Thunder returns to the finals after 13 years! Will compete with the Pacers for the championship? A basketball feast with poor ratings

On May 29, the Thunder defeated the Timberwolves and advanced to the finals with a total score of 4-1. This is the Thunder's re-appearance on the finals since 2012. 13 years ago, Durant, Westbrook and Harden led the Thunder to the Finals, but lost 1-4 to the Heat led by James, Wade and Bosh. The Thunder's final opponent has not been determined yet, and many US media believe that it is highly likely that they are the Pacers who are currently leading 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals. All signs indicate that this year's championship is likely to be between the two teams.

Some US media expressed that this potential duel is a victory for pure basketball fans. Both teams played an exciting and deviant style from modern basketball’s routine—they rejected superstar-led singles-centric tactics, excessive three-point shooting and playoff shortened rotation.

Thunder and Pacers ranked 11th and 13th in singles scores, while three-point shooting ranked 9th and 7th respectively. Their deep lineup also shows that the two teams tied for fourth place in the bench score, with averaging 33.7 points per game.

All of this data depicts two teams that work together without star privileges, reminiscent of NCAA teams. That's why they lead the playoff fast break, with the Thunder (24.9 points) and Pacers (23.7 points) slap their opponents in a crazy rhythm. The Pacers' fast attack performance is extraordinary, scoring 1.34 points per round, with a shooting percentage of 66%, while the Thunder has 1.17 points and a shooting percentage of 54%.

If style determines the excitement of the showdown, then the Thunder's battle against the Pacers has all the elements of a classic battle. The US media thinks it is a pity that ordinary NBA fans may not be able to appreciate this showdown due to their obsession with stars and star teams.

Just look at this fact: NBA playoff ratings plummeted since Curry's Warriors and James' Lakers were eliminated. According to Sports Media Observation, the third game between the Timberwolves and the Thunder was the lowest-rated Western Conference Final match since 2013.

In view of the decline in ratings, some reporters said the league obviously hopes that the Knicks (the only remaining big market team in the playoffs) will enter the finals. In the Eastern Conference Finals series, the Pacers and Knicks have excellent national ratings, but more because of the Knicks' huge fan base.

If the Thunder and the Pacers meet in the finals, many spectators may change the channel. It would be a regret because a basketball feast is coming.

Thunder are good at elite defense, while Pacers rely on offense to win, but the common points of these teams are not limited to being in a small market. Both teams got their superstar guard through trades – the Thunder “robbed” from the Clippers to Alexander in George’s trade, while the Pacers got Halliburton from the Kings in Sabonis’ trade. Both teams are led by basketball operations executives who have served for more than 10 years – Presty of the Thunder and Pritchard of the Pacers. Victories of both teams are inseparable from the important contribution of role players, and frankly, this is usually true for teams that have reached this point. Another common feature of the Pacers and the Thunder seems to be an underrated factor in their success: these two teams are the two best offensively avoided turnovers in the league, which provides them with an undeniable advantage.

Interestingly, the Thunder and the Pacers are both old clubs of Paul George. George did not help the team reach its current height when he played for both teams.

Now, the Thunder have advanced to the finals first, and the Pacers are one step away from the finals. At 8 a.m. on May 30, the Pacers will play against the Knicks away. If they win, they will advance to the finals with a total score of 4-1 and meet with the Thunder. Which team do you think is more optimistic about becoming this year's championship? Welcome to leave a message and express your opinions.

Attached finals schedule () -

June 6 8:30 Finals G1

June 9 8:00 Finals G2

June 12 8:30 Finals G3

June 14 8:30 Finals G4

June 17 8:30 Finals G5 (if needed)

June 20 8:30 Finals G6 (if needed)

June 23 8:00 Finals G7 (if needed)