NBA Finals: Insiders Break Down the Matchup Between 'the Two Hardest-Playing Teams'

Insiders break down the matchup between ‘the two hardest-playing teams’

OKLAHOMA CITY — There are many ways to describe the NBA Finals. Some see Oklahoma City vs. Indiana as the small-market Finals. To others, it’s known as the fiscal Finals — a rare championship matchup between non-luxury-tax-paying teams. On the court, it is a showdown between two of the league’s best guards, Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton. Yet how these teams reached this point, just four victories from …

NBA Finals: Insiders break down the matchup between 'the two hardest-playing teams'

Offensive pace and defensive pressure are hallmarks for the Thunder and Pacers as they begin the NBA Finals.

Elevator Doors: The NBA Finals

The NBA Finals: It’s why we do all of this. Zach Lowe makes this point repeatedly in his podcast, and it’s a point I wish more people made as frequently as he does. All the trade rumors, the mock drafts, the free agency intrigue, the coaching carousel – it all churns along for the sole purpose of winning the NBA championship. Thirty teams play 82 games (in-season tournament notwithstanding). Sixteen teams play a few more. Two play four brutal ro…