On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
It has been a season of firsts for the Oklahoma City Thunder across the board. From top to bottom, team success and individual success, this Thunder team is reaching uncharted territory.
With the new experiences come new learning lessons, this young team saw that a season ago in the postseason against Dallas. Despite being dominant all season, they simply weren’t ready against a tough Western Conference foe. That experience was necessary to reach the stage that they’re about to dance on, though.
Now, it’s the NBA Finals that’s the grey area for this Thunder team — they’ve dreamed about it all season, and likely their whole lives, but they’ve never actually played in it before. The crowd, the court, the media coverage, the pageantry — nothing can truly prepare you for a moment like this. Oklahoma City is battle-tested, but they’ll have to pick up things completely on the fly in the middle of the unknown.
With that, though, Oklahoma City has no reason to be nervous. Indiana is in the exact same spot, with no Finals experience and a young team on a magical run. That’s why as Game 1 approaches, the nerves are turning into curiosity for this young Thunder squad, and Jalen Williams in particular.
“I think, if anything, just like a little more anxious,” Williams said, before thinking about his answer a bit more. “Actually, I wouldn’t even say anxious, I’d just say more curious. More curious about what the court’s going to look like, what it’s going to feel like.
Jalen Williams said he’s more curious than anxious about tonight’s game: “It’s still just basketball. It’s still gonna be 10 people on the court.” pic.twitter.com/P7SHpqzFO9
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 5, 2025
“As far as like actually playing basketball, it’s still just basketball. There’s still going to be 10 people on the court, still going to have to figure out how to try and win games, that part doesn’t change. But I am more curious just about the Finals set up. This is my first Finals, so it’s cool to just go through that process.”
Williams has experienced the highs and the lows of playoff coverage. The media can be a rollercoaster in the postseason. All in all, though, he has shown up in the big moments and taken over multiple games. He has proved he belongs.
Williams — and the rest of this Thunder team — have earned the right to play on this stage. The only thing left to do is experience it.
More must-reads:
- Report: Knicks made a signing based on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade belief
- Lakers reportedly monitoring two-time All-Star's availability
- The 'NBA Summer League MVPs' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Lakers reportedly monitoring two-time All-Star's availability
The Los Angeles Lakers finished last season with a dud after propelling to the third seed of the Western Conference, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. The one thing that the Wolves exposed was the Lakers' lack of an inside presence. The center spot was weak once they traded Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic midway through the season, but they found a way to manage despite putrid numbers coming from the center position. The Lakers were bottom five in both rebounds and points per game for centers during the regular season after the All-Star break. However, in the postseason, the numbers got worse. They tried to use their original starting center, Jaxson Hayes, to man the paint, but he only played 7.8 minutes per game while only scoring 1.8 points and grabbing two rebounds per contest. This team knows it needs extreme levels of help for the center spot, which is why it is reportedly looking at a former All-Star center's situation. Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported that the Lakers are closely monitoring the situation between Nikola Vucevic and the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have shipped out several key players over the last year, with Vucevic being the lone former All-Star still on the roster. As his trade market winds down, some have speculated that a potential buyout is on the horizon. However, Chicago Bulls insider K.C. Johnson reported on "The Fastbreak" podcast that the Bulls have no intentions of a buyout and would like to move him for assets at the trade deadline. Vucevic would be a massive upgrade alongside Deandre Ayton, whom the Lakers signed earlier in the offseason. Vucevic put up very impressive numbers last season, averaging 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game while shooting 53% from the field in 73 games. His career numbers are just as impressive, and he's a former two-time All-Star as well. The Lakers should continue to monitor Vucevic and assess the Bulls' ultimate plan for him. With Ayton already in the fold, a trade for Vucevic could put them at the top of the Western Conference.
Kings Reportedly Included $77 Million Guard in Rejected Trade Offer for Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga
How to watch the Detroit Tigers vs. the Philadelphia Phillies: First pitch, TV & streaming details for tonight
Whether you are tuning in on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, we've got you covered on all the latest when it comes to watching the Detroit Tigers taking on the Phillies. The Tigers are currently on a 4-0 run, contrary to their earlier 0-6 play, just before their streak. Both teams are in the running for the postseason, but the Phillies are trailing in their division. Tune in to see what happens in their matchup. How to watch Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies Game 1 tonight Matchup: Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies Date: Friday, August 1, 2025 Time: 6:45 PM ET TV Channels: NBC Sports Philadelphia and FanDuel Sports Detroit Live Stream Platform: DIRECTV (Regional restrictions may apply) Location: Philadelphia, PA Stadium: Citizens Bank Park Predictions, odds, and spread for Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies — Game 1 How to watch Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies Game 2 tomorrow Matchup: Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025 Time: 6:05 PM ET TV Channels: NBC Sports Philadelphia and FanDuel Sports Detroit Live Stream Platform: DIRECTV (Regional restrictions may apply) Location: Philadelphia, PA Stadium: Citizens Bank Park How to watch Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies Game 3 Matchup: Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025 Time: 7:10 PM ET TV Channels: ESPN and ESPN2 Live Stream Platform: Hulu + Live TV (Subscription required; regional restrictions may apply) Location: Philadelphia, PA Stadium: Citizens Bank Park Key players you need to watch on the Detroit Tigers Riley Greene – Greene led the Tigers in home runs with 26 while hitting .277 with a .850 OPS in 2025, making him a key offensive force for Detroit. Spencer Torkelson – Torkelson was second on the team in home runs with 23 and drove in 63 runs, providing significant power in the lineup during the 2025 season. Zach McKinstry – Serving primarily as the Tigers' third baseman, McKinstry hit .268 with 9 home runs and offered valuable versatility and strong all-around play in 2025. Key players you need to watch on the Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber – Schwarber leads the Phillies with 37 home runs, 86 RBIs, and a .957 OPS through the 2025 regular season, making him the team's most powerful hitter. Bryce Harper – Harper has contributed 15 home runs, 45 RBIs, and an .867 OPS, providing strong run production and on-base skills at first base. Trea Turner – As the Phillies' shortstop, Turner leads the team with a .289 batting average, collects 127 hits and 44 RBIs, and delivers consistent offense and speed. Key stats for Detroit Tigers Key stats for Philadelphia Phillies Who's winning the Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies series? With both teams looking to boost themselves just before playoffs, it's going to be a tight race to see which of these two teams can win the series. The Phillies are favored, and for good reason. They have just been more consistent down the stretch.
