Western Conference: Thunder vs. Spurs
The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are facing off in the Western Conference finals. The Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. The Spurs surprised many analysts by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
Game 1 in Oklahoma City was a defensive battle that the Thunder won 108-101. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points, while Victor Wembanyama recorded 28 points and 15 rebounds for the Spurs. Game 2 shifted to San Antonio, where the Spurs evened the series with a 115-109 victory.
The Thunder have the home-court advantage with the league's best regular-season record at 62-20. The Spurs have shown they can win on the road, having beaten the Lakers twice in Los Angeles during the second round. The series is expected to go six or seven games.
Eastern Conference: Knicks vs. Cavaliers
The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are meeting in the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round, while the Cavaliers swept the Detroit Pistons. Both teams are well-rested and healthy heading into the series.
The Knicks are powered by Jalen Brunson, who averaged 31 points and 8 assists in the playoffs. The Cavaliers counter with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, who combined for 55 points per game in the second round. Game 1 in New York went to the Knicks 121-115 in overtime.
The Cavaliers have the league's top-rated defense, anchored by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. The Knicks rank second in offense but have struggled with turnovers. The series features a classic offense-versus-defense matchup that could come down to which team controls the pace.
What the finals could look like
If the Thunder and Knicks advance, it would be a matchup of two of the league's top offensive teams. If the Spurs and Cavaliers meet, defense would dominate. A Thunder-Cavaliers finals would pit the MVP favorite against the Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
The NBA Finals are scheduled to begin on June 4. The league has not had a repeat champion since the Golden State Warriors in 2018. The defending champion Boston Celtics were eliminated in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers, ensuring a new champion this year.