The Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder will face off in a historic NBA Finals. After defeating the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves in their respective conferences, both franchises will battle for their first-ever championship starting this Thursday, June 5, with Game 1.

Neither team left any doubts on their path to The Finals, and both reached the final stage of the 2024–25 season deservedly, led by standout stars: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Oklahoma and Tyrese Haliburton for the Pacers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lifts the MVP trophy (GETTY IMAGES)

Shai was named the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the NBA Regular Season and, together with the Thunder, displayed relentless consistency from the very start of the campaign. That’s why, in the summer of 2026, he is set to sign a maximum contract worth $380 million over the next five years. Until then, however, his current salary stands at $35.8 million per season, according to Sporting News.

As for Haliburton, the 25-year-old Pacers point guard signed a maximum contract extension on July 1, 2023, worth $204.4 million over five years, according to Yardbarker. This means Tyrese earns $40.8 million per season.

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Confirmed Dates for the 2025 NBA Finals

Game 1: Thursday, June 5

Game 2: Sunday, June 8

Game 3: Wednesday, June 11

Game 4: Friday, June 13

Game 5 (if necessary): Monday, June 16

Game 6 (if necessary): Thursday, June 19

Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday, June 22