court.​

The Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green and Stephen Curry have been recognized for their contributions during the season.

Sam