1 word to describe each of the last 4 teams that stand in NBA playoffs

There is a word that fits the Playoffs 2024-25: convincing. The games have tension, heroes, series that have achieved seven games and exciting surfaces. Yes, convincing is correct.

This is mostly the result of the work and the performances of the last four teams – Knicks, Pacers, Timberwolves and Thunder. Everyone bring core players who thrive on the big stage and the rotations that provide the necessary help.

And now it's about Pacers against Knicks in the east, Timberwolves against Thunder in the West.

Here is the only word that best describes each of the last four teams in this NBA late season:

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New York Knicks

> “Thirst”

As you may have heard, this has been a long -standing franchise that has not sipped the champagne for some time. To be specific, not since 1973, and if this mathematics really mathematet, there are five long decades. Heck, more graphic? This is the final of the Knicks First Eastern Conference in almost 25 years when they were accidentally eliminated by the Pacers.

So, yes, the kinks and their fans are … is the word desperate? They want to embed, especially since this team seems to have a touch of fate. Jalen Brunson was the Game Changer when he arrived three years ago. He exceeded expectations and is a clutch and coarse-grained player that was cut in tense situations.

The other arrivals of the last years-Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges-Hatten during this playoff run their big moments. New York City fell in love again in the Knicks. Just see how the corner of the 33rd and 7th is clogged after playoff. The next street that the citizens want to close is Broadway in mid -June.

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Indiana Pacers

> “Brave”

These are not the Reggie Miller-Pacers, of which they were known to have an attitude, but there is a big city Swag with this franchise town franchise. It begins with Tyrese -Heliburton, of course, who does not withdraw from the challenge of who inspires his teammates to achieve – even overhangable, even?

Remember that Haliburton and the Pacers took their second breath until the season after a sloggy start (10-15). They have won 15 of their last 19 games, and since the beginning of the playoffs Indy has been a considerable growth of Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith. In the meantime, Pascal Siakam, who won a title in Toronto in 2019, shoots a total of 54%, 44% of Deep and leads the team in the rating.

Did the Pacers use the most important injuries to the bucks and cavaliers in the first and second round in the first and second round? Fair enough. Nevertheless, the Knicks would be stupid to believe that Indy cannot beat a healthy team. You can call them happy, but you can also characterize them bravely.

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Minnesota Timberwolves

> “Hot”

Hard to believe, but at the end of February the wolves fought for a playoff place. They were 32-29 in the irreconcilable western conference when they sat on the edge and hoped that a gusty wind blew in the right direction.

And now? If the conviction that the hottest and healthiest team has the best chance of winning an NBA championship as a strong favorite pencil in the wolves. Minnesota has only lost three times since March 28, including playoffs and since March 1st 25-6. It had to be very finished in the regular season, and then kept the fire through the first two rounds.

The value of Julius Randle has increased by five points since the regular season. And he is healthy – in contrast to his earlier playoff runs with the kinks. In addition, we haven't even mentioned Anthony Edwards.

The wolves have to use additional offensive resources because on average they only achieve 108 points, which allows their defense to get away with.

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Oklahoma City Thunder

> “Restless”

As in, the boys and the riots. The long and conventional basketball thinking is that young teams such as OKCs have to wait to pay their fees and go through the fire before sniffing a championship. The thunder would like to expose this with a slanter and they are able to do so.

OKC grew up during the running and has a necessary coming-to-EARTH experience when the Nuggets brought them in seven games per half. A regular team of the season with 68 winners can only get stronger, and maybe the thunder took up after such a dominant season to learn how stress tasted.

It could be that no team tests the rest of the way again OKC. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the cornerstone that every potential champion needs, and the depth and defense of OKC is the envy of all remaining playoff teams.

It could be that the youth are about to be served … a title.

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can send him an email Herefind His archive here And Follow him on X.

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