Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will lead the "Oklahoma City Thunder" into an unexpected NBA Finals matchup against Tyrese Haliburton's "Indiana Pacers" starting June 6. The league MVP faces his biggest challenge yet in a finals series few predicted when the playoffs began.
"I'm ready to show what we can do on the biggest stage," Gilgeous-Alexander might say heading into the championship series. "Everyone doubted if small-market teams could make it here."
The finals features a fascinating contrast between offensive firepower and defensive excellence. The Thunder emerged as favorites after posting the best regular season record and cruising through the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Pacers shocked the basketball world by conquering the East despite limited expectations.
At the center of this showdown are two dynamic playmakers with contrasting styles. SGA averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5 rebounds during the regular season. His playoff numbers (30-6-7) put him in elite company with Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokić as the only players to reach those marks en route to the finals.
Haliburton counters with his chaotic yet increasingly precise approach. His 32-point, 15-assist, zero-turnover performance in the Eastern Conference Finals demonstrated his dual threat as scorer and facilitator. The Pacers guard posted 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per game in the regular season, increasing to 19 points and 10 assists in the playoffs.
Interestingly, both franchises rebuilt through smart drafting and trading. The Thunder acquired SGA plus five first-round picks in the Paul George trade, while the Pacers eventually turned their George return (Domantas Sabonis) into Haliburton.
"Indiana" boasts one of the NBA's fastest and most efficient offenses, averaging 117 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs. They've accomplished this while maintaining excellent ball security—their 13.1% turnover rate ranked third-best in the regular season.
By contrast, "Oklahoma City" excels defensively, holding opponents to a league-best 104.7 points per 100 possessions. Their defensive arsenal includes Lu Dort (possibly their best defender), Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, and rim protectors Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren.
A concerning trend for the Pacers? They averaged just 105.7 points against the Thunder during regular season matchups with Haliburton on the floor—well below their usual output.
Despite representing smaller markets, this finals promises plenty of intrigue. The Pacers bring additional weapons in Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and Myles Turner who could make this series unpredictable.
Will Oklahoma City's defensive prowess contain Indiana's high-octane offense? Or can Haliburton's creative playmaking find cracks in the Thunder's armor? This clash of small-market success stories might just deliver the most compelling finals in recent memory.
