'A lot closer than people think': NBA legend Magic Johnson fires off bold warning to Oklahoma City Thunder not to underestimate Indiana Pacers ahead of NBA Finals Game 1
Image viaWith the 2025 NBA Finals tipping off tonight in Oklahoma City, most of the basketball world is bracing for a Thunder takeover. Oklahoma City, led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, enters Game 1 as the overwhelming favorite against the Indiana Pacers.
But not everyone is buying into a quick and easy victory. Lakers legend Magic Johnson took to social media this week with a strong message — don't sleep on Indiana. In fact, he thinks the Finals could be much closer than anyone expects.
Magic
Johnson
issues blunt warning that Indiana Pacers aren't here to be just a footnote in
Oklahoma City Thunder
's NBA Finals story
Ahead of Thursday's Game 1 at the Paycom Center,
Magic Johnson
shared his thoughts on X, reminding fans and analysts alike that the Indiana Pacers are not to be underestimated. 'The Pacers vs. OKC Series will be a lot closer than people think!' Johnson wrote.
'It'll be a truly exciting series because both the Pacers and the Thunder average well over 100 points per game ranking 2nd and 3rd for ppg in the NBA respectively while still being two of the best defensive teams in basketball.
'
Image via X
Johnson also highlighted Indiana's proven resilience away from home. 'The
Oklahoma City Thunder
should be worried about Indiana because the
Pacers
have been a great road team in this year's Playoffs,' he said. That's not an exaggeration — Indiana beat the Milwaukee Bucks on the road in the first round, took three games in Cleveland against the No.
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1 seeded Cavaliers, and won twice at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks in the East Finals.
Image via X
While Oklahoma City has been dominant at home — 8-1 in the playoffs with an average margin of victory close to 28 points — Johnson believes Indiana's grit can't be ignored. It's a contrast that sets up what he sees as a tightly contested Finals rather than a blowout.
Magic Johnson calls Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs.
Tyrese Haliburton
one of the greatest point guard matchups in NBA Finals history
Magic didn't stop at team comparisons. He also weighed in on the marquee matchup at point guard, calling it one of the best duels in recent memory. 'You have the NBA MVP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
and, in my opinion, the MVP throughout the entire Western Conference Playoffs on one side. On the other side we have
Tyrese Haliburton
, who in my opinion, was Eastern Conference MVP throughout the entire Playoffs,' he posted. 'This will be an all-time great point guard matchup!'
Image via X
Despite his current praise for Oklahoma City, Johnson admitted he wasn't always a believer.
Earlier this postseason, he publicly apologized to the Thunder and GM Sam Presti for underestimating their ability to contend for a title. 'I didn't think they were ready,' Johnson said. 'But they've proven me wrong.'
Also Read:
LeBron James raves about Tyrese Haliburton ahead of Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Finals for first-ever NBA title
When the NBA Finals tip off tonight in Oklahoma City, many fans may still expect a dominant Thunder performance. But according to Magic Johnson, the Pacers deserve a lot more respect. From their battle-tested road record to Haliburton's leadership, Indiana has every intention of making this a real series, not just a formality. Whether Johnson's prediction holds true or not, one thing's certain: this Finals matchup is far from a foregone conclusion.
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