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4 days ago
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Oklahoma City Thunder bold predictions for 2025 NBA Finals vs. Pacers
The post Oklahoma City Thunder bold predictions for 2025 NBA Finals vs. Pacers appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Oklahoma City Thunder are back where their fans have long dreamed they'd be: the NBA Finals. For the first time since 2012, OKC is set to battle for the championship. This will cap off one of the most remarkable seasons in recent NBA history. The Thunder flexed their might in the Western Conference Finals, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5 to clinch the series and punch their ticket to the Finals. Thunder So Far Of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Thunder fans will remember how the team was blown out in Game 3, losing 143-101 to Minnesota. That was a rare 40-plus-point defeat that usually spells doom for a team's playoff hopes. Not for this Thunder squad, though. They became only the third team in NBA history to lose a playoff game by 40 or more points and still win the series. That resilience defines this team. Recall that before the 2024-25 season tipped off, the Thunder were the league's youngest squad. They averaged just over 24 years of age. Despite their youth, they surged to 68 wins during the regular season and now stand four victories away from a championship. Their 2024-25 campaign showed maturity and dominance that belie their age. Advertisement As they prepare to face the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, here are four bold predictions for what lies ahead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Will Continue His Playoff Scoring Surge The Kia MVP has been nothing short of sensational this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring during the regular season. He averaged 32.7 points per game, and his offensive brilliance has carried into the postseason. Through 16 playoff games, SGA ranks second among active players in playoff scoring at 29.9 points per game. Of course, SGA is far from a one-dimensional scorer. He put up 6.4 assists per game during the regular season and has averaged 6.9 assists per game in the playoffs. His ability to create for himself and others has kept defenses guessing. Advertisement SGA already has 10 playoff games this year with at least 30 points and five assists. He needs just two more to surpass the NBA record for most such games in a single postseason since 1963. Given the magnitude of the Finals stage and Indiana's defensive focus, expect Gilgeous-Alexander to rise to the occasion once again. Look for him to average over 30 points per game in the Finals while continuing to facilitate for his teammates. That should solidify his status as the game's brightest young superstar. Jalen Williams Will Be On Fire Sure, much of the spotlight has (rightfully) been on SGA. However, Jalen Williams has also been a vital piece of Oklahoma City's playoff puzzle. Known for his defensive prowess and playmaking ability, Williams has averaged 5.3 assists in the playoffs. That's second only to Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder. However, his scoring and shooting have been inconsistent. Williams is hitting just 31.8 percent from beyond the arc during the playoffs. In fact, he's had three games with fewer than 15 points. Still, his overall impact remains undeniable. There's every reason to believe he's poised for a breakout series. Advertisement Facing an Indiana defense that will be heavily preoccupied with slowing down SGA, Williams will have ample opportunities to exploit mismatches and capitalize on open looks. Expect his three-point percentage to rise closer to his career average of 38.2 percent in the Finals. With those clean looks, Williams should deliver consistent 20-point performances throughout the series. He should become the X-factor that Indiana struggles to contain. OKC Will Dominate the Battle of the Bigs One of the most critical matchups in this Finals series will be in the paint. That's where Oklahoma City holds a significant advantage. Rising star Chet Holmgren and midseason acquisition Isaiah Hartenstein have formed a dynamic frontcourt duo that has controlled the glass throughout the postseason. Holmgren, despite his slight frame, has showcased remarkable instincts, timing, and length. These have allowed him to grab crucial rebounds and protect the rim effectively. For his part, Hartenstein was brought in specifically for this playoff push. He has delivered as a steady enforcer in the paint, capable of pulling down double-digit boards on any given night. Advertisement In contrast, Indiana's frontcourt has its vulnerabilities. Myles Turner has not been dominant rebounder, and the Pacers lack a reliable backup presence inside. Pascal Siakam has been awesome but averages a modest 5.8 rebounds per game. If Indiana hopes to match OKC's energy and physicality on the boards, it will require an all-hands-on-deck effort. That's a tall order against a Thunder team that takes pride in winning the hustle plays. Expect Holmgren and Hartenstein to control the boards and neutralize Indiana's second-chance opportunities. That will give OKC a consistent edge in possessions throughout the series. