Magic Johnson makes it clear that a Pacers vs Thunder NBA Finals would be a fascinating matchup to watch

The most anticipated moment of the basketball season is here—the NBA Finals. This year’s championship series features a surprising yet thrilling matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, two franchises that will be vying for their first-ever NBA title. Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson weighed in on the highly anticipated series, highlighting why fans should be eager to tune in.

“Regardless of how they got here, fans can expect an exciting, fast-paced series,” Johnson said. “This NBA Championship Series is going to be exciting to watch, especially with Tyrese Haliburton and NBA league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Both teams love to run and fast break, are excellent defensive teams, and are well-coached!” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

While the series may not feature high-profile markets like New York or Los Angeles, the basketball narrative couldn’t be richer. Both the Thunder and Pacers have built their rosters through years of strategic development, placing their faith in young talent and system-oriented basketball. Now, those investments have paid off with a shot at the title.

There are notable similarities between the two teams. Both are youth-driven, built around elite point guards in Gilgeous-Alexander and Haliburton. Both play at a frenetic pace and apply constant pressure on opposing ball handlers, often picking up full court and forcing turnovers that fuel their transition games.

That said, their approaches diverge in key areas. The Pacers thrive in chaos, often turning broken plays into scoring opportunities, while the Thunder excel in structured execution. Oklahoma City—winners of 80 games this season across the regular season and playoffs—boast a more complete defense and a half-court presence that could prove decisive. Heading into the Finals, the Thunder are viewed as slight favorites, but the Pacers have repeatedly defied expectations, suggesting fate may yet be on their side.

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Another compelling subplot centers around the perception of each team’s star player. On one side, Haliburton looks to shake off any lingering “overrated” labels after an impressive postseason, despite missing out on Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors. On the other, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly crowned league MVP, continues to silence critics who labeled him a “free throw merchant.” He has consistently proven he belongs among the NBA’s elite, delivering clutch performances on the biggest stage.

This Finals showdown is expected to come down to the smallest details—decision-making, shot selection, and sustained intensity will likely determine the outcome. One thing is certain: defense wins championships, and both the Pacers and Thunder have the tools to prove that once again on basketball’s biggest stage.