Gilbert Arenas dropped some interesting thoughts ahead of the much-hyped NBA finals. With the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder locking horns, Arenas was almost certain who would come out on top. The former Memphis Grizzlies star also stated that the Pacers coming to the finals was bad for them, especially for their fans.
During Game 1 of the NBA finals, the initial play saw the Thunder take control. While streaming a watch party, Arenas opined that the fans of the Pacers now think that their team is worthy of being the NBA champion. Thus, Tyrese Haliburton coming to the finals is a two-edged sword for the Pacers. According to Arenas, the Pacers did not have enough firepower in them to get over the Thunder.
“If you’re Indiana, are you just happy you got here? I think them being here does f**k them up, because now I think the Indiana fanbase actually thinks they’re a legit championship team and they’re going to expect this from them. And I don’t think they know reality,” said Arenas.
“I think Indiana being here is bad because now the fanbase thinks they’re a legit championship team” -Gilbert Arenas
— Playback (@WatchPlayback) June 6, 2025
Are the Pacers a LEGIT championship team?
(🎥: @NoChillGilZero) pic.twitter.com/66JhzuYkj7
Meanwhile, as Arenas made the prediction, things took a fascinating turn. After the conclusion of Game 1, Arenas’ prediction took quite a beating. That’s because the Indiana Pacers not only matched the Thunder stride for stride but also went on to win the game!
Gilbert Arenas’ Prediction Put To Dust As Indiana Pacers Take Game 1
The Indiana Pacers came out all guns blazing in the NBA finals. After getting dominated in the initial two quarters, the Pacers pulled off a comeback in the final two. With Tyrese Haliburton finishing things with a clutch game-winner, the Pacers outplayed the Thunder with a score of 111-110.
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WHAT THE HALIBURTON AGAIN 😱
— ESPN (@espn) June 6, 2025
TYRESE WINS GAME 1 OF THE NBA FINALS FOR THE PACERS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TLv6OtQyWV
For the Thunder, it was the usual Shai Gilgeous-Alexander giving an MVP-esque performance. Playing for 40 minutes, SGA dropped 38 points. Unfortunately, this came just short, as the Pacers will now come to Game 2 with a 1-0 lead. Thus, with things getting interesting, it now remains to be seen how things pan out.
