Inside the NBA May 14, 2025

On the May 14, 2025, episode of *Inside the NBA*, the iconic quartet—Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith—delivered their signature blend of sharp analysis and humor, recapping a night of pivotal playoff action.

The show opened with a deep dive into the Boston Celtics’ commanding 127–102 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite the absence of star forward Jayson Tatum due to an Achilles injury, the Celtics showcased resilience, narrowing the series deficit to 3–2. Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porziņģis led the charge, combining for 61 points and dominating the Knicks’ defense.

Transitioning to the Western Conference, the crew analyzed the Minnesota Timberwolves’ series-clinching 121–110 win over the Golden State Warriors. With Stephen Curry sidelined by a hamstring injury, rookie Brandin Podziemski stepped up, scoring a playoff career-high 28 points. However, the Timberwolves’ balanced offense, spearheaded by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, proved too formidable, propelling them to their second consecutive Western Conference Finals.

Adding their trademark levity, the hosts presented the latest “Shaqtin’ A Fool” segment, highlighting humorous on-court blunders from the night’s games. The camaraderie and banter among the hosts provided a light-hearted contrast to the intense playoff discussions.

As the 2024–25 NBA season approaches its conclusion, this episode also served as a poignant reminder of the show’s impending transition. With *Inside the NBA* set to move to ESPN and ABC in the 2025–26 season, fans cherished the familiar chemistry and insightful commentary that have defined the program for decades.