About this Episode
In this episode of Podcasty NBA, hosts Niko and Stella explore Kevin Pelton's analysis of the unprecedented potential NBA Finals matchups emerging from the 2025 conference finals involving the Knicks, Timberwolves, Pacers, and Thunder. They delve into unique storylines such as historic player trades between finalists like Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle swapping teams pre-season; thrilling guard battles featuring Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Haliburton; contrasting team styles; coaching narratives including Tom Thibodeau facing his former squad; plus implications of underdog teams possibly reaching the championship stage for first time in decades.
Article Discussed: "NBA playoffs 2025: Ranking every possible Finals showdown"
Author: Kevin Pelton
This podcast was generated by AI using Podcasty.
Episode Transcript
Niko: Welcome to Podcasty NBA! Today, we're diving into the fascinating landscape of the 2025 NBA conference finals and the unprecedented potential matchups in the Finals. With teams like the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves still in contention, we have some fresh narratives to explore.
Stella: Absolutely, Niko. What's especially intriguing is that whichever two teams make it from these conference finals will face off in a Finals matchup we've never seen before. The article by Kevin Pelton highlights key storylines around player trades, star guard matchups, and team styles that could shape these series.
Niko: Right, Stella. Let's start with the Knicks versus Timberwolves Finals possibility — arguably the most compelling scenario. These two teams actually swapped All-Star starters right before training camp this season: Karl-Anthony Towns went to New York while Julius Randle moved to Minnesota. It's rare for teams to trade starters and then both reach the conference finals or even potentially meet in the Finals.
Stella: That’s a great point. Pelton notes that since 1977, such a significant starter swap leading both teams deep into playoffs hasn't happened. Plus, this series would feature Tom Thibodeau coaching against his former team Minnesota — where he was coach and president of basketball operations but left after just one first-round exit due to Jimmy Butler's trade request.
Niko: Exactly. On-court matchups would be fascinating too — New York’s wing defenders like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges going up against Minnesota’s strong forwards Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards. And defensively, Minnesota might use Rudy Gobert to guard Josh Hart given Hart’s shooting struggles this postseason.
Stella: Moving on to another possible Finals pairing: Indiana Pacers versus Minnesota Timberwolves. This would spotlight a matchup between two top young American guards — Anthony Edwards for Minnesota and Tyrese Haliburton for Indiana. Both are known for their flair and clutch performances, which could make for an exciting backcourt duel.
Niko: Yeah, plus it's interesting that neither team is a top-three seed in their conference — making them underdog finalists if they meet in the Finals. The Pacers hold home court advantage here with a .610 win percentage that's actually the worst for any team with home court in a Finals since 1978. Also worth noting is Mike Conley’s homecoming story; he grew up near Indiana's arena and has yet to reach an NBA Finals despite over 100 playoff games played.
Stella: The third potential matchup is Oklahoma City Thunder against Indiana Pacers — a battle featuring international point guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Canada and Tyrese Haliburton from the US. They previously faced off in international competition at the 2023 FIBA World Cup where Gilgeous-Alexander had a standout game.
Niko: Right, Stella. This series would also pit Oklahoma City's top defense against Indiana's high-powered offense — Indiana has averaged 118.5 points per 100 possessions so far in these playoffs while Oklahoma City allows seven fewer points per 100 possessions than any other team defensively. That contrast sets up some classic unstoppable force versus immovable object moments.
Stella: Finally, there's the Thunder versus Knicks scenario where Jalen Brunson faces one of his toughest defensive challenges yet against OKC's stifling defense led by Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso. Brunson scored well against them during regular season but with lower efficiency, which could be crucial come playoff time.
Niko: And adding an emotional layer there is Isaiah Hartenstein returning to face his former team New York after boosting his value during his Knicks tenure but now playing for Oklahoma City. It really highlights how much New York's roster has evolved since last season when Hartenstein was a key playoff contributor averaging nearly 30 minutes per game.
Stella: To sum up our discussion today: The 2025 NBA Finals could feature historic matchups shaped by bold trades like Towns-Randle swap or marquee guard battles like Edwards vs Haliburton or Gilgeous-Alexander vs Haliburton internationally rooted rivalries. Each potential series carries unique storylines blending player narratives with tactical clashes on both ends of the floor.
Niko: Absolutely, Stella. These intriguing possibilities remind us how dynamic this NBA season has been—full of surprises and new rivalries that challenge traditional expectations about seeding or past success shaping outcomes. Thanks for tuning into Podcasty NBA as we unpack these exciting futures ahead!
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