The Oklahoma City Thunder are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. They'll hope this trip goes better than the last one, when they fell to LeBron James and the Miami Heat in five games.
There was a lot of hope that the young Thunder team featuring Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden would be able to defeat Miami, especially after they took a 1-0 lead. But Miami proved to be too much to overcome, as they won the next four games.
Aaron Nesmith
Mar 29, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) fight for control of the ball during the second half at Paycom Center.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Jalen Williams has clear message after NBA Finals berth
This team is different than the 2012 team. While they have a superstar leading them in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team camaraderie and level of defensive prowess are off the charts.
Jalen Williams has been an essential part of the Thunder's success. During the playoffs, Williams is averaging 19.5 points per game and has continued to show how valuable he is on the defensive end of the floor.
Ahead of the Thunder's matchup with the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, Jalen Williams sent a clear message on his Instagram.
"Your boos don't mean anything to me, I've seen what you people cheer for..."
The Thunder will host the first two games as the NBA's No. 1 overall seed before the series shifts back to Indiana. Fans in the Hoosier State love their basketball and the Pacers are no exception.
The Pacers haven't been to the NBA Finals since 2000 when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers led by Shaquille O'Neal. Gainbridge Fieldhouse will certainly be rocking when the NBA Finals come back to town.