Headline: Showdown in OKC: Epic NBA Finals Battle Tied as Game 5 Beckons

As you prepare to return home, the series is knotted at 2-2.

The 2025 Finals have transitioned into a best-of-three scenario, with Game 5 set to take place tomorrow at 8:30 PM ET on ABC.

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**5 HIGHLIGHTS IN TODAY’S ISSUE 🏀**
**June 15, 2025**

**Back & Forth:** A look at how we arrived at Monday’s crucial Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

**All-Star Showdown:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton have both left their mark in each team’s victories.

**Key Contributors:** The supporting casts from both squads have played a vital role throughout the Finals.

**Game 4 Highlights:** Eight stunning images capturing the Thunder’s victory.

**Unforgettable:** How a heartbreaking defeat in 2013 spurred the Spurs to triumph in 2014.

**The Finals return to OKC…**

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**Live from OKC:** Ahead of Monday’s Game 5, both teams will practice and hold media sessions on Sunday. The NBA App will provide live updates starting at 1:30 PM ET.

**A Spectacular Comeback:** After sitting out five games due to a quadriceps injury, Caitlin Clark made an impressive return for Indiana on Saturday, scoring 32 points alongside seven three-pointers, leading the Fever to hand the defending champion Liberty their first loss of the WNBA season.

**Happy Father’s Day:** Can you identify the five father-son pairs that have each claimed an NBA championship as players? We’ll provide the answer below, but here’s a look at the greatest father-son duos in league history.

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1. **FINALS IN A TIE HEADING INTO A CRUCIAL GAME 5**

The Thunder and Pacers entered the 2025 NBA Finals as the league’s premier teams since January 1, with OKC at 53-13 and Indiana at 46-18, including regular season and playoff records.

Through four matches, they’ve proved their dominance.

What this year’s playoffs have made abundantly clear is that no lead is safe. Each team has demonstrated a knack for mounting comebacks from any deficit, with stars prepared to take charge during critical moments.

As the series stands at 2-2 after four games, the scene is primed for a best-of-three finish, starting with Monday’s Game 5 in Oklahoma City.

Historical context indicates that winning this game is crucial, as 74.2% of teams triumphing in Game 5 when tied at 2-2 in the Finals go on to secure the championship. Here are the five most recent Finals that were level at 2-2 before Game 5:

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2. **SUPERSTAR POINT GUARDS CLASH ON THE BIGGEST STAGE**

The highly awaited matchup between All-NBA point guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton has not disappointed.

Both players have significantly impacted their respective teams’ triumphs in this series.

This clash features two players who are traditionally outstanding, albeit with contrasting approaches.

As the importance of Game 5 looms, expect these stars to not just embrace the pressure but seek it out, striving to lead their team one step closer to their first championship.

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3. **ROLE PLAYERS STEPPING UP**

The spotlight of the Finals offers role players the chance to step into the limelight with memorable moments—a crucial shot, a game-defining steal, or a game-changing hustle play.

This year’s Finals have been no exception, as players beyond the stars have stepped up with significant contributions in high-pressure situations.

In the Pacers’ Game 3 win, the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd erupted with every steal made by beloved bench player T.J. McConnell, who set a record as the first substitute to achieve more than 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals in a Finals game.

He’s not the only Pacer who has stepped up in this series.

Oklahoma City has witnessed numerous players elevate their game to support their MVP in the quest for the title.

A new chance awaits in Game 5—who will rise to prominence on Monday night in Oklahoma City?

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4. **GAME 4 FRAMES: CAPTURING A SERIES-TYING RECOVERY**

Indiana fans have seen their Pacers pull off five double-digit comebacks this playoff season.

However, on Friday in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, it was the Thunder that made a late push to secure their fourth double-digit comeback of the postseason.

Before the series resumes tied at 2-2 in OKC on Monday, here are eight of our favorite images from the Thunder’s Game 4 victory.

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5. **UNFORGETTABLE: FROM HEARTBREAK TO TRIUMPH, SPURS CLAIM 2014 TITLE**

San Antonio’s path to the 2014 championship began with the heartache of losing the 2013 title.

Instead of attempting to escape that pain, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich embraced it and used it to challenge his players.

The Spurs finished the regular season with the best record at 62-20, overcame a seven-game battle against Dallas in the first round, defeated Portland in five games in the Western Semifinals, and overcame OKC in six games in the Western Finals to set up a rematch against the Heat.

After splitting the first two games in San Antonio, the Spurs took both games in Miami and returned home with a 3-1 lead, aiming to clinch the title and avenge the previous season’s loss on their home turf.

Let’s delve into the Spurs’ huddles and locker room to hear what Popovich communicated to his team as they secured the franchise’s fifth championship.

“Just remember, we have to do this together. The great part is we’ve got the whole night to overcome a poor start, but we need to do it by sticking to what we usually do.” – After the Spurs fell behind by 16 in the first quarter.

“We’re starting to look like we’re moving the ball better offensively. That’s all that has to be done on that end.” – As the Spurs began their comeback in the second quarter.

“We’re facing the back-to-back NBA champions, right? Keep pushing on now! Don’t let them back in!” – After building a double-digit lead in the third quarter.

“I’ve never been prouder of a team, nor have I ever derived as much satisfaction from a season throughout my coaching career. To see the resilience you all displayed in bouncing back from that devastating loss last year and putting yourselves back in contention while achieving what you did in the Finals is truly commendable. I can’t express how much that means.” – Addressing his team amid the celebration in a champagne-soaked Spurs locker room postgame.

**Trivia Answer:** Five father-son pairs have won NBA titles as players.