The Indiana Pacers are gearing up for a thrilling NBA Finals appearance, where they will face the powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder. While the Pacers enter the series as underdogs, star point guard Tyrese Haliburton isn’t letting that dampen his confidence—or his team’s spirit.
“We know what people are saying, but as long as everyone in this locker room believes, anything is possible,” said Haliburton. “We’re excited for this challenge. We’re facing a phenomenal team, but we’ve earned our place here.”
Haliburton : Pacers Defy Expectations on Their Way to the Finals
Coming into the playoffs as the No. 4 seed from the Eastern Conference, Indiana Pacers were never considered top contenders. However, they’ve shocked critics and fans alike with a strong postseason run, posting an impressive 12-4 playoff record heading into the Finals.
The Pacers began their Cinderella journey by taking down the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 in the opening round. Then, they stunned the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, again with a dominant 4-1 series victory. In the Eastern Conference Finals, they finished the job by overpowering the New York Knicks 4-2, booking their ticket to the championship round for the first time in 25 years.
Thunder Pose a Formidable Challenge
The Pacers now face a different beast in the Oklahoma City Thunder—the best team in the NBA regular season, boasting a remarkable 68-14 record, the highest in franchise history. Their playoff journey has been just as commanding. OKC swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, survived a grueling 7-game series against the defending champion Denver Nuggets, and dismantled the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 to capture the Western Conference title.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—this season’s NBA MVP and Western Conference Finals MVP—leading the charge, the Thunder are widely favored to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2025. Their dominance, talent, and experience have made them the team to beat.
Haliburton: Underdog Role is a Source of Motivation
Despite the odds, Haliburton welcomes the underdog role, embracing the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. The two-time NBA All-Star believes the lack of pressure will actually help his team play more freely and with greater energy.
“Let the analysts count us out—that’s fine,” Haliburton said. “We’d rather fly under the radar. That’s when we’re at our best. We’ve worked hard to be here, and we’re going to enjoy every second of it. This series is going to be fun.”
The Pacers last reached the NBA Finals in 2000, where they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in a six-game series. The upcoming showdown against the Thunder marks only their second Finals appearance since joining the NBA in 1976 after the ABA-NBA merger.
While thе Pасеrѕ hаvеn’t won аn NBA tіtlе уеt, they boast thrее ABA championships (1970, 1972, and 1973). Now, the franchise is just four wins away from capturing its first-ever NBA championship, a moment that would rewrite the team’s history books.
NBA Finals 2025: Schedule and Outlook
Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals tips off in just two days at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Thе Thunder, who ѕwерt the regular ѕеаѕоn series 2-0 аgаіnѕt Indіаnа, hold thе hоmе-соurt аdvаntаgе.
Yet, as the Pacers have proven throughout the playoffs, past results don’t dictate future outcomes. With Haliburton leading the charge, supported by head coach Rick Carlisle’s veteran leadership, Indiana is ready to rise to the occasion.
ALSO READ :
