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3d ago

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder open NBA Finals against Pacers as MVP frontrunner

He could become the 11th player to capture both league MVP and Finals MVP in a single season

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Dec. 26, 2024.
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Overview

  • Game 1 tipped off on June 5 in Oklahoma City, marking the first playoff meeting between the Thunder and Pacers.
  • Oklahoma City secured a franchise-best 68-14 regular-season record behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s 32.7 points per game scoring title.
  • Gilgeous-Alexander, already named 2025 regular-season MVP, enters the Finals as the -625 favorite for Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP according to BetMGM.
  • A championship would give the Thunder their first NBA title since relocating from Seattle and their first overall since 1979.
  • Indiana, led by guard Tyrese Haliburton, is chasing its first NBA crown and holds the second-best Finals MVP odds at +700.