The NBA Finals are officially set to tip off Thursday night, with the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder each vying for their first championship in franchise history. Neither the Pacers nor the Thunder—since relocating to Oklahoma City—have captured an NBA title.
Heading into Game 1 in OKC, the Thunder are clear favorites. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Oklahoma City is listed at -650 to win the series.
While the Pacers have played the role of a team of destiny this postseason, the majority of analysts and fans appear to be backing the Thunder—including NBA and Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce.
Appearing on Fox Sports' "Speak" on Monday, Pierce predicted the Thunder would win the Finals and that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be named Finals MVP, ultimately cementing himself as the greatest player in Oklahoma City franchise history.
“A championship for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will not only make him the greatest Thunder,” Pierce said, “it ensures a statue at the tender age of 26. If you're gonna leave Oklahoma City after this year, best believe they're gonna put a statue up for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for giving OKC their first NBA championship—which I believe will happen.”
The Thunder ended the regular season with a league-best 68–14 record and have carried that dominance into the NBA Playoffs, most recently defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games to claim the Western Conference title.
Along the way, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has put together one of the most impressive individual seasons in recent memory. He’s already won the NBA MVP, the scoring title, and the Western Conference Finals MVP.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Hartenstein.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Now, he has the chance to tie it all together with the first championship of his career—and the first in Thunder franchise history. A Finals MVP would cap off a truly historic run for the 26-year-old two-way superstar.
“[Shai's] been unstoppable in these playoffs. He’s had an unbelievable run,” Pierce added. “He’s gonna sweep all of that. He’s gonna wake up after the championship and look at his trophy case and go: this, this, this, and this—all in one year.”