The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue on Monday, May 26, with Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center, aiming to even the series.
Before previewing tonight’s Game 4, here’s a recap of Sunday’s action and an updated look at the playoff bracket.
Updated 2025 NBA Playoff Bracket
The New York Knicks secured a crucial victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the Indiana Pacers 106–100 to cut the series deficit to 2–1.
Both conference finals series have been moving in parallel directions: they’re now 2-1 after coming out to 2-0 starts, driven by standout performances from last fall’s Knicks-Timberwolves trade.
Here’s the latest NBA playoffs bracket after last night’s Knicks win:
Sunday, May 25 – Game 3 Recap
New York Knicks 106, Indiana Pacers 100
Pacers lead the Eastern Conference Finals series 2–1
The Knicks found themselves in a 20-point hole on the road — and still came out on top. It was a familiar script: it’s how they won the first two games in Boston, and it’s how they clawed out their first win in Indianapolis.
It wasn’t a pretty start. The Knicks couldn’t handle Indiana’s tempo early on, surrendering 14 fast-break points in the first half while scoring none of their own. Jalen Brunson picked up four fouls before halftime, and though he had 11 points, six came at the free throw line. He was just 2 of 9 from the field.
Still, New York never let the game get away. They trailed by 13 at halftime and kept the margin between 10 and 15 for much of the third quarter. Then, late in the third, Miles McBride sparked the comeback with seven straight points, cutting the deficit to eight with under a minute left in the period.
In the fourth quarter, Karl-Anthony Towns took over. He scored 12 points in a 2:45 stretch to give the Knicks an 87–85 lead. Though the Pacers countered with a few lead changes, Towns remained relentless. He finished the quarter with 20 points and 24 overall, registering a +14 in the fourth.
Josh Hart didn’t start, but he closed out the game. He played the entire fourth quarter, posted a +16 in the period — grabbing three key rebounds and hitting a critical free throw to extend the lead to four with about 20 seconds left.
Brunson sealed the win at the line, sinking two more. The Knicks made their final 15 free throws of the game.
Tom Thibodeau was forced to reach deeper into his bench, and it paid off. Kenny Smith quipped, “Thibodeau wouldn’t play nine guys in a baseball game.” But the Knicks went nine deep, and their bench delivered. Landry Shamet and Delon Wright were stellar defensively, posting +12 and +11, respectively. McBride was a +7, and Towns and Hart were +6 and +16.
Mitchell Robinson started the game, but Indiana effectively neutralized the move by Thibodeau by dragging him behind the basket, limiting his rebounding presence. But the Knicks adjusted. With the Pacers over the foul limit midway through the fourth, New York smartly attacked the rim, drawing fouls, slowing the tempo, and retaking the lead — one they never gave back.
The Knicks can even the series on Tuesday night, but they’ve dug themselves into a hole. They can eke out another win, but the series leans toward Indiana right now.
Series Prediction: Pacers in six.
Next Game: Tuesday, May 27, 8:00 PM Eastern — Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Monday, May 26 – Game 4 Preview
Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves
Thunder lead the Western Conference Finals series 2–1
The Timberwolves aim to build on their momentum from Game 3 as they host the Thunder in Game 4.
In Game 3, the Timberwolves secured a victory of epic proportions, defeating the Thunder 143–101. Anthony Edwards led the charge with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in just three quarters. Julius Randle added 24 points, while rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. contributed 15 points off the bench.
The Timberwolves’ offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting 57.3% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. They established control early, finishing the first quarter with a 34–14 lead and extending it to a 72–41 advantage by halftime.
Defensively, Minnesota stifled Oklahoma City’s attack, holding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 14 points. The Timberwolves’ energy and execution at home have breathed new life into the series.
On Saturday, Minnesota looked like the best team in basketball. But can they sustain the magic? It’s unlikely.
Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder have shown they’re vulnerable in these playoffs. It took seven games to knock out the Denver Nuggets in the semifinals. But, importantly, they responded to every Denver win with a win of their own.
Expect the Thunder to be victorious tonight in a competitive game and extend their series lead to 3-1.
Game Prediction: Thunder win by 5.
Series Prediction: Thunder in six.
Time: 8:30 PM Eastern
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app and website, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV
Globely News covers the game changers transforming the worlds of business, sports, politics, and technology. From AI and electric vehicles to the rise of China and the NFL's next stars, we've got you covered.