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The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the Western Conference Finals after defeating the Denver Nuggets in the second round, and they are a step closer to making it to the NBA Finals. Not only does this run continue to validate the season they had, but it also shows that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is deserving of winning MVP this season.
If Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder had lost, people would have had a lot to say about whether he deserved the award, but ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says that there shouldn’t be an asterisk around it when he wins now.
“This was a historically relevant moment for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander,” Windhorst said. “Not just for the season, he’s likely going to win the MVP in the next few days. Had he won that award and lost this game to Jokic and the Nuggets, no matter what anybody would have said, no matter what I would have tried to argue, people would have always slapped asterisks on that. So knowing all of that, he came out and delivered.
"When he gets that MVP trophy, everybody will know he won it on the court and in the ballot box."@WindhorstESPN says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved he earned the MVP title in Game 7 vs. the Nuggets
pic.twitter.com/w7TaDiHNGk
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 19, 2025
“When he gets that MVP trophy, everybody will know he won it on the court and in the ballot box.”
With the MVP award being announced in the next few days, there shouldn’t be a surprise if Gilgeous-Alexander is crowned the winner.
Thunder advance to the Western Conference Finals
It was probably one of the toughest series they’ve been a part of, but the Thunder were able to outlast the Nuggets in seven games and advance to the next round. It was Gilgeous-Alexander who delivered in Game 7, and he had the help of his running mate, Jalen Williams.
The Thunder will now have another tall task, as the Minnesota Timberwolves are waiting for them. This should be an exciting battle between Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards, two of the league’s young, bright stars. Both teams have shown throughout the playoffs that they can be resilient, and they have what it takes to get a wire-to-wire win.
For the Thunder, the hope is that they can continue to play at a high level and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.
More must-reads:
- Dylan Harper injures calf, leaves arena in walking boot
- Cooper Flagg responds to his critics amid early career struggles
- The 'TDs from Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes' quiz
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Austin Reaves Sends Clear Message to Luka Doncic After Back-and-Forth Jabs
The Los Angeles Lakers are enjoying a stunning start to the 2025-25 campaign, thanks to their incredible backcourt duo. Despite missing LeBron James due to injury, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have stood on business for the Purple Gold. That’s because, apart from boasting a strong 5-2 record, five of LA’s first seven games have featured a 40-point performance from either Doncic or Reaves. This has become such a common occurrence that AR predicted Doncic getting 40 even before tip-off against Memphis. The result? Well, the Slovenian point guard finished the night with 44 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. After the game, when the 26-year-old was asked about his teammate predicting his box score, Doncic had a hilarious response. “Austin’s stupid,” he told Dave McMenamin, as Doncic burst into laughter. While that seemed to only the only glimpse of the duo’s bromance, that changed today, after the Lakers wrapped up their most recent win against the Heat. Although neither Luka nor Austin touched the 40-point mark against Miami, after the game, AR clapped back at Luka Doncic for last Friday’s comments. When asked about how the superstar point guard is managing expectations with fun this season, something he’s been commanded to follow by head coach JJ Redick, Austin Reaves gave a hilarious response. “He’s an idiot. I don’t know what he did yesterday, but he was in a really good mood today, joking around, having a good time, ” Reaves told the reporters. “I guess he’s a big football fan cuz he sits over there and watches the Chiefs-Bills game for a long time. He’s a Cowboys fan, I know. But yeah, it’s just, it’s human nature when things like last year happen. Nobody ever thought that that was going to happen. So, I’m sure he was in a state of shock and couldn’t believe it, and having to move his family. So, it was tough. And then now I think he’s just getting comfortable having a good time. But yeah, he’s he acts like a kid. he needs to grow up at some point.” He further explained. While this back-and-forth between Reaves and Doncic has been in good spirits, as they seem to be building great chemistry both on and off the court, the shooting guard did give the Slovenian star some valuable advice in the end. The 27-year-old guard pointed out that while Doncic has now gotten comfortable and is having a great time in Southern California, he will have to pick up the pace, as this is a crucial season for LA. And it seems like the former Dallas star has also understood this, as he reflected on his and AR’s mistakes against Miami. Luka Doncic reflects on his and Austin Reaves’ shortcomings against Miami Well, so far this season, Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic haven’t missed a step, as both guards have been at the top of their games for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, despite having a solid outing against the Heat, where Doncic scored a triple-double with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, and Reaves had 26 points, along with 26 points, 11 assists and 4 rebounds, the Slovenian guard did not shy away from pointing out the duo’s shooting woes during their 130-120 win over the Heat. “I think we shared the ball great tonight. Obviously, I think we could have like 150 points, honestly. If AR and I hit some shots, we would probably get 150. But I think we started playing the game well defensively and were good at sharing the ball,” Luka Doncic said postgame. “I mean, process is, of course, there are 74-75 games left, obviously there are going to be off-nights. Just get better shots, that’s all. Forget about the shots, we got the win, that’s the point. So move on and try to get another win.” The 26-year-old, who went 9-of-22 from the field, including a terrible 1-of-11 from the three-point line, pointed out that he could’ve done much better if it weren’t for his shooting woes. Meanwhile, his backcourt partner also had an off night shooting-wise. That’s because Austin Reaves went 9-of-22 from the field, along with 4-of-14 from deep. Nonetheless, despite their struggles, the dynamic duo was able to lead their team to a comfortable win, but they will be hoping to improve upon this performance during their next matchup.
