NBA conference finals have tipped off, with four teams fighting for a spot in the Finals. The No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder, after a tough seven-game series against the Denver Nuggets, kicked off the Western Conference finals Tuesday night.

This is why the Thunder craved Caruso — for his championship experience and obviously for his dogged defensive mentality. He’s now the first guard off the bench in most situations, and his value soared in the semifinals when he was asked to help check Nikola Jokić, of all people.

The Oklahoma City Thunder star posted 38 points and eight assists in a 118-103 win to take a 2-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves, who now have the unenviable task of needing to take four out of five from the league's top team by record to reach the NBA Finals.

The Oklahoma City Thunder took a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference Finals, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves by the final score of 118-103 in Game 2 on Thursday.

The Pacers are the hottest team remaining in the playoff field and could surge to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, when they beat New York to reach the championship round. It is going to be absolute NBA cinema to watch Tyrese Haliburton battle Brunson late in big spots.

After a strong showing on defense throughout the regular season, Oklahoma City's defense has carried the team to two playoff series wins.

THE NOTRE DAME-USC FOOTBALL RIVALRY One of college football's iconic rivalries is at risk. The future of Notre Dame vs. USC-- which has been played in every non-pandemic season since 1946 -- is in question as the Trojans weigh a variety of factors.