Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Full Highlights

Indiana Pacers return to the 2025 NBA Finals after 25 years, with an entire city rallying behind their team. Indianapolis is living the Pacers' return to the NBA Finals with passion and excitement, as they now face the Oklahoma City Thunder in a historic series that has reignited hope throughout the state.

Gainbridge Fieldhouse has become the epicenter of basketball fever in Indiana — a state where the sport is practically a religion. “In 49 states it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana,” said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, quoting one of the most iconic phrases of the Hoosier State after clinching their Finals berth.

While Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are taking the WNBA by storm, fans of the men’s game are celebrating the success of a Pacers team that has stormed through the Eastern Conference with epic comebacks and a fast-paced, high-octane style of play.

Despite owning three ABA titles, the Indiana Pacers are still chasing their first NBA championship. Their only previous trip to the Finals came in 2000, when Reggie Miller and company fell to the Los Angeles Lakers led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.

Hours before tipoff of their first home game, downtown Indianapolis was buzzing. The streets around Gainbridge Fieldhouse were filled with yellow and blue jerseys as fans gathered in the warm afternoon, many enjoying the atmosphere from nearby bar patios.

Tyrese Haliburton was the undisputed fan favorite. His game-winning shot with just 0.3 seconds left in Game 1 instantly turned him into a local hero, and his number 0 jersey was everywhere among the crowd.

Despite the sea of yellow, a few brave Oklahoma City Thunder fans were also spotted, proudly wearing their blue jerseys and cheering for their team — small blue dots in the heart of Indiana’s basketball storm.