NBA Finals 2025: Thunder vs. Pacers – The End of the Cinderella Story
The stage is set for the 2025 NBA Finals: a surprising Eastern Conference champion in the Indiana Pacers faces off against the powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder. It’s a classic David vs. Goliath matchup—only this time, Goliath may be too strong, too deep, and too rested for the underdog to overcome.
The Pacers’ Magical Run
The Pacers have been the story of the postseason. After knocking off the favored Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, Indiana’s improbable run has captured the imagination of fans. Tyrese Haliburton has blossomed into a bonafide superstar, averaging double-digit assists while hitting clutch shots night after night. Pascal Siakam has added experience and scoring. Role players like Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard, and Obi Toppin have stepped up in big moments.
But while the Pacers have been fearless, they now face the most complete team in the NBA.
Thunder Rolling with Momentum and Talent
The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the playoffs as the top seed in the Western Conference, and they’ve lived up to the billing. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off winning his first MVP award, has elevated his game to a transcendent level. His poise, pace, and scoring versatility make him a nightmare matchup for any defense.
And he’s not alone. Jalen Williams is one of the most polished and versatile wings in the league. Chet Holmgren protects the rim, spaces the floor, and does all the little things. Isaiah Hartenstein adds physicality inside, and Lu Dort remains one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.
Oklahoma City has depth, experience beyond their years, and the benefit of playing through a gauntlet in the West. They dispatched the defending champion Nuggets in 7 games, then handled the Timberwolves in 6. This is a team that has been tested and is now peaking at the right time.
Why the Thunder Win in 5
The Pacers will fight—they’ve done it all postseason—but the Thunder are a different caliber. Oklahoma City’s defensive versatility, ability to switch, and elite ball movement will create problems Indiana hasn’t faced yet.
Indiana’s offense, often reliant on Haliburton’s creativity, could struggle against the relentless on-ball pressure of Lu Dort and company. And while Siakam has been solid, matching up against Holmgren and Hartenstein will be a much tougher task than what he faced in the East.
The Thunder simply have too much firepower and too many answers. They can win with pace, they can grind in the halfcourt, and they defend as a unit.
Expect the Pacers to steal one game—likely at home behind a heroic Haliburton performance—but the Thunder’s balance and top-end talent will prevail.
Prediction: Thunder in 5
This has been a storybook run for the Indiana Pacers, but the final chapter ends with Oklahoma City raising the Larry O’Brien Trophy. With an MVP in SGA, rising stars around him, and a cohesive, confident team identity, the Thunder are ready to finish the job and establish themselves as the NBA’s next great dynasty.