2025 NBA Finals spectacle: Thunder and Pacers defy odds with record-breaking showdowns

The 2025 NBA Finals is rewriting history with the Thunder's unprecedented home scoring streak and the Pacers' bid to become the first No. 4 seed champions. This series challenges past expectations, promising one of the most thrilling and unpredictable championship battles in NBA history.

Sources:
CBS Sports+1
Updated 2h ago
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Sources: CBS Sports
The 2025 NBA Finals have emerged as one of the most electrifying and record-setting matchups in recent history, featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Despite early predictions favoring the Thunder, the Pacers have defied odds, aiming to become the first No. 4 seed to win the championship since seeding began in 1984.

The Thunder have dominated at home, scoring at least 110 points in all 12 of their home playoff games this season, setting an NBA playoff record. Their +247 point differential at home in the postseason is on track to become an all-time NBA record, with no team ever finishing above +200 in postseason home differential.

Meanwhile, the Pacers have overcome a significant regular-season gap, having won 18 fewer games than the Thunder. If they clinch the title, it will mark the largest win differential upset in Finals history, surpassing the 2016 record.

This Finals series has been hailed as the most thrilling in nearly a decade, challenging early skepticism about the Pacers' presence. The matchup not only highlights individual and team excellence but also the unpredictability and excitement of NBA playoff basketball.

"Instead, what we've gotten is the most thrilling Finals matchup in the last nine years," a commentator noted, emphasizing the series' unexpected intensity.

As the Pacers push to rewrite history and the Thunder aim to cement their dominance, the 2025 NBA Finals promise a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.
Sources: 1
The 2025 NBA Finals between the Thunder and Pacers has defied expectations with record-breaking performances. The Thunder boast a historic +247 home postseason point differential, while the Pacers, a No. 4 seed, aim to become the lowest-seeded champions since 1995, setting up a thrilling showdown.
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The Headline

2025 NBA Finals defy expectations with record-breaking play

Key Facts
  • The 2025 NBA Finals features a thrilling matchup between the Thunder and Pacers, defying expectations of a quick series as many thought the Thunder would easily win.CBS Sports
  • The Thunder have scored at least 110 points in all 12 of their home games this season, setting a record for most such games in NBA playoffs history.1
  • The Thunder hold a +247 point differential at home in the postseason, which is on pace to be an NBA record as no team has finished with a +200 differential at home in postseason history.1
  • The Pacers are aiming to be the first No. 4 seed to win an NBA championship since seeding began in 1984, which would make them the lowest-seeded champion since the No. 6 seed won in 1995.1
  • If the Pacers win, they will break the record set in 2016 for the largest win differential upset in Finals history, having won 18 fewer regular-season games than the Thunder.1
  • The 2025 Finals have been marked by spectacular performances from both teams, defying expectations of a lopsided series and delivering one of the most exciting Finals in recent memory.CBS Sports
Instead, what we've gotten is the most thrilling Finals matchup in the last nine years, and would be atop this list had it not been for what's occupying the No. 1 spot.
CBS Sports
CBS Sports
The Pacers look to be the first No. 4 seed to win a championship since seeding began in 1984. Should they win, they will be the lowest-seeded champion since the No. 6 seed won the NBA title in 1995.
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Key Stats at a Glance
Thunder home games scoring 110+ points
110 points
1
Number of Thunder home games with 110+ points
12
1
Thunder home postseason point differential
+247 point differential
1
Previous highest home postseason point differential
+200 point differential
1
Regular-season games difference between Pacers and Thunder
18 fewer regular-season games
1

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Background Context

2016 Finals historic comeback by Cavaliers

Key Facts
  • The 2016 NBA Finals saw the Cavaliers become the first team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit and win the series, with LeBron James averaging 36.3 points in the last three games including two 41-point performances.CBS Sports
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