NBA Finals 2024: Thunder vs. Pacers Preview & Schedule
The stage is set for an electrifying NBA Finals 2025 showdown, as the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by MVP contender Shai gilgeous-Alexander, prepare to battle the Indiana Pacers, helmed by Tyrese Haliburton. This highly anticipated series tips off Thursday in Oklahoma City, marking the pacers’ first Finals appearance since 2000. The Thunder dominated the regular season against the Pacers,but Indiana’s playoff surge signals a formidable challenge. News Directory 3 understands the importance of this clash. Both teams navigated tough playoff runs to reach this point, setting the stage for a potentially historic series. Understand that the Thunder had an impressive regular season record. Will the young Thunder continue their dominance, or will the Pacers, fueled by Haliburton’s leadership, capture their first NBA title? Discover what’s next in this thrilling matchup.
NBA Finals 2025: Thunder, Pacers Led by Gilgeous-Alexander, Haliburton
Updated June 01, 2025
An unexpected series of trades years in the making culminates Thursday night as the Oklahoma City Thunder host the indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The NBA Finals 2025 will see Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City’s MVP, clash with Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana’s gold medalist, for the championship title.
The Thunder’s path to the finals included a 68-14 regular season record and a 12-4 playoff run, sweeping Memphis, battling past Denver in seven games, and defeating Minnesota in five. For the Pacers, after a slow 10-15 start, they surged to a 40-17 finish, securing the Eastern Conference title as the No.4 seed with wins over Milwaukee, Cleveland, and New York.
Oklahoma City is making either its second or fifth finals appearance, depending on the inclusion of Seattle SuperSonics history. Indiana returns to the finals for the first time since 2000, seeking their first NBA title after winning multiple ABA championships.
“Man, I’m just so proud of this group,” Haliburton said after the Pacers’ conference-clinching victory. “I don’t even have words right now. It’s really exciting.We’ll enjoy this one for now. There’s four more, there’s a lot more work to do, against a really tough team.”
Chet Holmgren, Thunder forward, emphasized the importance of the achievement. “When you win, that’s a special thing,” Holmgren said. “It’s not guaranteed in this league… you have to kind of take it in and understand what you’ve accomplished to that point, but then the next day you have to start turning the page.”
“In 49 states, it’s just basketball,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said, acknowledging the unique basketball culture of Indiana. “But this is Indiana…. Our guys earned this. Congratulations to our guys.”
Notably, the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the regular-season series against the Indiana Pacers, winning both games. Their overall record against the Eastern Conference was an impressive 29-1.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged Paul George’s past contributions to the team. “Obviously, he wasn’t here long but he had great years here,” Daigneault said. “I mean, one of the best years of his career was here… So, I have a lot of respect for him.”
What’s next
the NBA Finals 2025 promise an exciting clash between two young, dynamic teams led by rising stars. The series begins Thursday in Oklahoma City.