**Thunder Advances to Western Conference Finals in Historic Playoff Run**
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s quest for their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle is still alive. Although the franchise celebrated a championship in 1979 while based in Seattle, they have yet to secure a title since moving to Oklahoma City. In a decisive Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals, Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his talent by scoring 35 points, leading the team to a commanding 125-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
This win not only secured the Thunder’s place in the Western Conference Finals but also marked a significant milestone in their playoff journey. They will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference finals, which are set to begin on Tuesday.
In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks are set to compete against the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks have not claimed an NBA championship since 1973, the same year the Pacers last won a title, albeit in the ABA.
Next month, when NBA Commissioner Adam Silver presents the Larry O’Brien Trophy, it will signify a historic moment for the league, with seven different franchises winning championships over a span of seven years. The last team to win back-to-back titles was the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. Since then, the championship winners have included Toronto in 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, Milwaukee in 2021, Golden State in 2022, Denver in 2023, and Boston last season. This streak represents the longest run of different champions in NBA history, surpassing similar trends in Major League Baseball, the NHL, and the NFL.
Despite battling a reported “Grade 2 hamstring strain,” Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon played in the game, contributing 8 points in 25 minutes on the court.
As the season concludes for 26 of the NBA’s 30 teams, the excitement is just beginning for the final four teams vying for the championship.
**FAQ**
**Q: When do the Western Conference Finals begin?**
A: The Western Conference Finals will begin on Tuesday, featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Minnesota Timberwolves.