They say that heaven is a place on Earth. And on a day like yesterday, with two Game 7s to watch, we’re inclined to agree.

Today’s Lineup

Last Night’s Action

Pacers scorch Knicks in 130-109 series-clinching victory

After they fell behind 2-0 (and then 3-2) we would’ve forgiven you for writing off the Pacers. But with Indiana’s grit, determination, and all-time great shooting, the Hoosier state is back in the conference finals for the first time since 2014.

Indiana led for most of this win-or-go-home matchup thanks to some absolutely unconscious shooting in the first half. Their 67% clip from the field was the highest in playoff history, and all five starters scoring 17+ didn’t hurt their monstrous offensive output either.

On New York’s side, this loss is a tough pill to swallow. While this season’s Knicks were undoubtedly the best we’ve seen in years, it’s tough not to imagine how good they could’ve been if fully healthy. A fractured left hand yesterday ended Jalen Brunson’s stellar playoff run, making him the latest in a long line of key NYK injuries. Even so, the future is bright in the Big Apple! 🍎

Wolves come back from down 15 to win 98-90, advance to WCF

Game 7 did not start out like Minnesota wanted it to. Denver was scoring with ease, Anthony Edwards had four points on 1-7 shooting at halftime, and the well-oiled Minnesotan machine that blew the Nuggets out by 45 just a few days ago seemed to be sputtering. The Wolves went into the locker room down by 15 at halftime, which didn’t look great odds-wise.

But even though Nikola Jokic (34 PTS, 19 REB, 7 AST) continued to be the star that he is in the second half, Minnesota got it together and trimmed the lead to just one by the start of the fourth quarter. And from there, they turned on the jets and powered their way to a victory and a spot in the Western Conference Finals.

Despite Edwards’ poor shooting performance (16 PTS, 6-24 FG), the Wolves were able to win this game on the backs of KAT (23 PTS, 12 REB), Jaden McDaniels (23 PTS), and Rudy Gobert (13 PTS, 9 REB), whose fourth-quarter turnaround jumper garnered him comparisons to the likes of Dirk Nowitzki and Hakeem Olajuwon online. Denver did enough on defense to slow Minnesota down a little, but they’ll have to wait until next year to try and regain the NBA throne.

Dallas keeps dancing with 117-116 win, 4-2 series victory over OKC

It’s a Texas-sized throw-down in Dallas! In an instant-classic series, the Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night with a razor-thin closeout victory over the Thunder—punching their ticket to their second WCF in three years.

Before the playoffs started, Dallas was tabbed as one of the most dangerous teams thanks to the stardom of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. And while they have been essential to this run, the rest of the Mavs’ roster has been what made the difference. Derrick Jones Jr. dropped 22 in Game 7, Dereck Lively ruled the glass with 15 boards, and P.J. Washington sealed the deal with the winning free throws. It’s a team effort in the DFW!

For the Thunder, losing as a 1-seed is never easy, but it’s clear this is only the beginning for OKC. Shai had another beauty with 36 PTS in the elimination game, while the squad as a whole remains the youngest to ever earn a 1-seed or win a playoff series. It’s not the end of the story, just the end of the chapter. 📖

Looking Ahead…

With both conference finals matchups set, let’s head out East to take a look at what factors will shape the series between Boston and Indy.

Big Time Tatum!

Though he’s only 26, we’re getting very familiar with Jayson Tatum playing in the conference finals. He’s made the ECF five times in seven seasons as a pro, and is now looking for his second trip to the Finals.

Though the Celtics are far from a one-man show, they’re really the most dangerous when Tatum is cooking—when Boston won the ECF in 2022, Tatum’s 25 PPG led the way. But though he’s been great this postseason, the Celtics may need someone else to step up to complete their championship chase.

The Bench Mob

Though Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers’ other starters deserve most of the credit for Indy’s spectacular run so far, they wouldn’t be here without their bench unit.

Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell have been especially valuable for the Pacers. Toppin has used his size and athleticism to make an impact, while McConnell’s vet status and quickness make him a problem for opposing guards. Even though Boston is favored in this series, Indy will have a shot if they can rack up small victories in these second-unit matchups.

The Kristaps Question…

Trading for Kristaps Porzingis has been a huge boon for Boston this season, but the Latvian legend has been out since the first round with a calf injury. Reports indicate he’ll remain out for Games 1 and 2 of the ECF, but there’s “optimism” he’ll return sometime in the series.

Though Al Horford has been brilliant in relief (22 PPG in Games 5 and 6 against Cleveland), a KP return for Boston would huge defensively. While the Celtics have proven they can win without him, they’d sure love to have the big fella back.

Three in the Key

Signing Off

And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. This week, try and reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while. It could be a relative, an old friend, or just anyone you miss spending time with. Odds are they miss you too! Talk soon.

-Walker Carnathan