OKC Thunder, led by SGA, are Finals bound vs. Pacers in June 2025! After a 68-14 season, the healthy Thunder practiced June 2. Get insights for Game 1!
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the cusp of history, folks! After a dominant season and a thrilling playoff run, our boys in blue are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. Today, June 2nd, was all about preparation and focus as the team hit the practice court, with Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers looming large on Thursday, June 5th. The atmosphere is electric, and the message is clear: this team is ready to bring a championship home.
When you're having fun with things you give it your all and you excel at it because you enjoy it. - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Paycom Center was buzzing today as the Thunder held a high-energy practice. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, defensive stalwart Lu Dort, and Head Coach Mark Daigneault all addressed the media, radiating confidence and a calm focus. SGA perfectly captured the team's spirit, emphasizing their unity and enjoyment of the journey. Coach Daigneault spoke about the team's growth throughout this incredible 68-14 season and their readiness for the ultimate challenge. The best news? No injuries reported, and the entire squad was present and accounted for, gearing up for the Pacers.
Let's not forget how we got here. The Thunder, finishing as the No. 1 overall seed, absolutely steamrolled through the Western Conference, dispatching the Minnesota Timberwolves in a swift five games. This team didn't just win; they dominated, setting a record for the most 30-point wins in a single playoff run. With SGA leading the charge and All-Defensive talents like Lu Dort and Jalen Williams locking down opponents, OKC has been a force to be reckoned with. Now, they stand four wins away from their first-ever NBA title.
The Indiana Pacers, led by the dynamic Tyrese Haliburton and the experienced Pascal Siakam, won't be an easy out. They boast the second-best offensive efficiency in these playoffs and have proven their resilience. However, the Thunder swept the Pacers in the regular season, and our combination of elite defense and potent offense gives us a strong edge. This Finals matchup guarantees a first-time NBA champion, adding another layer of excitement to an already historic series.
Looking at the postseason stats, it's clear why the Thunder are here. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been sensational, averaging 27.8 points and 6.0 assists. Isaiah Hartenstein has been a beast on the boards with 8.8 rebounds per game. On the defensive end, Alex Caruso is a menace, leading with 2.2 steals, while Chet Holmgren has been a paint protector extraordinaire, averaging 2.8 blocks. These individual performances, combined with elite team metrics, paint a picture of a well-oiled machine firing on all cylinders.
The excitement isn't just in the arena; it's all over social media. The Thunder's official channels were buzzing today with behind-the-scenes practice footage, player interviews, and hype videos. SGA and Lu Dort were front and center, with posts highlighting the team's incredible journey, the unwavering support of Thunder Nation, and the historic opportunity that lies ahead. The city is ready, the fans are hyped, and the team is feeling the love.
The stage is set, Thunder Nation! Game 1 against the Pacers tips off on Thursday, June 5th, right here in OKC. The energy is palpable, the team is locked in, and a city is dreaming of its first NBA Championship. Get ready, because this is going to be a Finals series for the ages!
