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The conference finals for the 2023-24 NBA playoffs is officially set, and it’s not the final 4 most fans thought it would be.
After a blistering performance in game 7 at the garden, the Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 130-109 becoming the first team in the series to win a road game. Led by Tyrese Haliburton’s 26 point performance, the number 2 offense in the NBA shot a record-breaking 67.1 percent from the field. The bench gave a huge impact as it has the whole series, led by Pittsburgh native TJ McConnell, described as the “energy giver”, his teammates said. They have a date with the 64-18 Boston Celtics who defeated the depleted Cavaliers in 5. In the loss, Donte Divencenzo had a playoff career-high 39, and star point guard Jalen Brunson had 17, but fractured his left hand late in the 3rd quarter. Riddled by injuries, the Knicks have a lot of offseason questions to answer, including what to do with star forward Julius Randle who has been out since January.
Over in the Wild West, the Timberwolves shockingly stole Game 7 from the defending champions Denver Nuggets. Fueled by young superstar Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves completed a 20 point second half comeback after trailing 58-38. Edwards, who struggled in the first half, got going in the second half with a pair of dunks, and a step back three to end the lopsided 3rd quarter. They kept their momentum going as 6th man of the year, Naz Reid, finished things on both ends blocking Nikola Jokic, then having a massive put back dunk. They are set to face the 5-seeded Dallas Mavericks who put away the young and hungry 1-seeded OKC Thunder in 6.
Although a surprising final 4, the NBA playoffs conference finals are set up for an electric finish as one superstar will lead their team to their first ring.
