Western Conference Finals showdown spotlights changing face of the NBA

DUBAI: The second-round clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets was a thrilling showdown between two of the brightest stars, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, both frontrunners for the 2024–2025 NBA MVP.

But now, the NBA Western Conference Finals present an even more compelling narrative, a duel between Oklahoma’s Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, two rising stars competing for the title of the “Face of the League.”

Changing of the guard as next generation takes over

As the NBA legendary era of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant approaches its twilight, the focus shifts to the next wave of superstars.

With established players like Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Trae Young, and the Spurs’ phenom Victor Wembanyama making their mark, this series offers a refreshing showcase of two young guards ready to take the league by storm.

It is a classic guard-vs-guard battle that basketball enthusiasts will relish.

Oklahoma City are battle tested

Oklahoma City enter the series as the Western Conference’s top seed, following a dominant 68-win regular season.

At the heart of their success is Gilgeous-Alexander, who is on track to win his first NBA MVP. Averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, the Canadian superstar has become the face of the Thunder’s resurgence.

In the playoffs, OKC swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, capitalizing on Ja Morant’s injury in Game 3, and outlasted the Denver Nuggets in a thrilling seven-game series.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 35-point performance in Game 7 put him in elite company, joining Durant as the only Thunder player to score 35 or more points in a Game 7.

Timberwolves back to the Western