In 2017, a chain of events began that would later influence the 2025 NBA Finals. At that time, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was preparing to head to the University of Kentucky, while Tyrese Haliburton was wrapping up his high school days in Wisconsin. A pivotal trade occurred when the Indiana Pacers sent Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder, receiving Domantas Sabonis in return. Fast forward to 2019, the Thunder traded George to the Los Angeles Clippers, acquiring Gilgeous-Alexander as part of the deal. Meanwhile, in 2022, the Pacers traded Sabonis to Sacramento, gaining Haliburton.
Here we stand today, with Gilgeous-Alexander crowned as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player and leading the Oklahoma City squad. On the other side, Haliburton, an Olympic gold medalist, stands ready to guide Indiana. As the NBA Finals approach, Game 1 kicks off with Indiana facing Oklahoma City Thursday night, setting the stage to determine the champion and the holder of the esteemed Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Haliburton expressed his excitement and pride following the Pacers’ decisive 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. “It’s hard to find the words,” Haliburton remarked, adding, “We’ve got four more games to focus on now against a formidable opponent.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder boast a strong history, considering their origins as the Seattle SuperSonics. They once lost to Washington in the 1978 NBA World Championship Series but triumphed over the same opponent in 1979. The franchise endured another finals loss to Chicago in 1996, before relocating to Oklahoma City and finishing as runner-up against Miami in 2012. This year, the Thunder concluded an impressive 80-18 season, comprising a 68-14 regular season followed by a commanding playoff run: sweeping Memphis, battling through seven games with Denver, and overcoming Minnesota in five for the Western Conference title.
Thunder forward Chet Holmgren noted the significance of winning, “Success isn’t a given here. If everyone won, it’d be a participation trophy. Each win is special, but it’s time to reset and prepare for the next challenge.”
The Indiana Pacers find themselves competing for the NBA title once more, following a previous attempt in 2000, which ended in defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers. The franchise has a legacy from its ABA days, capturing championships in 1970, 1972, and 1973. Entering the playoffs as the No. 4 seed, Indiana defeated Milwaukee, toppled top-seeded Cleveland, and secured victory over New York.
A remarkable turnaround characterized the Pacers’ journey, as their season began with a 10-15 record before they surged with a 40-17 finish. This feat places the Pacers among a select few teams to rebound from a slow start and reach the finals, joining Seattle (1977-78), St. Louis Hawks (1956-57), and Minneapolis Lakers (1958-59), though none claimed the championship.
“Our journey epitomizes basketball the Indiana way,” declared Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “This team has earned every bit of their success.”
The Thunder previously bested the Pacers in their regular season meetings, contributing to Oklahoma City’s dominant 29-1 record against Eastern Conference teams. However, they faced a setback, losing to Milwaukee in the NBA Cup final, a match excluded from regular standings.
The stage is set for an exciting finals dubbed the “Paul George finals,” despite the absence of George himself. Reflecting on George’s time in Oklahoma City, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault admired his impact, saying, “He wasn’t here long, but Paul’s tenure was extraordinary, leaving a lasting legacy.”