The Indiana Pacers have punched their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time in a quarter-century. After years of rebuilding and near-misses, the franchise has finally returned to the league’s biggest stage. They are set to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 is scheduled to tip off on Thursday, June 5.
The Pacers’ journey to Oklahoma City, however, wasn’t as smooth as they might have hoped. On Tuesday, the team departed Indiana hoping for an uneventful flight but encountered serious weather conditions near their destination.
According to a report from Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the team’s plane was unable to land in Oklahoma City due to a tornado warning. Instead, the flight had to circle the area before ultimately diverting to Tulsa to refuel.
“The Indiana Pacers team plane has landed in Tulsa, a team official told SI. The Pacers plane circled the OKC area before landing in Tulsa to refuel. A tornado warning is in effect in Oklahoma City,” the report read.
The Indiana Pacers team plane has landed in Tulsa, a team official told SI. The Pacers plane circled the OKC area before landing in Tulsa to refuel. A tornado warning is in effect in Oklahoma City.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) June 3, 2025
Fortunately, the delay did not last long. The Pacers were able to land in Oklahoma City safely later the same day. This has given them time to prepare for the first two games of the Finals, which will be hosted by the Thunder. The series will then shift back to Indiana for Games 3 and 4.
Magic Johnson Weighs In On Point Guard Battle Between Pacers And Thunder
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NBA legend Magic Johnson has added to the excitement surrounding the upcoming Finals, especially when it comes to the star power featured at the point guard position. Johnson highlighted what he believes will be one of the most thrilling one-on-one matchups in recent Finals history between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton.
“You have the NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and in my opinion, the MVP throughout the entire Western Conference Playoffs on one side. On the other side we have – Tyrese Haliburton, who in my opinion, was Eastern Conference MVP throughout the entire Playoffs. This will be an all-time great point guard matchup,” Johnson wrote.
Despite the Pacers’ impressive run, they enter the Finals as clear underdogs. The Oklahoma City Thunder are heavily favored, with betting odds currently listing them at -700. In contrast, the Pacers sit at +500.
Also Read: Is This The Beginning Of A New NBA Era With Pacers vs. Thunder NBA Finals?