Erik Karlsson's Trade Demands to the Penguins Release Publicly
Erik Karlsson is one of a few Penguins likely on the move soon, and now the one thing the veteran blue liner wants in a new team has been officially revealed. After missing the Stanley cup Playoffs for three straight seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins come into this off-season as sellers, with the trio of Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust and Erik Karlsson becoming notable names in trade speculation. While all three have a high likelihood of being moved as Kyle Dubas and the Penguins look towards the future, NHL Insider Frank Seravalli has suggested this off-season that Karlsson is the most likely of all to be moved in the summer. Now, Seravalli has followed up on the speculation, revealing another key piece of this scenario, as the veteran NHL Insider notes the one demand that Karlsson has in potential trade talks. According to Seravalli, Karlsson wants a chance to win, and given the contract that a team would potentially need to take on to bring him in, it's safe to say that only contending teams out there would be interested, with very little in it for teams that won't be chasing a Stanley Cup in the near future. As of right now, there are very few teams around the NHL that could fit Karlsson in as well as giving him the opportunity to win, with Detroit, Dallas and Carolina three teams that fit the bill, with all three having rumoured interest in an upgrade on their blue line. Ultimately, all the signs this off-season point to Karlsson being moved at some point before the 2025/26 campaign begins, and while the options are limited given his contract and his desire to win, there's no reason why a trade can't be made in the next few months.
The three most confusing MLB trade-deadline deals
The July 31 MLB trade deadline was a whirlwind. Among the 49 trades were deals that sent stars such as relievers Mason Miller (to Padres), Jhoan Duran (Phillies) and Ryan Helsley (Mets), starting pitcher Shane Bieber (Blue Jays) and third baseman Eugenio Suarez (Mariners) to new clubs. The quantity and pace of the deals left many MLB fans feeling a rush of excitement. But some of the deals were confusing. Here are the three most confusing trades from the deadline. 1. Cincinnati Reds trade for 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes The Reds were seeking a boost to their lineup as they attempt a second-half postseason push. Unfortunately, Hayes does not profile as an impactful addition. Once a top prospect, the former Pirates cornerstone has failed to develop as an offensive threat. Hayes’ .569 OPS this season ranks second worst among qualified hitters in the majors. His lowly three home runs (in 397 plate appearances) prove that Hayes is a below-average hitter. That said, the 2023 Gold Glove winner ranks in the 99th percentile in fielding range, making him a top-tier defender at the hot corner. Additionally, the Reds are absorbing all of the money left on Hayes' eight-year, $70M contract that runs through the 2029 season. This financial commitment does not justify adding such a low-impact bat. 2. San Diego Padres trade top prospect Leo De Vries for Miller Death, taxes and Padres general manager A.J. Preller making blockbuster trades to help his club -- you can count on all of these happening. The ultra-aggressive San Diego added one of the top arms on the market to a bullpen that already featured All-Stars in Jason Adam, Robert Suarez and Adrian Morejon. On paper, this gives San Diego the best bullpen in baseball, providing it with a plethora of weapons and flexibility as it seeks a spot in the postseason field. Miller, one of MLB’s hardest-throwing pitchers, is also under club control through the 2029 season. Adding Miller was no surprise. The confusing aspect of this trade is the package that Preller sent to the Athletics in return. The headliner was budding star De Vries, who ranks as MLB.com's third overall prospect. The 18-year-old has a sky-high ceiling and is one of the most coveted assets in the league. Two things must happen for this move to pay off in San Diego. First, the oft-injured Miller must stay healthy and provide a substantial boost to the club’s bullpen. Second, the Padres must remain a postseason threat while riding their newest weapon toward a deep playoff run. Anything less will make the franchise regret moving such a talent. 3. Atlanta Braves keep DH Marcell Ozuna and RP Raisel Iglesias The injury-riddled and underperforming Braves are 46-62 and 15.5 games out of the NL East lead. It seems clear that 2025 is a lost season for the perennial postseason contenders. This makes retaining Ozuna and Iglesias, who are scheduled to hit free agency after the season, a confusing strategy. While having a down season, Ozuna still has 15 home runs and 48 RBI with a .235 batting average. The 34-year-old is just one year removed from hitting .302 with 31 homers and 104 RBI. Iglesias, meanwhile, has struggled (4.74 ERA with 13 saves). The 35-year-old was superb last season, posting a dazzling 1.95 ERA and 34 saves. Neither is worth as much as he would have been last season, but both could have fetched Atlanta packages of mid-to-low-end prospects. Now, the club will lose both in free agency as it probably finishes with a below .500 record. Honorable mentions: Boston Red Sox opted for Dustin May and Steven Matz over a true ace Minnesota Twins traded 10 players from their 26-man roster The league collectively chose to target relief pitching instead of starters Sandy Alcantara (Miami), Edward Cabrera (Miami), Zac Gallen (Arizona), Dylan Cease (San Diego), Joe Ryan (Minnesota) or Mitch Keller (Pittsburgh).
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
