After a long season, it is now May and there are only four teams left in the race to be crowned the new NBA champion team. These Finals look to be epic as the Pacers and Timberwolves have never won the Finals, while OKC did it in 1979 as the Seattle Supersonics and the Knicks were last champions in 1973. With this in mind, the four remaining franchises are looking to bring a unique and historic joy to the fans. Likewise, each team has its young star player looking to establish his name in league history early. Let's review the momentum of each franchise and what it would mean for them to lift the NBA trophy.
Oklahoma City Thunder: The Start of a Dynasty
Of the four teams left in contention, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the least surprising of the four. After a historic regular season for the franchise with 68 wins, many wondered if they could maintain that superior play in the postseason. So far, they have been able to answer all those past doubts in a positive way and find themselves back in the Western Conference Finals. Instance where they were last in 2016 against the Golden State Warriors. However, the last time they managed to travel to the Finals was in 2012 against the Miami Heat of Lebron James and company.
This year they will be looking for a different outcome in the Finals with MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the offense and the best defensive system in the entire league with players like Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort. The remarkable growth of first-time All-Star and second-stringer Jalen Williams has been fundamental to the performance of the team with the best record in the league. In addition, the signings of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein have proven to be a success and their contributions to the team have elevated the overall level of play.
It is clear that being able to lift the franchise's first title with the OKC name on it would be historic for the fans and for the city. But beyond that, it would mean the beginning of a possible new dynasty in the NBA as all of the team's young players would hit the ground running at an early stage in their careers. With an average age of 24 for the current players on the roster, Oklahoma would have every reason to be the team to beat for years to come.
OKC celebrando tras una canasta / Foto: Solobasket
OKC celebrating after a basket / Photo: Solobasket
Minnesota Timberwolves: Against History
The sixth-seeded team in the West reach the Conference Finals for the second consecutive year after ending the history of two teams that always give a lot to talk about, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. Both teams had the history of an established legend in search of a fifth ring, Lebron James and Stephen Curyy, and the help of a superstar in search of his first title that came this season, Luka Doncic and Jimmy Butler. Quietly, the Minnesota team ended all those illusions and now they are looking to conquer the Wild West for the first time since last year they could not against the Dallas Mavericks of the same Luka Doncic. This season featured their third trip to the Conference Finals, will it be the third time around and will they finally make it to the coveted NBA Finals?
Their main man, Anthony Edwards, has managed to reach the superstar level that everyone expected since last season and has even improved his three-point shooting significantly during this campaign. Support from his teammates has not been lacking and experienced players like Mike Conley, Jaden McDaniels or Rudy Gobert have proven to be the perfect support for Ant-Man. This same support had to reach another level this season after Karl Anthony Towns, who was the team's second string, was surprisingly traded to the New York Knicks. That trade brought Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Timberwolves. Randle has improved all of his point, rebounding and assist numbers this postseason, proving his value to his new fans.
Winning the first title in franchise history would be unprecedented history for a player like Anthony Edwards. Not only would it establish him as the future and current face of the league, but it would also enter MVP conversations in the following campaigns. In addition, players like Conley and Gobert would get their long-awaited ring that they have been seeking for years. Minnesota's management would prove to have been right by trading one of their key players such as KAT for Julius Randle who has been able to fill that role with flying colors. The Timberwolves would become the seventh franchise to win the NBA Finals during their first trip to the Finals, legendary teams like Jordan's Bulls or Duncan and Robinson's Spurs are some members of this select club.
Edwards celebrando un triple enfrente de Doncic / Foto: Gettyimages
Edwards celebrating a three-pointer in front of Doncic / Photo: Gettyimages
The loud and famous New York fans have been waiting years for joy from their team and this year may be the one. The Knicks return to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2000 and do so after defeating the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, in the second round. The last time they were in the Finals was in 1999 against the San Antonio Spurs of David Robinson and Tim Duncan, but the last time they managed to win the title was 52 years ago, in 1973 against the Los Angeles Lakers. After being eliminated by the Indiana Pacers last season, Jalen Brunson 's team will be looking for revenge with the addition of Karl Anthony Towns to their ranks.
With this new addition to the team's operation, the duo of Brunson and KAT has been one of the best in the entire league. Jalen has been able to lead the team's offense as he has in recent years and was even named the Clutch Player of the Year, while Towns has provided threes, rebounds, defense and size to the team all year long. With the help of the other players like Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, they have been able to solidify themselves as a feisty team on both ends of the court. In addition, the other newcomer, Mikal Bridges, has been able to adapt to the system quickly and has been the star of a couple of key defensive plays in these playoffs to seal the game.
A third ring for this franchise would have a great value for a city that today is one of the cradles of the sport. With a legendary stadium like Madison Square Garden and a fan base that explodes with excitement at every game, the team has every reason to dream of winning the NBA more than 50 years after its last triumph. Jalen Brunson would get his first ring at the age of 28 and would enter directly into the conversations for being the best Knick in history, in addition to competing for more prestigious awards in the following season as All-NBA or even the MVP. The team's management would prove to be right with big name signings like KAT and Bridges, two essential pieces in **New York'**s potential success.
KAT celebrando con Anunoby y Brunson / Foto: Gettyimages
KAT celebrating with Anunoby and Brunson / Photo: Gettyimages
Indiana Pacers: The underdogs complete the feat.
If there is one remaining team that few expected to see make it this far in the postseason, it's the Indiana Pacers. The Indiana team repeats its appearance in the Conference Finals after last year's sweep by the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics. This year's opponent is different but the mission remains the same, to return to the NBA Finals. Their first and only appearance was in 2000 when they eliminated the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals to advance. In these finals they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. The Pacers also defeated the Knicks in the second round last season and will be looking for a repeat performance this year.
Indiana has found its new franchise player in Tyrese Haliburton. A player that for many is overrated, but despite these criticisms has proven his worth and led this team to the Conference Finals in consecutive years. With the help of excellent players such as Pascal Siakam, who was named All-Star for the fourth time in his career; Myles Turner, who has been a dominant center on defense and a solid offensive option with his three-point shooting; and the remarkable development of Aaron Nesmith, the Pacers have been characterized by coming from behind in many games and getting the win in the final minutes. Their fast-paced and effective style of play on both ends of the court have allowed them to find themselves on the verge of making history.
Getting their first NBA title in their second trip to the Finals would be a momentous story in the league. Haliburton would get his first ring at 25 rings and become the ultimate idol for Indiana fans. He would also enter the conversation to be the best point guard in the entire league and earn All-NBA accolades starting the next season. Pascal Siakam would get his second ring and would be in future conversations to enter the Hall of Fame. A team that no one thought could make it, would win the NBA and culminate one of the most unexpected and inspiring stories of recent years.
Nembhard, Haliburton y Turner celebrando / Foto: Gettyimages
Nembhard, Haliburton and Turner celebrating / Photo: Gettyimages