The NBA is experiencing a historic season of renewal. With the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers advancing to the Conference Finals, the league ensures the crowning of a new champion for the eighth consecutive year.
According to the Associated Press, this quartet of teams represents a new generation of talent that has managed to make its way after the era of dominance of figures like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
West Final: Thunder vs. Timberwolves
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, in seven games, closing the series with a crushing 125-93 victory at home. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the emerging stars of the league, scored 35 points in that deciding game.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, for their part, eliminated the Golden State Warriors in five games. Anthony Edwards emerged as the team’s leader with a standout performance on both ends of the court. This will be the first time the Wolves compete in a Conference Finals since 2004.
Eastern Conference Finals: Knicks vs. Pacers
In the East, the New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics in six games, securing their first Conference Finals appearance since 2000. Jalen Brunson has been crucial in this journey, standing out for his consistency and offensive leadership.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games, led by Tyrese Haliburton. The point guard has been crucial, especially in Game 2 of the series, where he led a 20-point comeback.
Historic opportunity
None of the remaining players in competition have been named Finals MVP. With four franchises hungry for glory - two of them without titles in their history (Timberwolves and Pacers) - fans are gearing up for an unprecedented finale.