#324: Jokic-Caruso war & Conference Finals previews

Who were the best players in 2025? First, we discuss all players as if they were healthy and ready for a playoff run, and then we trying to balance a year of chaotic injuries and semi-healthy players. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.

We discuss the Pacers egalitarian “ecosystem” that nearly stunned the NBA world, and the Thunder's unique team construction that led to the 2025 championship. We also discuss OKC's defense and where it ranks historically, along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball and get 50% off plus free shipping at www.factormeals.com/GREATDAY50OFF with code GREATDAY50OFF

The first two games of the NBA Finals and the Pacers prospects. Also, OKC's best defender, their historical versatility, why fans hate them and the complaints about their “special” officiating, and how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is introducing a unique paradigm.

Does this Finals represent the future of the sport? Where does this Pacers run rank historically? We discuss this along with our All-playoff teams and a preview of the Thunder-Indiana Finals. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

What players are we higher on and lower on after seeing them in the 2025 NBA playoffs? What concepts or trends have emerged in these playoffs? From offensive rebounding to zones, we discuss what we've learned so far. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.

We preview the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, but first, a look back at OKC-DEN. Do we feel differently about different players after the series? How did the Nikola Jokic vs. OKC defense battle shake out? And Ben rants about responses to the physical officiating in the playoffs. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball. For 50% at FACTOR: www.factormeals.com/GREATDAY50OFF and use code GREATDAY50OFF

Rob Mahoney of the Ringer is here to discuss the incredible Thunder-Nuggets series before Game 7, how good the play has been, Playoff Jamal Murray, rim finishing differences and coaching moves and Jalen Williams. We also hit on the importance of the regular season versus playoffs today and how today's league could break the traditional championship paradigm. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Why are defenses defending stars so well? Why are rotations so short for some teams? We discuss the key themes and trends from the playoffs, from physicality to defensive coverages to the importance of versatile “playoff players” like Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. Also, the best defensive game ever and is there a star who could beat the Thunder defense? Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off. 

Xs and Os expert Mike De La Rosa returns to break down the latest games of the week, including the insane Nuggets-Thunder OT thriller in Game 3 and how they are defending the MVPs so well. We also discuss Donovan Mitchell's explosions, the Cavs huge zone move, and the Celtics winning in New York. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Who should be most worried among Cleveland, Boston and Oklahoma City? Is there something to Shail Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams bumpy offensive starts? Do the Celtics take too many 3s? Do the Pacers have the matchup edge? We break down all 3 top seed losses and then preview (mini) Minnesota and Golden State. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball Sign up at SportsBusinessClassroom.com with code THINKINGBASKETBALL for $300 off.