The NBA Finals Will Look Different—But Don’t Expect Less Drama
This year’s NBA Finals will look a little different from years past. Instead of the traditional powerhouses—the Lakers, Celtics, Knicks, or Warriors—the spotlight now shines on two of the league’s smallest markets. But don’t mistake a lack of big brands for a lack of big-time basketball. The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder bring contrasting, high-level styles of play, led by superstar point guards Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who embody team-first cultures that allow their teammates to thrive.
Photo Cred: ESPN
This Finals matchup represents the Midwest: gritty, unselfish, system-driven basketball. Both teams play with pace and purpose. The Pacers lean into offensive efficiency and relentless ball movement, while the Thunder are defined by elite defense, transition scoring, and a versatile, positionless attack. Here’s a look at how each franchise built its identity—and what it might mean when they clash for the championship.
Indiana Pacers: Offense in Full Motion
Indiana’s two biggest stars weren’t homegrown—they arrived via bold trades. Tyrese Haliburton, the face of the franchise, was acquired from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis. The Kings may have seen regular-season improvement since the trade, but Indiana has had the deeper postseason run. Haliburton, a pass-first floor general, has averaged 19.2 points and 9.8 assists over the past two seasons, transforming the Pacers’ offense into one of the league’s most dynamic.
The other star, Pascal Siakam, came from Toronto after the Raptors entered a rebuild. Indiana gave up three first-round picks but no players, clearing cap space by parting ways with veterans like Bruce Brown. Siakam—now Eastern Conference Finals MVP—has seamlessly fit alongside Haliburton, giving the Pacers a powerful one-two punch.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
Complementing this star duo is a carefully assembled core. Myles Turner, drafted 11th overall in 2015, has evolved into a modern All-Star center who spaces the floor and protects the rim. Benedict Mathurin, selected in 2022, brings physicality and scoring punch off the bench. Fellow 2022 draftee Andrew Nembhard, originally seen as a pure point guard, has flourished as a combo guard next to Haliburton.
General Manager Chad Buchanan has consistently made savvy moves. The Malcolm Brogdon trade brought in Aaron Nesmith, a sharpshooter and defensive ace who’s now a two-way starter and clutch performer—he buried the Knicks with a fourth-quarter three-point barrage in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Nesmith’s $33 million extension in 2023 is considered one of the league’s best-value deals. Buchanan also added Obi Toppin and veteran sparkplug T.J. McConnell, who lead a high-energy second unit.
Head coach Rick Carlisle has unleashed a beautiful, high-tempo offense based on spacing, movement, and shot creation. The Pacers lead the league in effective field goal percentage, assist ratio, and play at the third-fastest pace—only behind the Thunder and one other team. In the playoffs, Nembhard, Nesmith, Turner, and Siakam are all shooting over 40% from three, while Haliburton continues to deliver in crunch time. Indiana has made a habit of late-game comebacks, stunning the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks with explosive fourth quarters. No lead is safe against the Pacers, whose relentless offense turns deficits into demoralizing defeats.
Expect fireworks. Indiana’s Finals appearance may not come with Hollywood lights, but their play has all the makings of an offensive masterpiece.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Built Through Patience, Fueled by Defense
The Oklahoma City Thunder may be the NBA’s best example of long-term planning done right. The Paul George trade to the Clippers will go down as one of the most lopsided deals in NBA history—OKC landed current MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, veteran Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks, and multiple pick swaps. With more draft capital through 2031, General Manager Sam Presti has set up a dynasty pipeline, whether via trade or the draft.
OKC’s second star, Jalen Williams, was a 2022 draft gem. After earning All-Rookie honors, Williams blossomed into an All-Star and All-NBA Third Team selection this season. A two-way wing with size, athleticism, and skill, Williams is a matchup nightmare and the perfect running mate for SGA. Then there’s Chet Holmgren. Drafted second overall in 2022, the seven-foot unicorn missed his rookie year due to injury but has made an immediate impact this season.
With guard-like skills in a center’s frame, Holmgren offers rim protection, floor spacing, and playmaking—giving OKC stars at every position. Around them is a well-constructed, defensive-minded roster. Lu Dort, once an undrafted prospect, is now one of the league’s premier stoppers, earning All-Defensive First Team honors. Nicknamed the “Dorture Chamber,” his ability to shut down opposing stars is unmatched. Rookie Cason Wallace has quickly become a playoff contributor, defending and spacing the floor.
Photo Cred: Forbes
Veteran Alex Caruso brings championship pedigree and glue-guy energy, seamlessly blending into OKC’s scheme. He shoots over 40% from deep and defends multiple positions. Isaiah Hartenstein, acquired from the Knicks, offers rebounding and physicality to complement Holmgren’s finesse. Sharpshooter Isaiah Joe and slasher Aaron Wiggins round out a deep rotation filled with two-way contributors.
Defense is where OKC truly shines. They own the NBA’s best defensive rating, holding opponents to contested looks and forcing turnovers with relentless energy. Their pressure often leads to fastbreaks and transition points—turning tight games into blowouts. They’ve recorded multiple 30- and 40-point playoff wins, including series victories over the Nuggets and Timberwolves.
Offensively, the Thunder embrace positionless basketball. Under head coach Mark Daigneault, OKC executes a drive-and-kick system where any player can create offense. The result is constant movement, open threes, and smart shot selection. They rank third in offensive rating, complementing their No. 1 defense—a rare and lethal combination. Their 68-win season wasn’t a fluke; it was a warning.