Packers have two trade options to replace Tucker Kraft
The Green Bay Packers lost much more than a game on Sunday afternoon. Star tight end Tucker Kraft, who had blossomed as one of the biggest threats for their passing game, suffered a potential season-ending knee injury. Kraft's production was quite valuable for Matt LaFleur's team, hauling in 32 passes on 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns. Now, with Kraft potentially out of the picture and the trade deadline just hours away, the Packers have two candidates to consider as his replacement. Packers should trade for David Njoku or Chig Okonkwo Jordan Love is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in intermediate throws and using the middle of the field. The Packers need to exploit that with another playmaking tight end. With the Cleveland Browns sitting on a 2-6 record and David Njoku still waiting to get a contract extension, he'd be a solid and reliable addition at a reasonable price. He's up to 27 receptions for 260 yards and two scores this season. While he's been vocal about his desire to stay in Cleveland, Browns rookie TE Harold Fannin Jr. is already the No. 1 option. If the Browns are reluctant to give Njoku up, the Packers can always reach out to the Tennessee Titans, who, at 1-8, are already going through a panic sale of their own. Cam Ward hasn't developed much chemistry with Chigoziem Okonkwo. Given that Okonkwo is in the final year of his rookie contract, he's also a no-brainer trade candidate. Despite the limited opportunities and inconsistent playing time, Okonkwo has turned 29 catches into 281 yards. He may only need a change of scenery to break out.
Mike Vrabel responds to accusation that Patriots simulated Falcons' snap on key fourth-quarter play
The 'Most 300-yard, 4 touchdown NFL games' quiz
Since the renaissance of Sam Darnold’s career in Minnesota last season, one of the reputational issues the veteran needed to shake was his play in primetime. Against the Washington Commanders on ‘Sunday Night Football,’ he did what he could to put that narrative to bed by completing 21-of-24 passes for 330 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in a dominant 38-14 win. Darnold was deadly accurate Sunday night, completing every pass he attempted in the first half before throwing just eight times in the second half and giving way to Drew Lock in the fourth quarter with the game out of hand. The Seahawks gave Darnold a three- year, $100.5 million contract after his career-year in Minnesota last season. So far he’s rewarded them with 2,084 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions en route to a 6-2 record through eight games. Which brings us to today’s quiz. It was the third time of Darnold’s career – and second already of the 2025 campaign – that he’s thrown for at least 300 yards and four touchdowns in the same game. With that being said, can you name every NFL quarterback in the Super Bowl Era to do that at least three times? Good luck! Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to our Quiz of the Day Newsletter for daily quizzes sent right to your email!
Stamkos’ Name Pops Up in Canucks Trade Rumors
As the injuries pile up, the Vancouver Canucks continue to seek help down the middle. According to Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK and Donnie and Dhali Show, Vancouver has reportedly inquired about Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos. Clearly, this wouldn’t be the easiest deal to make given his no-move clause. However, Stamkos’ year has not gone well and he seemed open to the idea that one never knows where he’ll wind up when speaking to the media following a recent game in Tampa Bay. Stamkos, 35, signed a four-year, $32-million contract with Nashville in 2024 after leaving Tampa Bay as a free agent. He never wanted to play elsewhere, but the Lightning made a tough call and decided not to give him the kind of money free agency would provide. Based on his 2025-26 numbers, it’s looking like the Lightning made a wise decision. While he scored 40 goals in his final Lightning season, his production has dipped with the Predators — just 27 goals and 53 points last season. This year, he’s got just one goal with an assist through 13 games. Trade talk has surrounded him as insiders suggest it’s just not a fit in Nashville. Stamkos talked about wanting to retire there, but didn’t seem to rule out considering options that would make sense as he closes out his NHL run. Are the Canucks A Team That Fit for Stamkos? Vancouver’s tight salary cap — nearly $2.8 million into LTIR — further complicates matters. Any Stamkos deal would likely require Nashville to retain salary, though the Predators have only one retention slot left. If agreed to, the return Nashville might want in exchange would have to be something the Canucks would seriously need to consider. While Stamkos has experience at center and could help Vancouver in that role, there’s a lot of hurdles and what-ifs involved. The Canucks are reportedly “working the phones” and have likely called Nashville. Still, Stamkos has to be on board, the Predators need a return they like, and the Canucks have to believe the veteran can rebound with the right pieces around him.
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