Conference Semi Finals
NBA Conference Semifinals
The East:
Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs. Indiana Pacers (4)
Series result: 4-1 Indiana Pacers
Player of the series: Tyrese Haliburton
Summary: The pace has been set, and redemption may be on the horizon for Indiana as they shook up the East with an upset victory over the giants, the Cleveland Cavaliers, in just five games. "The Spider," Donovan Mitchell, remained the catalyst for the Cavaliers' success, keeping the games competitive. However, with an injury to another key contributor, Darius Garland, Cleveland’s lineup looked more like a solo act with extras in the semifinals. They were simply overpowered by the steam train that is the Indiana Pacers. The men from Indiana arrived in Cleveland like a well-oiled machine, proving they could outplay their opponents at every turn. Tyrese Haliburton continued to showcase his championship-caliber play with another All-Star-quality series, but it’s clear the Pacers share the load—everyone is moving in one direction: toward the top. A devastating end to a brilliant year for the Cavaliers, but the Pacers' train is moving on to the next station, and NBA immortality may be within this franchise’s grasp for the very first time.
Boston Celtics (2) vs. New York Knicks (3)
Series result: 4-2 New York Knicks
Player of the series: Jalen Brunson
Summary: Someone call the National Guard—New York is about to erupt. Brunson and the Knicks marched into Boston, got their buckets, and set the tone for the series, proving they are true believers ready to climb any mountain. Jalen Brunson was the dagger that separated the two teams, delivering phenomenal performances night after night. This Knicks squad is as well-orchestrated as a Broadway musical. The former champions fought valiantly, battling back from surprising home losses to bring the series to 2-3. Losing their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum, midway through the series didn’t help the Celtics’ cause, but the Knicks were simply a step ahead the entire time. Not even the luck of the Irish could stop New York’s finest from closing it out in six. Heartbreaking for the defending champs to bow out after another stellar year, but as Knicks fans would say, “F**k Boston.” A new champion is now in waiting, and the city that never sleeps has 8.2 million people ready to rally behind this storied franchise as they chase the ultimate prize—bringing the championship back to the concrete jungle where dreams are made.
The West:
Oklahoma City Thunder (1) vs. Denver Nuggets (4)
Series result: 4-3 Oklahoma City Thunder
Player of the series: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Summary: A clash of titans in the West as this season’s two MVP protagonists went to war, each fighting to bring their franchise one step closer to glory. The longest series of the conference semifinals went down to the wire, but in the end, the Thunder proved too much for the men from Denver. "The Joker," Nikola Jokic, may have performed slightly below his astronomical standard this season—yet the real joke is that he still dropped a double-double nightly and carried the Nuggets as he’s done all year. But the narrative of these semifinals has been clear: The team that moves together goes further, and the Thunder embodied that mantra. Mr. Consistent, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, showed why he’s the MVP-caliber star his city believes in—a walking bucket, smoother than silk, and cool under pressure. This OKC squad senses destiny calling, armed with all the tools to turn the city’s dreams into reality. A new era dawns in the NBA, and whether sunshine or storm, the Thunder stand ready to seize the crown, claim the throne, and set the new standard for the league.
Minnesota Timberwolves (6) vs. Golden State Warriors (7)
Series result: 4-1 Minnesota Timberwolves
Player of the series: Anthony Edwards / Julius Randle
Summary: The hunt continues for the Timberwolves as they cruised past the Golden State Warriors, closing the series in five. The tide turned decisively when the Warriors lost their Batman, Stephen Curry, to injury. To lose your chef while the kitchen’s still hot is never a good omen—and though the sous chefs tried to cook up a miracle, no one replicates Curry’s magic. That’s why he’s an all-time great. But make no mistake: The Wolves’ off-court gamble is now paying dividends on the court. Newest member Julius Randle took charge of the series from tip to buzzer, scoring like a man possessed, while "Ant Man" Anthony Edwards proved he’s not just flash—he’s a leader who elevates his teammates when it matters most. These Wolves are untamed, unleashed, and hungrier than ever as they stalk into the conference finals. With bloodlust in their eyes and gold on their minds, it’ll take something monumental to put this pack down.
