The stage is set for the 2025 NBA Finals, featuring a showdown between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 is scheduled for June 5. Both squads have proven their mettle throughout the playoffs and now compete for the ultimate prize: the championship title.
Indiana secured their spot by defeating the New York Knicks in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals. Oklahoma City advanced by overcoming the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games to win the Western Conference. Oddsmakers favor the Thunder significantly (e.g., -700), but the Pacers have embraced an underdog role throughout their playoff run, a dynamic that is unlikely to change here.
While perhaps not the anticipated pairing, this promises to be a captivating series featuring two well-coached teams capable of championship basketball. As the NBA Finals draw near, several key narratives emerge that could shape the outcome.
Star Guard Showdown: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Tyrese Haliburton
The primary spotlight will be on the duel between these two All-Star point guards. Haliburton`s dominant run through the Eastern Conference has silenced doubters – including those who voted him the league`s most overrated player – asserting his status among the NBA`s elite guards. While often prioritizing playmaking and assists, his exceptional Game 4 performance against the Knicks (32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, 4 steals, 0 turnovers) demonstrated his ability to deliver high-level scoring without compromising overall effectiveness.
Haliburton now faces his most significant defensive challenge against an OKC defense designed to pressure ball handlers. While a physical defender like Alex Caruso troubled Anthony Edwards in the previous round, potentially impacting Haliburton similarly, Indiana`s superior ball movement compared to Minnesota might mitigate that effect.
Conversely, Indiana`s defense faces the daunting task of containing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning league MVP and Western Conference Finals MVP. SGA`s blend of length and intelligence allowed him to consistently penetrate Minnesota`s defense, creating scoring opportunities or drawing fouls. While Indiana lacks a direct counterpart to Jaden McDaniels, Aaron Nesmith proved capable of guarding Jalen Brunson effectively. However, Nesmith must reduce his playoff average of four fouls per game when defending Gilgeous-Alexander. Should Nesmith encounter foul trouble, Andrew Nembhard is a capable alternative and might even start as the primary defender.
The performance of these two All-Star guards will be crucial from the outset. Given their stellar play throughout the playoffs, expect compelling individual matchups and dynamic offensive displays.
Role Players and Depth: A Key Factor
Both teams possess valuable depth. On paper, Oklahoma City appears to have a deeper rotation, with their lower-end rotational players potentially exceeding Indiana`s counterparts. However, this theoretical advantage doesn`t always guarantee superior on-court production.
Jalen Williams showcased his All-Star potential against the Timberwolves but faced offensive efficiency challenges in the previous round versus the Nuggets. While Oklahoma City can rely on Chet Holmgren to compensate or benefit from unexpected contributions like a high-scoring game from Caruso, consistent output from Williams is vital. Despite their depth, the Thunder heavily rely on their top two players performing consistently at an elite level.
Indiana`s scoring distribution is more balanced; while Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, often lead the attack, the team isn`t solely dependent on them. All five of the Pacers` starters average double figures, and their bench ranks third in scoring this postseason. Having defied expectations on their path to the Finals, Indiana needs strong contributions from key role players such as Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and Myles Turner.
Myles Turner stands out as a potential X-factor for Indiana, needing to capitalize on favorable matchups, especially if guarded by Chet Holmgren. Against a different defender like Isaiah Hartenstein, the Pacers can spread the court, creating driving lanes for Haliburton. Bennedict Mathurin`s defensive effort and shot selection will also be critical off the bench. Ultimately, Indiana requires sustained high-level play from their role players, echoing their performance against the Knicks. Unlike the Thunder, who might lean heavily on their stars, the Pacers` success is built on collective contributions.
The Paul George Connection
Beyond reaching the Finals, the Thunder and Pacers share several similarities. Both represent smaller NBA markets, making this matchup a victory for those franchises. They are built around young, All-Star point guards, and their general managers, Sam Presti (OKC) and Kevin Pritchard (Indiana), both began their careers in the San Antonio Spurs scouting department under R.C. Buford. However, a more direct link significantly contributing to both teams` Finals appearances is Paul George.
The key isn`t just that George played for both franchises, but rather that trading him away provided each team with assets that directly or indirectly paved the way for their current Finals-contending rosters.
Paul George and the Pacers
While not a direct, immediate path to the Finals, the trade of Paul George was the critical first step for the Pacers. In July 2017, Indiana sent George to the Thunder in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. This marked the conclusion of a significant era for the Pacers, during which George led them to two Eastern Conference Finals. With George entering the final year of his contract after seven seasons and no intention to re-sign, Indiana proactively traded him to acquire assets.
Oladipo and Sabonis proved to be surprisingly effective additions for the Pacers, guiding them to five playoff appearances, although they couldn`t advance past the first round. After this five-year period, the team missed the playoffs consecutively. During the 2021-22 season, facing another potential losing campaign, the Pacers opted for a rebuild, trading Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings in February 2022. The return package featured Tyrese Haliburton, who has since become a resounding success and the clear franchise cornerstone. Thus, the initial trade of George for Sabonis was a necessary precursor to acquiring Haliburton, the catalyst for their current success.
Paul George and the Thunder
Oklahoma City`s connection is more direct. Following his trade to OKC, George played two All-Star seasons, but his long-standing desire was to play in Los Angeles. In the summer of 2019, after Kawhi Leonard`s championship run with Toronto, George informed the Clippers he would join them if they also acquired Leonard. This prompted the Clippers to assemble a significant trade package for the Thunder, highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, five future first-round draft picks, and two pick swaps.
This landmark trade not only delivered Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder`s future MVP and franchise cornerstone, but also yielded substantial draft capital. One of the picks from that trade, the Clippers` 2022 first-rounder, became Jalen Williams, who achieved All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defensive honors this season. The package also included Tre Mann (since traded) and provides Oklahoma City with the Clippers` unprotected 2026 first-round pick, allowing them to further enhance a roster now on the verge of an NBA championship.
While few could have foreseen such successful outcomes for both the Thunder and Pacers resulting from the Paul George trades, it`s remarkable to consider how his value facilitated the construction of two NBA Finals contenders.
Jasper Hawthorne