The 2025 NBA Finals are going to be an amazing NBA Championship between two deep, elite teams. Unlike in game, these players wasted no time getting into crushing “high-stakes” actions that await them. These key matchups will surely determine the fate of the series. Keep an eye out for guys like Joe, Williams III, Nesmith, Toppin, Turner and Haliburton to make an impact on the floor. Together, each player’s specific strengths can make all the difference in their matches against strong competition.
At 5-foot-10, Joe’s frame might make him a defensive target in playoff environments, especially vs bigger guards. His threat from deep provides a major weapon and safety net when his team needs points the most. Through the course of the regular season, Joe shot just over 10 ½ threes per 36 minutes he played. He was never afraid to shoot, posting an elite shooting percentage of 41%. His rebounding and more specifically his shooting ability will be crucial as the finals play out.
Williams is another player to watch closely. His main focus thus far has been matchups against burly centers such as Nikola Jokic in the previous rounds. He needs to change his approach defensively for the championship series. Williams struggled immensely against the Denver Nuggets’ zone D in Round 2. He pulled off a remarkable bounceback in Game 7, going for 24 points after shooting just 10-of-43 (23%) during a tough patch in Games 3-5. He bought the hype and then some in the conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With that scoring average of 22.2 points per game, he did so efficiently, shooting almost 50% overall (49%) and 46% from 3-point range.
Key Defensive Roles
Nesmith’s impact on the finals will be extremely important. He would be assigned to one of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Williams and would have strong defensive responsibility. His postseason performance has been nothing short of sensational, maintaining a sparkling 50% shooting percentage from 3. This double move backing up his ability to defend and fight through screens and rolls helps open up another layer to his team’s pick-and-roll offense.
Beyond his pass-catching ability, Turner plays an offensive coordinator’s dream role within an underrated Indiana scheme. His ability to stretch the floor fits perfectly with the team’s – another key reason for him to be a difference maker against the Thunder. Shooting season-long over 1.5 threes per game at a 42 percent clip, Turner was the embodiment of underrated. As a result, he hit a career-high 2.2 threes per game at a 40% clip. His ability to make things easier on the court for his teammates and attract defenses makes him special.
Haliburton would be an extremely interesting player to watch. Despite struggling against Lu Dort—scoring only eight points in 122 matchups over two seasons—Haliburton demonstrated his playmaking abilities during the playoffs. He has produced a league-high 25.3 points on passes thrown to him, proving invaluable as an offensive playmaker for his squad.
The Offensive Strategy
As the series gets underway, it’s obvious that each side needs to maximize their strengths and cover up their deficiencies. Joe needs to be cool-headed and opportunistic. Given his previous history of long-range accuracy, it is paramount for him to take those shots when they present themselves. If nothing else, his ability to stretch the floor would open up driving lanes for other players, giving them more of an opportunity to score in the process.
Williams’ versatility will be put to the test again in this intriguing new battle. He struggled at times against Denver’s zone. Now, he has to rewire his game for varied foes. His championship mettle to recover from bad holes will be extremely important in keeping the Apollo’s momentum going all the way through the finals.
Nesmith’s offensive contributions will be critical. He’ll need to continue his impressive shooting accuracy from three-point range to have a lasting impression on his team and the league. The pressure will be on him to not just defend at a high level, but to provide positive offensive value whenever he gets the opportunity.
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