For the first time since 2006, the NBA Finals features two franchises chasing their first championship. The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers are battling it out, with Indiana now leading the series 2-1. The excitement is reaching far beyond the arenas, even into the halls and group chats at school.
Game 1 went to the Pacers, but Oklahoma City responded in Game 2 on June 8 with a 123-107 win. MVP Shai Gligeous-Alexander finished with 34 points, eight assists and four steals. The Thunder locked in defensively during a 19-2 second quarter run that flipped the game.
“This is what we’ve worked for all season,” Gilgeous-Alexander said in a press conference on June 4. “We’re not taking anything for granted. Indiana’s tough, but we’re going to treat every possession like it’s the one that decides the championship.”
Game 3 shifted the momentum again. The Pacers pulled away late to win 116-107 on June 11, outscoring the Thunder 32-18 in the fourth quarter. Indiana’s bench was dominant, led by Benedict Mathurin’s 27 points and TJ McConnell’s all-around effort with 10 points, five assists, and five steals. Tyrese Haliburton added 22 points and 11 assists, nearly recording a triple-double.
“We know people are doubting us, but we’ve proved them wrong since the playoffs started,” Pacers forward Pascal Siakam said on media day. “We’re not just happy to be here, we believe we can win this thing.”
In the halls of WJ, students have been following the series closely, and the Finals have become a hot topic of discussion throughout the school day.
“My friends and I had this bet going on who would win,” junior Anna Demelo said. “I had ten bucks on the Thunder winning. Shai is unstoppable right now. There’s no way Indiana can keep up with that defense.”
But not everyone is looking to root for the favored team. After these past few games played, some students are leaning into the Pacers’ unexpected run.
“I’m not a diehard Pacers fan, but I’m tired of predictable outcomes,” junior Sahara Gollance said. “Haliburtons been underrated all year, and I think if their shooters stay strong, they have a good chance of stealing the series.”
Some students who aren’t even NBA fans are getting drawn in by all the hype.
“I wasn’t really following basketball until people in class started talking about it all the time,” junior Leili Mayercrzak said. “Now I know the players and I’m actually checking the scores on my phone.”
The Pacers breaking through their underdog shell has sparked even more discussion among students, some of whom are making friendly bets like Demelo or starting debates on the outcome.
Game 4 is set for Friday, June 13 at 8:30pm. In Indianapolis. Whether it’s Gilgeous-Alexander leading a comeback or Haliburton helping Indiana make history, students are watching, and for many, that’s half the fun.
