2025 WEST FINALS: (1) Oklahoma City Thunder Vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves

The only reason Denver hung with OKC as long as they did was because they were more experienced. TWolves don't have that experience, I expect OKC to win in 5 or 6.

 

Minny will cover or outright win game 1.

 

OKC will cover or outright win game 1.

 

Ant is no Jokic. But he has better sidekick and better bench.

Denver had no chance in Game 7 because they were banged up and exhausted with a ridiculously thin bench. I think Minny have more things to throw at OKC on both ends.

 

Both series were set to start two days after a possible 7th game in the previous round.

If Knicks and Celtics had gone to 7 games, the 7th would have been last night, so the ECF starts Wed.

Oops.. Duncan McDonuts already explained it... nevermind...

 

One thing I dont understand is why they cant reschedule the games? Like they can change the venue and the teams depending on who advanced, but they cant reschedule the dates? Like in this scenario when Knicks advanced they should have already changed the schedule.

 

My understanding is that the NBA finals game dates are absolutely locked in, well in advance. Probably due to international TV deals.

So if you shortened the time before the conference finals you'd likely end up lengthening the time before the Finals. So it's a wash.

I read somewhere though that if the Knicks had won in 5 rather than in 6, game 1 of the ECF would have been last night and then we'd have two extra travel days added to compensate, before game 3 and before game 5

 

OKC in 4 or 5.

 

The Wolves are going to get beaten up badly. I voted for OKC in four, and I am serious. They can't stay with the Thunder.

 

I agree. They got a super favorable draw with LA and beat up a Curry-less GSW. This won’t be a close series at all.

 

I think the reason NBA Finals dates are locked in a year in advance is because every NBA arena must keep those dates open each year.

 

Before it's too late,

I think the T-Wolves match up well with OKC and have a good chance to beat them. Their defense can rattle OKC's offense. Before he got 2 quick fouls, I was going to say Gobert needs to be on the court, denying the rim and grabbing 15 rebounds. McDaniels needs to continue the efficient production.

In theory, OKC should win in 5 if they bring their "A" game, but they probably wont.

 

The refs are already letting Minnesota have a little more contact with OKC.
That's better, but they still lead with their shoulders like a RB.

 

SGA flailing every drive and phishing heavily for fouls

 

Doris just called SGA the free throw merchant lol

 

Lou Dort one of them Trevor Ariza type shooters who brick everything in the playoffs

 

NBA is rigged for Timberwolves -- Minnesota in six.

 

I remember arguing with people during the Harden years that the midrange is CRUCIAL for post-season success and was begging for the Rockets to let Harden get more familiar with the midrange. I remember quoting Iguodala basically saying this and people telling me that Iggy, not a dummy, a known playoff defender, basically saying this same thing.

Watching Ant, SGA, and Brunson just proves my point and I just want to say I told you so. Midrange will never die. If you want to still score you're going to need be able to operate and make shots in the midrange or else you'll be all or nothing in the post-season outside of a few exceptions.