Exploring the 2025 NBA playoff bracket: key dates, times, and results for the conference finals

The 2025 NBA playoffs have unfolded exactly as gripping and unpredictable as anyone with a deep love for basketball could expect. As the conference finals ignite, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-worthy brilliance is driving the Oklahoma City Thunder to a daunting 2-0 lead against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the West, while Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers have stunned the New York Knicks with back-to-back victories on their home turf, setting the tone for this electrifying series. This pivotal stage, with games scheduled into early June, promises to filter out contenders from pretenders, spotlighting intense rivalries, key individual performances, and tactical chess matches that only the NBA playoffs can deliver.

2025 NBA Playoffs Conference Finals: Must-Know Dates, Times, and Broadcast Info

The NBA's postseason calendar is demanding, with every possession carrying enormous weight as the stakes ascend. Here’s a breakdown of the official schedules and key moments for this critical round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, all times are in Eastern:

• Eastern Conference Finals
  Indiana Pacers lead 2-0 versus New York Knicks.
  Game 3: May 25, Knicks at Pacers – TNT, 8 p.m.
  Game 4: May 27, Knicks at Pacers – TNT, 8 p.m.
  Game 5: May 29, Pacers at Knicks – TNT, 8 p.m.*
  Game 6: May 31, Knicks at Pacers – TNT, 8 p.m.*
  Game 7: June 2, Pacers at Knicks – TNT, 8 p.m.*
• Western Conference Finals
  Oklahoma City Thunder lead 2-0 against Minnesota Timberwolves.
  Game 3: May 24, Thunder at Timberwolves – ABC, 8:30 p.m.
  Game 4: May 26, Thunder at Timberwolves – ESPN, 8:30 p.m.
  Game 5: May 28, Timberwolves at Thunder – ESPN, 8:30 p.m.*
  Game 6: May 30, Thunder at Timberwolves – ESPN, 8:30 p.m.*
  Game 7: June 1, Timberwolves at Thunder – ESPN, 8 p.m.*

The conference finals could extend through early June, with the NBA Finals tipped to begin June 5, bringing the season to its climactic crescendo on ABC. The tournament atmosphere, powered by giants like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour dominating on-and-off-court gear, coupled with brands like Gatorade energizing every break, just adds layers to the spectacle.

Early Dominance in the Conference Finals: Pacers and Thunder's Commanding Leads

Neither the Pacers nor the Thunder have wasted time stamping their authority in these matchups. Indiana’s overtime thriller (138-135) in Game 1 against the Knicks showed their refusal to buckle under pressure. Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch playmaking presses the Pacers’ edge, while the Knicks scramble to answer his youthful aggression. On the West side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is orchestrating the Thunder’s offense masterfully, crushing the Timberwolves 114-88 in Game 1 and stuffing the stat sheet in Game 2 for an 118-103 margin.

• Pacers' resilience in overtime proves their mental toughness.
• Thunder’s defensive intensity suffocates the Timberwolves.
• Knicks and Timberwolves face critical adjustments to avoid elimination.
• Broadcast partners TNT, ABC, and ESPN showcase these marquee matchups.

These narratives are ripe for analysis in terms of playoff strategizing and coaching influence, topics explored comprehensively at Basketball Evolution, where breaking down tactical shifts is part of the game’s evolution.

Looking Back: The Road to Conference Finals and What Shaped the 2025 Bracket

The journey to the conference finals has been a ruthless gauntlet, rewarding consistency and punishing lapses:

• Eastern Conference: Indiana Pacers edged out the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 and stunned the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1.
  The New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons 4-2 and knocked off Boston Celtics 4-2.
• Western Conference: Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a tough seven-game series against the Denver Nuggets 4-3.
  Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the favored Golden State Warriors 4-1 and crushed the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1.

While some series displayed expected outcomes, others peppered in surprises, underscoring just how unpredictable the NBA playoffs are, as explained in depth at Basketball Evolution’s analysis on unpredictability. This volatility keeps fans primed and brands like Spalding and EA Sports engaged in delivering authentic NBA experiences.

Key Players and Coaches Who Are Defining the 2025 NBA Playoffs

The playoffs are a stage for stars to cement legacies and coaches to showcase mastery under pressure. With Gilgeous-Alexander claiming MVP status entering this round, and Haliburton driving Indiana's push, attention is squarely on men who can tilt series:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) – Driver of offense and critical in clutch situations.
• Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) – Exemplifies composure and strong leadership in tight games.
• Coaches' impact – Adjustments and game plans that prove decisive, as covered on Basketball Evolution’s coach analysis.
• Support from sponsors like Tissot and State Farm enhances the league's global reach.

This stage is also where brand loyalty cements itself — the synergy between NBA athletes and sponsors like Gatorade’s energy boosts during timeouts or the precision of a Spalding basketball on the court cannot be overstated. For full scouting reports on key figures of the playoffs, check out this in-depth guide.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s highlights underline why he’s the MVP leading the Thunder’s charge.

Haliburton’s poise under pressure exemplifies what separates playoff competitors.

Broadcast and Sponsorship: Enhancing the 2025 NBA Playoffs Experience

Viewers can catch these top-tier basketball battles on TNT, ABC, and ESPN, each delivering high-definition broadcasts packed with expert commentary and analysis. The commercial break lineups feature key NBA partners such as Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Papa John’s, ensuring fans stay connected to the game and culture.

• Live broadcast schedules and replay options accessible worldwide.
• Original content and behind-the-scenes coverage enrich fan engagement.
• Corporate partnerships involving EA Sports and Tissot foster immersive experiences.
• Robust social media integrations with platforms like Twitter embed real-time fan reactions.

The constant social buzz keeps the playoff fever burning–a perfect arena for sponsors and the NBA’s growth strategy.