According to Nielsen, viewership for the 2025 NBA Playoffs on ESPN platforms (including ESPN and ABC) has increased by 12% compared to the previous year. During the Conference Semifinals, which consisted of 22 games, ESPN reported an average of 4,883,000 viewers, marking the second-highest ratings for the NBA Playoffs since 2011. The Game 7 matchup between the Denver Nuggets and …

In a rapid progression to the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs sponsored by Google, the Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a score of 114-88 at Paycom Center. This marked the beginning of a best-of-seven series vying for a place in the NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV, with the home team having had …

Oklahoma City Thunder 114, Minnesota Timberwolves 88 (Final Score) The Thunder now lead the series 1-0. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday in Oklahoma City. In a decisive performance, the Thunder won Game 1 with a score of 114-88. Although the first half was tightly contested, Oklahoma City surged ahead in the second half, outscoring Minnesota 70-40. OKC exhibited dominance …

Nikola Jokic is no longer the choice of Michael Malone for the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player award. “Shai Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated why he’s deserving of MVP,” Malone stated during his appearance on ESPN’s postgame analysis following Game 1 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves. In April, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo were announced as finalists for …

**Editor’s Note:** For additional NBA insights, check out The Athletic here. The opinions expressed on this page may not represent those of the NBA or its franchises. * * * NEW YORK— Jalen Brunson doesn’t have an extensive collection of trophies. Among his few accolades is the game ball from his exceptional 60-point outing last season, while his parents retain …

Thanasis Antetokounmpo has revealed that he has received medical clearance to continue his basketball career. “I’m back,” he emphasized during an episode of his podcast, Thanalysis Show. In the most recent recording, filmed in March, the 32-year-old forward expressed his excitement about the chance to return to the court. This marks the first time he has been cleared by physicians …

When it rains in Oklahoma City, it really pours. A commanding 70-40 performance in the second half propelled the Thunder to a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals. **FIVE HEADLINES IN TODAY’S ISSUE 🏀** **May 21, 2025** **Thunderous Surge:** OKC dominates the second half to claim Game 1 against Minnesota. **Wolves Tamed:** OKC’s top-rated defense restricts Minnesota to just …

For the first time in NBA history, two French athletes have been included in the Kia NBA All-Rookie First Team. Following their selections as the first and second picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks and Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards were among those honored in the All-Rookie First Team, which also featured Stephon …

OKLAHOMA CITY— Two indicators from Game 1 provided the Oklahoma City Thunder with a sense of optimism heading into the Western Conference Finals. Firstly, they emerged victorious. Secondly, they did so despite not being at their best. They stumbled initially but managed to close the first half down by only four points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a candidate for the Kia NBA …