The Indiana Pacers made their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years. Despite taking the series to Game 7, they felt just short of their first NBA title in franchise history. These photos chronicle their journey.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates with forward Aaron Nesmith (23) celebrate after Haliburton’s shot took the lead for the Pacers on Thursday, June 5, 2025, during Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots a basket Thursday, June 5, 2025, during Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) passes to guard Cason Wallace (22) Sunday, June 8, 2025, against the Indiana Pacers during Game 2 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Indiana Pacers fans cheer as the team takes the court Thursday, June 19, 2025, ahead of Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) holds back Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) during a scuffle Friday, June 13, 2025, during Game 4 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43), Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) work to find control of the ball Thursday, June 5, 2025, during Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle yells at a referee Monday, June 16, 2025, during Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Indiana Pacers fans react to a foul called Friday, June 13, 2025, during Game 4 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) goes down in pain Sunday, June 22, 2025, during Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) and Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) tear up Sunday, June 22, 2025, after Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) is awarded the NBA Finals MVP on Sunday, June 22, 2025, after Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) leaves the building after a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon in the game.
