Pacers, Thunder Seek First NBA Title in Finals

The Indiana Pacers advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000 after defeating the New York Knicks in Game 6, with Pascal Siakam named Eastern Conference Finals MVP. The Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are heavy favorites after sweeping the season series and dominating the Western Conference en route to their second Finals appearance. This is the first NBA Finals since the luxury tax was introduced in which neither team is a tax-payer, and it guarantees a first-time champion since 2006 as both franchises seek their inaugural title. The Thunder and Pacers reached the Finals via different paths, with Oklahoma City favored and Indiana overcoming adversity as underdogs. Off the court, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has become a fan-favorite during the Pacers’ playoff run, with her attendance coinciding with an undefeated record and sparking broader cultural and financial impacts, including increased attention in sports-related crypto markets. The Finals begin Thursday in Oklahoma City and will air on ABC.