Dec 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) speaks to a tv reporter after his team defeated the Dallas Mavericks at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Feelings Clear About Indiana Pacers

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 4:07 PM ET

On Thursday night, the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder will play Game 1 of the NBA Finals (in Oklahoma).

Before the game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke about the Pacers.

Gilgeous-Alexander (h/t Clemente Almanza of OKC Thunder Wire): "I don’t think they’ve changed much. They were a really good team back then. They were on a roll back then. They’re on a roll now... Since January, us and them have the best records in the NBA. They've been playing good basketball... They're gonna be a tough opponent regardless."

SGA on the Pacers: “I don’t think they’ve changed much. They were a really good team back then. They were on a roll back then. They’re on a roll now. Since January, us and them have the best records in the NBA.” pic.twitter.com/9CfsnK5vhx
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 2, 2025

The Thunder were able to beat the Pacers in each of their two matchups during the regular season.

Via Underdog NBA: "NBA Finals stat comparison:

Fast break points/pg
OKC: 17.8 (1st in 2025 Playoffs)
IND: 15.5 (3rd)

Opp. fast break points/pg
OKC: 9.3 (1st)
IND: 9.4 (2nd)

Points off turnovers/pg
OKC: 23.8 (1st)
IND: 18.5 (2nd)

Opp. points off turnovers/pg
OKC: 12.6 (2nd)
IND: 12.5 (1st)"

NBA Finals stat comparison:

Fast break points/pg
OKC: 17.8 (1st in 2025 Playoffs)
IND: 15.5 (3rd)

Opp. fast break points/pg
OKC: 9.3 (1st)
IND: 9.4 (2nd)

Points off turnovers/pg
OKC: 23.8 (1st)
IND: 18.5 (2nd)

Opp. points off turnovers/pg
OKC: 12.6 (2nd)
IND: 12.5 (1st) pic.twitter.com/ss1BqmS2CY
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 2, 2025

The Pacers had a very unlikely run to the NBA Finals.

This is their first time reaching the Finals since the 2000 season when Hall of Famer Reggie Miller was still on the roster.

Via Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder: "Don’t care what anyone says.. Thunder vs Pacers is a great NBA Finals.

OKC has had one of the most dominant regular seasons and playoff runs in NBA history.

Indy rolled through the Bucks, the 64 win Cavs and a Knicks team that upset the Celtics.

These teams deserve to be here."

Don’t care what anyone says.. Thunder vs Pacers is a great NBA Finals.

OKC has had one of the most dominant regular seasons and playoff runs in NBA history.

Indy rolled through the Bucks, the 64 win Cavs and a Knicks team that upset the Celtics.

These teams deserve to be here.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) June 1, 2025

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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