The 2025 NBA Finals present a compelling narrative that underscores the evolving significance of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament, now known as the Emirates NBA Cup. The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, both previous runners-up in the NBA Cup, have leveraged their experiences to reach the pinnacle of the NBA season.
From NBA Cup Contenders to Finals Competitors
In 2023, the Indiana Pacers fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in the inaugural NBA Cup final. The following year, the Oklahoma City Thunder were bested by the Milwaukee Bucks in the tournament’s championship game. These defeats, rather than discouraging the teams, served as motivation to refine their rosters and strategies. Their subsequent journeys to the NBA Finals suggest that participation in the NBA Cup has tangible benefits for team development and postseason success.
The NBA Cup’s Growing Impact
Initially met with skepticism, the NBA Cup has evolved into a meaningful competition with significant implications. The tournament’s structure—featuring group play and knockout rounds—provides teams with high-stakes games early in the season, fostering competitive resilience. The financial incentive of $500,000 per player for the winning team adds to the tournament’s allure. Moreover, the experiences gained during the NBA Cup appear to contribute to teams’ readiness for the rigors of the NBA Playoffs.
Thunder and Pacers: Parallel Paths to the Finals
Both the Thunder and Pacers have demonstrated that strategic planning and player development can yield significant results. The Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, achieved a league-best 68–14 regular-season record. Their playoff run included victories over the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Pacers, after a 10–15 start to the season, rallied to secure the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. Their postseason journey featured wins against the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks, with Pascal Siakam earning Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors.
Implications for the NBA’s Competitive Landscape
The success of the Thunder and Pacers underscores a shift in the NBA’s competitive dynamics. Their ascension to the Finals, following strong performances in the NBA Cup, suggests that the tournament serves as a valuable proving ground. Teams are beginning to view the NBA Cup not merely as a midseason novelty but as a critical component of their championship aspirations.
Conclusion
The 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers highlight the growing importance of the NBA Cup in shaping championship contenders. As the league continues to evolve, the NBA Cup may well become an integral part of the pathway to the NBA Finals, offering teams an early opportunity to test their mettle and build the resilience necessary for postseason success.