### Thunder and Pacers Ready for an Epic Showdown in 2025 NBA Finals

The 2025 NBA playoffs have been a spectacular event etched into basketball history with unexpected outcomes, significant comebacks, and traditional powerhouses faltering. Now, the postseason crescendo pits the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Indiana Pacers in a highly anticipated best-of-seven NBA Finals series. Both teams have endured arduous paths to reach this pinnacle, promising a riveting contest for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

The Finals kick off with Game 1 in Oklahoma City on Thursday, thanks to the Thunder's superior regular-season record, securing them the home-court advantage. The entire series will be live on ABC, with the schedule as follows:
- Game 1: Pacers @ Thunder, Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET
- Game 2: Pacers @ Thunder, Sunday at 8 p.m. ET
- Game 3: Thunder @ Pacers, June 11 at 8:30 p.m. ET
- Game 4: Thunder @ Pacers, June 13 at 8:30 p.m. ET
- Game 5 (if needed): Pacers @ Thunder, June 16 at 8:30 p.m. ET
- Game 6 (if needed): Thunder @ Pacers, June 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET
- Game 7 (if needed): Pacers @ Thunder, June 22 at 8 p.m. ET

Oklahoma City Thunder enjoyed a stellar regular season, dominating the Western Conference standings and being considered frontrunners for the championship. Central to their success is this season's MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, backed by a robust lineup of role players who have consistently risen to the occasion.

The Indiana Pacers, in stark contrast, had a regular season that was far less spectacular, never posing a threat to the top seeds in the Eastern Conference. They were below .500 as recently as January. Despite this, their star players, Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, have driven them to unexpected playoff victories, defying all early predictions for postseason glory.

Both teams have faced significant challenges on their way to the Finals. The Thunder were pushed to a Game 7 by the Denver Nuggets in the semifinals and rebounded from a severe 42-point defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. The Pacers’ journey included a stunning second-round upset of top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers and an unforgettable Eastern Conference Finals victory over the New York Knicks.

Oklahoma City's defensive prowess has been a defining feature, with standout performers like Lu Dort and Jalen Williams, both named to the All-NBA Defensive teams, anchoring their rearguard. Chet Holmgren’s timely blocks and Alex Caruso’s defensive efforts against Nikola Jokić in the Nuggets series further highlight their depth.

Conversely, Indiana’s high-octane offense, orchestrated by Haliburton’s precise passing and Siakam’s physical presence inside, has been their winning formula. Under the veteran guidance of head coach Rick Carlisle, who led the Dallas Mavericks to an unexpected title in 2011, the Pacers aim to continue their unlikely journey to championship glory.

As the Thunder look to capitalize on their league-best home record, and the Pacers aim to keep producing magic moments, the stage is set for an electrifying series that basketball fans won’t want to miss.