The 2025 NBA playoffs culminated in an unexpected showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers in the Finals, starting Thursday in Oklahoma City. The Thunder, led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, enjoyed a strong regular season and home-court advantage, while the Pacers, with star players Tyreese Halliburton and Pascal Siakam, were viewed as underdogs after a difficult start to the season.
Both teams faced rigorous playoff challenges: the Thunder battled through a dramatic Game 7 against the Nuggets and experienced a major loss to the Timberwolves, while the Pacers made a surprising run by defeating the top-seeded Cavaliers and overcoming the Knicks. Their respective playoff styles emerged, with Oklahoma City emphasizing strong defense and Indiana relying on high-scoring offense.
Key players for the Thunder include Gilgeous-Alexander, whose journey to MVP status has been marked by ups and downs, and defenders like Lu Dort and Jalen Williams. The Pacers depend heavily on Halliburton’s playmaking and Siakam’s interior presence. Expectations are high for both teams as they vie for the championship, with their success likely resting on the performances of their star guards.
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