NBA Finals begin with Thunder hosting underdog Pacers in battle of small markets

NBA Finals begin with Thunder hosting underdog Pacers in battle of small markets

Indiana seeks 1st NBA championship against top-seeded Oklahoma City team that posted league's best defensive rating

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, #2, drives to the basket beside Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, #0, during the second quarter at Paycom Center. (Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images)

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, #0, makes a choke motion towards the New York Knicks after hitting a shot at the end of the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference final on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in New York City. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, #2, and forward Chet Holmgren, #7, celebrate after a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter during game two of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. (Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images)