With their 125-93 win vs. the Nuggets in Recreation 7, the Thunder punched their ticket to the Western Convention Finals. Because the #1 seed within the West, they’re favored to win the NBA Finals.
Their opponent within the Western Convention Remaining is the Timberwolves. Minnesota had nearly a full week off since they final performed. For the primary time since 1996, the WCF is not going to characteristic a staff from California or Texas. This stat is through Yahoo Sports activities on X.
It’s been 29 years because the WCF has not featured a staff from California or Texas
It’s been 29 years because the Western Convention Finals haven’t featured a staff from Texas or California 😳 pic.twitter.com/m4xUxQwICQ
— Yahoo Sports activities (@YahooSports) Might 20, 2025
California and Texas each have a number of NBA groups of their respective state. Within the Lone Star State, they’ve the Rockets, Spurs, and Mavericks. The Golden State has the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Kings. That’s seven of the 15 groups within the Western Convention. Just below 50%. That will increase the probability of a California or Texas staff taking part in within the Western Convention Remaining each season. Nonetheless, that’s not the case in 2025.
For the primary time since 1996, the WCF is not going to characteristic a staff from California or Texas. It’s been 29 years since this occurred. The final time it occurred was 1996 when the Jazz confronted the Supersonics. In 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves are matched up vs. the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. The Timberwolves are of their second consecutive WCF, and OKC is taking part in of their first since 2015-16.
Recreation 1 of the 2025 Western Convention Finals is Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. EST. Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves will face off vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. Minnesota misplaced in 5 video games to the Mavericks in final yr’s WCF. They’ve been right here earlier than and have skilled gamers on the roster. On the flip facet, OKC has the youngest staff within the NBA this season and remains to be unproven within the postseason. Which staff will advance to signify the Western Convention within the 2025 NBA Finals?
