In the world of sports, few leagues are as fast-paced and unpredictable as the NBA. In a league where talent and strategy evolve rapidly, the difference between lottery-bound and championship-contending can be just a few short seasons. Case in point: the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Back in the 2021–22 season, both franchises were languishing at the bottom of the standings, struggling through rebuilds and the growing pains of youth. Fast forward just a few years, and they’ve shocked the world—meeting in the 2025 NBA Finals.
The Bottom of the Barrel
To truly appreciate their rise, we need to revisit where these teams were. The 2021–22 Pacers finished with a dismal 25–57 record, good for 13th in the Eastern Conference. They were in transition, having traded away Domantas Sabonis midseason in exchange for promising young point guard Tyrese Haliburton. The move signaled a shift in direction: Indiana was building for the future.
The Thunder, meanwhile, closed the same season with a 24–58 record, placing 14th in the West. Yet their situation was different. OKC was already deep into a full-scale rebuild led by GM Sam Presti, collecting draft picks like infinity stones. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was blossoming into a star, but he didn’t yet have the help to make any real playoff push.
Both teams were irrelevant in the playoff picture, often featured more in trade rumors than highlight reels.
Planting the Seeds
What separates a successful rebuild from a failed one is vision, patience, and player development. That’s where both franchises excelled. For Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton quickly emerged as a franchise cornerstone. His high basketball IQ, court vision, and leadership gave the Pacers an identity they sorely lacked. Add to that the growth of Bennedict Mathurin, the consistency of Myles Turner, and the emergence of Jarace Walker and Andrew Nembhard, and Indiana began to quietly build a roster that could compete.
In Oklahoma City, the Thunder’s patience with their young core began to pay off. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander developed into an MVP-caliber guard. Josh Giddey brought versatility and flair. Jalen Williams proved to be a draft steal. But perhaps the biggest boost came with the arrival of Chet Holmgren. After missing his rookie year with injury, Chet returned in 2023–24 and gave OKC the interior presence they needed on both ends of the floor.
Both teams prioritized chemistry, culture, and continuity—something that often goes overlooked in today’s trade-heavy NBA climate.
The Leap
By 2024–25, things started clicking. Indiana’s fast-paced, high-assist offense led by Haliburton became one of the most enjoyable watches in the league. They began winning the games they used to lose, even pulling off statement wins against top contenders. Coach Rick Carlisle leaned into the youth movement, empowering his young stars while keeping veteran balance in the locker room.
The Thunder, meanwhile, were on a mission. With SGA leading the way and Holmgren anchoring the defense, they powered through a stacked Western Conference. Their team defense became elite, and they had one of the league’s deepest rotations thanks to the careful asset management of Presti. Coach Mark Daigneault molded them into one of the smartest, most cohesive squads in the league.
Both teams had arrived—and not just to make noise in the playoffs, but to win.
The Road to the Finals
Indiana’s playoff run was a statement. After dispatching higher-seeded opponents with mature poise and surgical offense, they reached their first Finals since the ABA-NBA merger. Haliburton averaged double-digit assists, Walker bullied bigger forwards in the paint, and Mathurin delivered clutch performances reminiscent of a seasoned vet.
OKC’s path was just as impressive. They toppled experienced playoff teams like the Nuggets and Clippers, blending youth and savvy like seasoned champions. SGA’s fourth-quarter heroics, combined with Holmgren’s rim protection and Giddey’s all-around contributions, propelled them to their first NBA Finals since 2012.
What It Means
For fans of both franchises, this Finals matchup is more than a Cinderella story—it’s a testament to doing things the right way. No shortcuts. No desperate superteam experiments. Just drafting well, developing young talent, and trusting the process.
It’s also a refreshing break from the NBA’s usual dynasties. For years, the Finals had felt predictable, often headlined by the same cast of superstars and legacy franchises. This year? It’s two young, hungry squads that few would’ve predicted three years ago.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of who wins the title, one thing is clear: the future of the NBA is in good hands. Haliburton vs. SGA is the kind of Finals duel that could define an era. Both players are still young, still growing, and still hungry.
And perhaps the biggest takeaway? The 2021–22 seasons of misery weren’t wasted—they were necessary. They laid the groundwork. They gave these franchises the humility to rebuild and the hunger to rise.
So yes—what a difference a few years can make. From bottom feeders to Finals contenders, the Pacers and Thunder have flipped the script. The only question left is: who writes the final chapter?
