Oklahoma City Thunder Reach First NBA Finals Since 2012

The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as overwhelming favorites in the 2025 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers, boasting a historic 68-win regular season and the second-best net rating in NBA history, trailing only the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. Led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and guided by coach Mark Daigneault, the Thunder have demonstrated dominant defense and consistent playoff performances, including decisive victories over teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets. The Pacers, while talented with stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, face a tough challenge against Oklahoma City's robust defense and deeper roster. This Finals matchup guarantees a new NBA champion, as neither the Pacers nor the Thunder have won a title since the franchise relocated or were established, marking the seventh consecutive season with a different champion—a new league record. The Thunder's success is also attributed to general manager Sam Presti, who has been compared to the architect of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty, skillfully assembling a team through savvy drafts and trades. With such a strong foundation, the Thunder are poised to potentially win their first championship since moving from Seattle, while the Pacers aim to break through for their inaugural title.