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images OKC Wins the Series and SGA Hoists Finals MVP The Pacers are undoubtedly a fun story and an easy team to root for. Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as one of the league's premier playmakers. Rick Carlisle remains one of the NBA's most respected tacticians. Indiana's up-tempo, ball-movement-heavy offense is a joy to watch. That said, this is where their Cinderella run ends. Advertisement The Thunder have been historically dominant this season. Beyond their 68-14 regular-season record, they have set multiple playoff marks including the most wins by 30 or more points in a single postseason. They are also 8-1 at home in the playoffs, with an average margin of victory of 27.9 points. Their ability to overwhelm opponents early in games and sustain leads has been their calling card. Expect OKC to come out of the gates strong in Games 1 and 2, putting Indiana on its heels from the outset. Yes, the Pacers may steal a game or two on their home court. That said, the depth, versatility, and sheer firepower of the Thunder will ultimately prove too much. The Thunder simply have too many ways to win. In the end, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will stand center stage, hoisting both the Larry O'Brien Trophy and the Finals MVP award. That will cement his ascent to the NBA's elite and ushering in what could be the start of a Thunder dynasty. Final Prediction: Thunder in 5 While Indiana has proven to be resilient and fearless, Oklahoma City's overwhelming talent, defensive discipline, and statistical dominance will carry them to a fairly comfortable series win. The Thunder will dispatch the Pacers in five games, celebrating their first NBA title since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City. The 2025 NBA Finals won't just be a crowning moment for the Thunder—it may very well be the beginning of an era.
NBC Sports
23-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Another big Shai Gilgeous-Alexander game, another third-quarter run earns Thunder Game 2
Minnesota played better in Game 2. Anthony Edwards was much more himself attacking downhill, he shot 8-of-12 in the paint on his way to 32 points for the night. In the first half, Minnesota's bench was 7-of-12 for 19 points, and as a team the Wolves hit nine 3-pointers before the break. Minnesota looked much improved, yet at the half the Timberwolves still had a 106.4 offensive rating (10 points below their season average) and trailed by 8. Then in the third quarter the Thunder took control. Just like in Game 1. Their pressure defense forced five Timberwolves turnovers, OKC got 12 points off those and went on a 19-6 run, and by the end of three, Minnesota was down 22 and trying to play catch-up. Cason ↗️ Chet ↘️ 💥💥💥 They couldn't. Minnesota got as close as 10, but the game was never in doubt, and the Timberwolves were more frustrated than anything. Jaden McDaniels shoves Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ' I just wanted to foul him for real. I wasn't even mad I just had fouls to use,' Jade McDaniels said of the foul, which was ruled a Flagrant 1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked every bit the MVP with 38 points and eight assists and Oklahoma City held on for the 118-103 win. Oklahoma City now has a 2-0 series lead, with Game 3 Saturday night in Minnesota. Gilgeous-Alexander's 38 points was his fifth straight game with 30+ points these playoffs, becoming the only Thunder player to accomplish that (which is impressive and maybe a little surprising considering the Thunder's history and who came through there). SHAI SHINES ON #KiaMVP CELEBRATION NIGHT!! ⚡️ 38 PTS ⚡️ 8 AST ⚡️ 3 STL Receives the Michael Jordan trophy and takes a 2-0 series lead in the West Finals 🏆 From the opening tip, Minnesota's plan of attack was clear: Attack the rim to try and open things up, get 3-point attempts on kick outs (not settling for them as happened in Game 1). On those 3s the Timberwolves were 5-of-10 in the first quarter, keeping the game tight, despite shooting 3-of-14 inside the arc to open the game. The Timberwolves' ball movement was better. OKC starting the game 1-of-8 from 3 in the first quarter helped. Things changed in the second half of the third quarter when Oklahoma City figured out the Minnesota zone, forced turnovers and went on the run that changed the game. Jalen Williams finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Chet Holmgren added 22 points for OKC. JDUB & CHET HELP SURGE the THUNDER to a 2-0 SERIES LEAD ⛈️ Jalen: 26 PTS | 10 REB | 5 AST Chet: 22 PTS | 4 REB Game 3: Saturday, 5/24 at 8:30pm/et on ABC McDaniels finished with 22 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a strong game with 17 points off the bench. Through two games, the Thunder have looked much the better team. Minnesota needs to find a way to flip that in 48 hours, or this series will be all but over.
