The evolution of NBA offense took a revolutionary turn in the early 2000s, primarily influenced by the coaching style of Mike D'Antoni with the Phoenix Suns. With a clear vision, D'Antoni aimed to outpace the dominant Shaquille O'Neal by introducing a high-speed, three-point-rich game strategy. His 'Seven Seconds or Less' philosophy not only transformed the Suns into perennial playoff contenders, but also reshaped how teams approached offense across the league.

As D'Antoni's system gained traction, the NBA experienced a significant uptick in scoring, culminating in the 2018-19 season where teams averaged over 110 points per game for the first time in decades. D'Antoni's ideology revitalized the league, encouraging a focus on pace and quick ball movement, impacting how the game is played today.

The New York Knicks' playoff journey concluded with a decisive defeat against the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, losing 125-108. This victory for the Pacers marks their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2000, ending a 25-year drought for the franchise. The Knicks, on the other hand, extend their championship-less streak to 52 years since their last title in 1973.

Pascal Siakam earned the Eastern Conference Finals MVP award, scoring 31 points in the final game, solidifying his pivotal role throughout the playoffs. As the league transitions to the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face the Pacers, favored heavily after a record-setting regular season performance.

Phil Jackson's innovative coaching methods have made a lasting impact on basketball, particularly through his application of mindfulness and meditation. During the intense 2002 Eastern Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Sacramento Kings, with a decisive Game 7 looming. Jackson recalled being surprised by the eagerness his players showed for a morning meditation session amidst the pressure.

This mental preparation proved crucial in their victory, where the Lakers made an impressive 27 out of 33 free throws. Shaquille O'Neal's unexpected proficiency at the charity stripe and Kobe Bryant's steady performance helped secure the win, showcasing Jackson's belief in the power of mental focus during high-pressure situations.

James Harden's 2024-25 season ended in disappointment as the Los Angeles Clippers were eliminated in the first round by the Denver Nuggets. Once again, Harden struggled in a Game 7, scoring just seven points and taking only eight shots in a 120-101 loss. Shaquille O'Neal criticized Harden's performance, suggesting he cares too much about public perception, which affects his on-court aggression. Harden's playoff statistics remain lackluster, with a career average of 19.3 points per Game 7 and a poor shooting percentage. This loss marked Harden as the first player in NBA history to lose a Game 7 with four different teams. Despite being an All-NBA Third Team selection and averaging 22.8 points this season, Harden's playoff narrative continues to evolve negatively.

Shaquille O'Neal has added to the conversation surrounding the NBA draft lottery's legitimacy with revelations from a conversation he had with former NBA commissioner David Stern. This discussion, which took place prior to the 1992 draft where O'Neal was the first overall pick, hinted at Stern's tacit influence over player destinations. O'Neal recalled Stern asking him about his preference for a warm or cold city, to which he chose Orlando and subsequently won the lottery. This has led to O'Neal expressing skepticism about the draft's fairness, citing instances like the Dallas Mavericks, who won the lottery shortly after trading Anthony Davis. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks' controversial 1985 lottery win, which allowed them to select Patrick Ewing, continues to be a talking point. Ewing’s legacy with the Knicks remains significant, as they aim to break a long playoff drought against the Indiana Pacers.