Indiana Pacers Make Major Decision Before NBA Finals vs. OKC Thunder

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zachary Rainey | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 6:05 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder are preparing to host the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals. For the Thunder, it's their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. For the Pacers, it's their first trip back since 2000.

Both teams lost in their previous trip to the NBA Finals, the Thunder to LeBron James and the Miami Heat. As for the Pacers, they fell to Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Indiana Pacers make major decision before NBA Finals

In the Hoosier State, basketball is more than a sport. It's a way of life. Fans all around the state will be rooting for their team to take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Ahead of Game 1, the Pacers demonstrated their commitment to their team when WISH-TV sports anchor Anthony Calhoun made a critical announcement.

"I'm told the Pacers are chartering a plane for all full-time employees to attend the NBA Finals Game 1 and Game 2 to support the team against the Thunder in OKC," Calhoun posted on X.

NEW: I’m told the Pacers are chartering a plane for all full-time employees to attend the #NBAFinals Game 1 and Game 2 to support the team against the Thunder in OKC.

This is OUTSTANDING @WISHNews8
— Anthony Calhoun (@ACwishtv) June 2, 2025

The Pacers have had a tough road to the NBA Finals. While some will point to them facing teams with injuries to key players, they've taken care of business and deserve credit for making it this far.

As for the Thunder, they've continued to display the dominance we saw from them in the regular season, when they finished with the best record in the NBA. Outside of their series against the Denver Nuggets, the Thunder haven't really been challenged in these playoffs.

They completed a gentleman's sweep of the Minnesota Timberwolves to get here. With the Larry O'Brien Trophy in their sights, the Thunder are the heavy favorite to take home the hardware and raise a banner.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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