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Two stars. Two cities. Two more victories to crown a champion.
With the Finals locked at 2-2, a crucial Game 5 gets underway tonight at 8:30 ET (ABC).
5 HIGHLIGHTS IN TODAY’S EDITION 🏀
June 16, 2025
Game 5 Overview: “We’re considering this a fresh start, like a Game 1”
Defensive Strategies: Analyzing how each side is undermining the other’s dynamic offense
Voices from OKC: SGA, JDub, and the Thunder embrace the Final stage
Voices from Indy: Reflecting on defensive progression, a moment of closure, and a memorable Father’s Day
Remarkable: Steph’s MVP season culminates in the long-awaited title for the Warriors
1. GAME 5 OVERVIEW: KEY DETAILS YOU SHOULD KNOW
What began as a best-of-seven series has now transformed into a best-of-three, with an NBA championship up for grabs.
After the teams split the first two games in OKC followed by two in Indy, the epic Finals return to a buzzing Paycom Center tonight for its most significant matchup yet (8:30 ET, ABC).
Strength vs. Strength: The Thunder have the postseason’s top home record at 9-2, although one loss came against Indy, which leads all teams with seven road victories and just three defeats.
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
Simply Unforgettable: To secure a win in Game 1 at OKC, Indy overcame an outstanding performance by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (38 points), executing a remarkable 15-point comeback in the fourth quarter finished with Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winner just 0.3 seconds to spare.
This breathtaking contest highlighted the essence of what makes these Finals unforgettable—a fierce rivalry between superstars, clutch comebacks, and unmissable excitement throughout.
No Lead is Safe: OKC’s comeback in Game 4 was the third fourth-quarter rally in the series, showcasing the depth and talent of two of basketball’s strongest teams.
Resilience Battle: Few teams can recover as effectively as OKC and Indy, driven by star power and deep rosters. This sets the stage for a critical matchup in a series that has yet to see back-to-back wins from either side.
Both teams, with the finest records since January 1, now seek two more victories to secure their city’s inaugural NBA championship.
What’s Going On: Here are some of our top featured stories leading up to Game 5.
2. DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES: INTENSITY DRIVING AN EPIC FINALES
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The Finals have evolved into a showcase not just for outstanding offensive skill but also for defensive mastery.
Two fast-paced offenses, normally equipped to dominate, have had to adjust against aggressive defensive strategies, making this series notable for its intensity on both ends of the court.
How is it done? With championship-level hustle and meticulous attention to detail, each team is working to neutralize the other’s offensive capabilities.
Speed Trap: Let’s focus on OKC’s defense, historically disruptive throughout the season—leading the NBA in steals, forced turnovers, and points allowed.
The Thunder have turned Indy’s tempo, traditionally an advantage, against them, resulting in an increase in their turnover rate from 12.7 in the earlier rounds to 17.5 in the Finals.
Lightning Strike: The Thunder have actually established a faster pace than the Pacers, entering the Finals with a postseason pace of 100.60, using steals and defensive stops to set up easy transition points.
Indy’s Response: OKC’s defense fuels their strongest offensive asset—points gained from turnovers, where they topped the league this season with an average of 21.8.
Check out Myles Turner racing back to block an open shot.
Weathering the Challenge: Despite averaging 17.3 turnovers per game in the Finals, the Pacers have limited OKC to just 16.0 points off those turnovers, effectively negating the impact of their mistakes.
With that effort, Indiana has reduced OKC’s fast break points from 17.8 in the early playoffs to 8.8 in the Finals.
The Pacers are actually outscoring the Thunder in points off turnovers (16.3 to 16.0) during the Finals.
With a mere 13-point margin separating the squads (451-438 OKC), every possession has transformed into a clash for dominance—an endeavor to control the game tempo.
“It’s a battle every time we step onto the court,” remarked SGA post-Game 4. “They want to make teams earn every point; we do too. The team that asserts its will most effectively will emerge victorious in this series.”
3. WHAT OKC IS SAYING: THE JOURNEY, THE MINDSET
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The relentless challenges of a title chase can weigh heavy, but for those reaching the pinnacle of basketball, no reward can compare.
Built for This: SGA (131 points) is among seven players to rack up 125+ points in their first four Finals games, outpacing Giannis Antetokounmpo (129), Dwyane Wade (129), Willis Reed (127), and Michael Jordan (126), while only behind Allen Iverson (141) and Rick Barry (165).
JDub’s Performance: Jalen Williams has stepped up alongside Shai, averaging 22.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, highlighted by a crucial Game 4 showing with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists to prevent a 3-1 deficit.
Championship Mindset: Williams isn’t the only versatile player on the Thunder. On Friday, Alex Caruso—OKC’s sole player with prior Finals experience—joined SGA and Williams by scoring over 20 points and recording a playoff-high five steals.
This competitive spirit has characterized the Thunder’s approach, emphasizing steadiness. They remain unfazed by their franchise-record 68 wins or the proximity to a title.
Focused entirely on the upcoming game.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
While OKC has one player with championship experience, the Pacers field two—Thomas Bryant and Eastern Conference Finals MVP Pascal Siakam.
Similar to Caruso, Siakam began his career in the G League before capturing a championship with the Raptors in 2019, contributing significantly to their first title.
“It’s largely about team defense—everyone is dedicated to it,” noted Siakam. “I’ve witnessed everyone’s growth. Our coaches have done a tremendous job preparing us … and the commitment is there from all.”
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Full Circle: With championship experience, Carlisle is no stranger to this scenario, having been tied at 2-2 in the 2011 Finals against LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and the Miami Heat as the Mavericks’ head coach.
Dallas won Game 5 and claimed the series in six.
Watching the upset from home was a young Tyrese Haliburton, experiencing the enormity of the Finals for the first time.
On the Ground: As players prepare for a critical Game 5, Sunday also offered some lighthearted Father’s Day moments, with Obi Toppin sharing about his young daughter Remiel.
5. UNFORGETTABLE: STEPH ENDS WARRIORS’ 40-YEAR TITLE DROUGHT
Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images
A decade ago, the 2015 Finals were similarly tied at 2-2 between the Cavs and Warriors—until the Kia NBA MVP of that season stepped up.
In a historic season, Stephen Curry guided the Warriors to an NBA-best 67 wins, obliterating his previous record for three-pointers while earning his first MVP accolade and leading Golden State to its first Finals appearance since 1975.
In a key Game 5 performance, Curry dominated, sinking seven threes and amassing 37 points, with 17 of those in the fourth quarter, putting the Warriors ahead 3-2 in the series.
One game later, exactly ten years ago, Curry added 25 points to help clinch the series in six games, bringing the Warriors their first NBA championship in 40 years and launching one of basketball’s greatest dynasties.
In the moments following the final buzzer, while walking from the court to the locker room celebration, Curry expressed the exhilaration of achieving champion status.
“What an incredible journey. From the beginning of the year … winning 67 games, having one of the finest regular seasons in NBA history, and capping it off with a championship is unbelievable.
“We’re going to savor this moment—let it all sink in. It’s such an enjoyable experience. Honestly, I’m already thinking about returning to this stage for another title.
“The sacrifices made by our team since day one were solely focused on winning a championship.
“We finally achieved it. I’ll carry a brotherhood with this group for life, and now—we’re champs, man. We’re world champions … It’s an extraordinary moment.”
This marked the first of four titles for Steph and the Warriors over an eight-year span, as they lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy once more in 2017, 2018, and 2022.
