OKLAHOMA CITY — As the NBA Finals tip-off, Oklahoma City stands as the clear favorite. Nobody is surprised. The Thunder's dominance throughout the season has been undisputed, culminating in an impressive 68-win campaign.
Yet, the Indiana Pacers, branded as underdogs, have embraced their role with a focused intensity. Despite the predictions and the odds against them, the Pacers are all set to confront the Thunder.
"If we were to win a championship, I don’t want to win any other way," said Tyrese Haliburton. "I want to go through the best team, the best challenge. This is the best team in the NBA. It’s been the best team all year."
Oklahoma City has made a habit of outplaying opponents, boasting a +12.7 net rating. Still, Indiana's players relish the challenge, vividly aware of the low expectations set for them.
"It’s been the norm for us throughout the playoffs," noted T.J. McConnell. "We’re not concerned with external noise. We know what we have to do to win — we have to do it together."
Similarly, Pascal Siakam emphasizes their united mindset: "Think nothing for us changes. We just continue to be ourselves, focus on us. It’s always been us against everyone. Doesn’t change."
The Pacers have built their confidence on the practice floor, simulating encounters with teams like Oklahoma City. "They play similar to us," said Myles Turner. "We’ve seen that every day since training camp."
Underestimated by pundits and media, Indiana remains unfazed. The confidence within the locker room, as articulated by Andrew Nembhard, relies on self-belief over external opinions. "We believe in ourselves," he asserts.
Time and again, Indiana has defied the odds. As they stare down the Thunder, the Pacers are poised to do it once more.
