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Shaquille O’Neal, the ever-entertaining sports analyst best known for his work on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” recently provided another hilarious moment for viewers. Before the pivotal Game 5 matchup between the Thunder and the Timberwolves, Shaq was captured playfully “training” his biceps by curling a TNT production staff member as if they were a weight, showcasing his immense strength and comedic timing.
This lighthearted moment occurred during the pre-game coverage of what turned out to be the final game of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves. As TNT’s long-standing NBA coverage concludes after the 2025 season, with “Inside the NBA” set to move to ESPN, Shaq’s on-air antics continue to remind fans of the show’s unique blend of analysis and humor. He’s truly been a source of some of the most unforgettable and funny moments on US television.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s dominant 4-1 series victory over Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves has propelled them to their second-ever NBA Finals appearance. This marks a significant achievement for the franchise and their young core of players, signaling a new era of contention in the Western Conference.
What makes this Thunder Finals run particularly noteworthy is their youth. With an average team age of just 25, they stand as the youngest team in NBA history to reach this stage. The last time the Thunder reached the Finals was in 2012, featuring a talented trio of Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and James Harden, who ultimately fell to LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh’s Miami Heat in a 4-1 series. That earlier Thunder team, despite its immense potential, never secured a championship.
A New Generation Eyes the Prize
This time around, the Thunder’s hopes rest on the shoulders of MVP winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his dynamic supporting cast, including Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Grant Williams. Shai now aims to achieve a rare trifecta: winning the regular season MVP award, leading his team to the NBA Finals victory, and then claiming the NBA Finals MVP trophy.
The journey of this young Thunder team, culminating in a Finals appearance, is a compelling narrative of talent development and team cohesion. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, they have the opportunity to not only secure their first NBA championship but also etch their names in history as one of the league’s youngest-ever Finals-winning teams.
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