The stage is set for a thrilling 2025 NBA Finals as the Oklahoma City Thunder square off against the Indiana Pacers in a historic clash that promises drama, legacy-defining performances, and the potential for a first-time champion. Here’s what you need to know before tip-off on Thursday night.
First-Time Champs: A New NBA King Will Rise
This year’s finals guarantee one thing—a new champion will be crowned. The Pacers are back in the finals for the first time since 2000 and are among the 10 franchises yet to hoist the NBA trophy. Meanwhile, the Thunder haven’t claimed a title since their 1979 championship as the Seattle SuperSonics.
This battle represents more than just basketball—it’s legacy time for Indiana and redemption for Oklahoma.
MVP Pressure: Will SGA Deliver?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) made history this season, becoming the first Canadian to win MVP since Steve Nash. Now, he has a chance to join the elite club of players who’ve won both MVP and the Finals in the same year—a group that includes Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Steph Curry.
Can SGA handle the pressure and bring Oklahoma its first title since relocating from Seattle?
Haliburton’s Heroics: The Comeback King
Tyrese Haliburton has been the heartbeat of the Pacers’ playoff run. His clutch shots and buzzer-beating heroics have made headlines:
- Scoring five unanswered points in 40 seconds to stun the Bucks.
- Drilling a deep three to cap a 14-point comeback against the Cavs.
- Forcing overtime with a dramatic shot vs the Knicks and leading a win.
Haliburton’s leadership and late-game magic could be Indiana’s X-factor against a high-octane Thunder team.
Thunder’s Regular Season Dominance
The Thunder were a force in the regular season, finishing with 68 wins to the Pacers’ 50. That gives them a crucial home-court advantage in this best-of-seven series.
While recent history shows home court hasn’t always meant victory (the past three finals champs didn’t have it), 16 of the last 25 teams with home-court did win it all. Game 1 tips off in OKC on Thursday night.
Thunder vs Pacers: Season Series
In their two meetings this season, Oklahoma City went 2-0:
- Dec in Indiana: Thunder win 120-114
- March in OKC: Thunder dominate 132-111
While the finals are a different beast, past performance offers insight into OKC’s confidence heading into the matchup.
NBA Finals Schedule (All times BST)
- Game 1: June 6, 01:30 – @ Oklahoma
- Game 2: June 9, 01:00 – @ Oklahoma
- Game 3: June 12, 01:30 – @ Indiana
- Game 4: June 14, 01:30 – @ Indiana
- Game 5: June 17, 01:30 – @ Oklahoma (if needed)
- Game 6: June 20, 01:30 – @ Indiana (if needed)
- Game 7: June 23, 01:00 – @ Oklahoma (if needed)
How to Watch (UK)
Catch every finals game live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
This NBA Finals isn’t about dynasties or superteams—it’s about grit, youth, and rising stars writing their own chapter in basketball history. Whether it’s SGA adding a title to his MVP or Haliburton capping off one of the grittiest playoff runs in recent memory, history is in the making.
Indiana or Oklahoma—who takes home the Larry O’Brien trophy? We’re about to find out.The stage is set for a thrilling 2025 NBA Finals as the Oklahoma City Thunder square off against the Indiana Pacers in a historic clash that promises drama, legacy-defining performances, and the potential for a first-time champion. Here’s what you need to know before tip-off on Thursday night.
Written By Joe Brens
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