The Conference Semifinals only continued the crazy and exciting play that had begun in the first round. We saw a #1 seed, the Pistons, fall to the Cavs, while a few teams secured easy sweeps. Let’s recap and then talk about the teams remaining in the NBA Playoffs.
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
In a rematch of the 2024 series, the Knicks and 76ers played one of the most lopsided series in the last few years. New York came out of the gate strong, winning the first game by almost 40. Then in Game two, the Knicks were fighting from behind most of the game, until they took control late and won 108-102. After that point, they never looked back, winning both Games 3 and 4 by double digits to sweep Philly. The Knicks, playing their best basketball, will advance to their second straight conference finals.
Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
This was the closest series of all; with Games 1-5 all being decided by ten points or less. The Pistons took a 2-0 lead after playing two games in Detroit, but the Cavaliers figured something out, taking Games 3 through 5 to take a 3-2 lead. The Pistons avoided elimination by taking Game 6 115-94. But Cleveland dominated in Game 7, winning by 31 points. The Cavaliers return to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2018 with a lot on the line for James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and the Cavs as a whole.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers
To be honest, the Lakers had a very small chance of winning this game with Luka Doncic out all series. Even still, the Thunder dismantled them, playing very strong basketball the whole way. Their wins in Games 1, 2, and 3 were all by 15+ points. In Game 4, Los Angeles put up a good fight, but OKC won 115-110 to clinch their spot in the Western Conference Finals. They will be returning this year to defend their crown, but they face the most dangerous opponent in the league: the Spurs.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
This series started off back and forth, with the Timberwolves and the Spurs each trading wins as the series was tied 2-2 after four games. Victor Wembanyama had strong outings for the Spurs, but was ejected in Game four, helping Minnesota tie it up. Anthony Edwards and Minnesota looked strong through those first four games but fell apart after that. San Antonio figured something out that won them Games 5 and 6 by double-digit points both times. The Spurs have come a long way in year one under Mitch Johnson after missing the dance the year prior. They will advance to the Western Conference Finals for a much-anticipated matchup with the Thunder.
The Conference Finals Matchups:
Spurs vs. Thunder
Knicks vs. Cavaliers
At first glance, this Spurs and Thunder matchup was a match made in heaven. Ever since San Antonio beat Oklahoma City three times in a short span, everyone wanted to see if they could do it in the postseason. Now, the Spurs get the chance to take down the defending champs. At the center of this matchup is the team’s two superstars, Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who were two of the best players this season.
In a similar manner, this Cavs and Knicks face off has been long in the making. These two teams were co-favorites to win the East before the season after they both lost to the Pacers this year. Then, after playing amazing games to start the season and again on Christmas Day, the anticipation only grew. Now the matchup between these two teams features a few players who have been unable to take the next step: Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell. The two stars have never made it to the NBA Finals, something that would vault them into the next category of players. In a similar manner, either team could potentially see some crazy changes if they don’t win this series.
I am keeping my predictions from my last article: Spurs and Knicks will make it to the Finals. Expect some long, back-and-forth series between such evenly matched teams.
