🗣️ LOUD CITY! #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV Media Availability Game 1: Thursday, 6/5 at 8:30pm/et on ABC

The stage is set. The lights are about to shine brighter than ever. And the roar of the crowd—especially in one of the most passionate arenas in all of basketball—is about to hit a fever pitch. Welcome to LOUD CITY, where basketball isn’t just a game; it’s a way of life. As the 2025 NBA Finals tip off this Thursday, June 5, at 8:30pm ET on ABC, presented by @YouTubeTV, all eyes turn to the energy, the intensity, and the stories that will shape what promises to be an unforgettable series.

Let’s talk about what this means—for the teams, the fans, and the culture.

The Return of Loud City

For years, the phrase Loud City has been synonymous with the home of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Built on grit, resilience, and relentless energy, this fanbase has seen it all—from the heartbreak of the 2012 Finals loss, to the electric MVP runs of Russell Westbrook, to the rebuilding years that tested their loyalty. Now, in 2025, Loud City is back—and louder than ever.

After an incredible postseason run, the Thunder find themselves representing the Western Conference in the NBA Finals for the first time in over a decade. Fueled by their young core, dynamic team play, and a defensive identity that grinds down opponents, OKC has earned every bit of this moment. Chet Holmgren’s rim protection, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s crafty offense, and Jalen Williams’ two-way brilliance have turned this team into a real contender.

This isn’t just a Cinderella story—it’s the rise of a new powerhouse. And the best part? They’re doing it with the backing of one of the most passionate crowds in sports.

Media Day Energy

With Game 1 approaching, Media Availability on Thursday is where the tone gets set. It’s more than just microphones and press conferences—it’s a psychological battlefield. Players get asked about legacy, pressure, game plans, and matchups. And while the talking points flow, you can sense the anticipation boiling beneath the surface.

Reporters will want to know: Can the Thunder’s youthful energy stand up to the pressure of the Finals? How will their defense handle the Eastern Conference champs’ veteran experience and physicality? And how is the team preparing for the spotlight of a national audience watching on ABC?

On the other side of the matchup—whether it’s a seasoned juggernaut like the Boston Celtics or a team that fought its way to the top with grit and grind—the tone will be different. Confident. Focused. Hungry. Game 1 is the tone-setter, and both sides know that momentum is everything.

Expect soundbites. Expect subtle shade. Expect moments that will go viral before tip-off even happens. This is Media Day in 2025, and with social media feeding every moment to millions, the Finals have already begun.

Spotlight on the Stars

The NBA Finals are where legends are born. From LeBron’s block in 2016 to Steph’s takeovers, Kawhi’s icy game-winners, and Giannis’ 50-piece in 2021, this is where greatness defines itself. This year, we could be seeing the next iconic Finals moment come from a new face.

Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rise to the occasion and cement his status as a true superstar? Can Holmgren hold his ground against one of the most physical frontcourts in the league? Could a lesser-known role player become the Finals MVP dark horse?

On the other side, we may see Finals veterans trying to write the final chapters of their legacies. Whether it’s Jayson Tatum trying to claim his first ring or a grizzled vet chasing redemption, Game 1 is where the tone is set.

And let’s not forget the coaching duel—adjustments, rotations, timeouts, and chess moves that will define every quarter.

What to Watch For in Game 1

The opening game of any Finals series is about more than just execution—it’s about message. Who throws the first punch? Who sets the pace? Will OKC’s fast break offense find daylight, or will the Eastern Conference champs slow things down and grind them out?

Keep an eye on:

• Matchups: How do the Thunder handle switches and mismatches on defense?
• Pace: Does the game become a track meet or a half-court war?
• Shooting: Game 1 often swings on who gets hot early. Will it be the usual suspects or a bench player coming out of nowhere?
• Crowd factor: If OKC has home court, Loud City will be thunderous. If they’re on the road, how do they respond?

No matter what, Game 1 is where legends plant the seeds of history.

Why It Matters

For the NBA, the Finals aren’t just a conclusion—they’re a celebration of the journey. From Opening Night in October to Game 82 in April, through the chaos of the Play-In and the madness of the Playoffs, this is where it all leads. Every team wants a chance. These two earned it.

For fans, it’s a chance to witness greatness unfold in real time. For the players, it’s everything they’ve worked for. And for the next generation watching on YouTubeTV, ABC, or from the rafters of Loud City, it’s inspiration. It’s the reason you lace up sneakers, dream big, and chase moments.

So mark your calendars.

🗣️ LOUD CITY!
#NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV
Game 1: Thursday, June 5 at 8:30pm ET on ABC

It’s not just basketball—it’s history in the making.