Thinking Basketball · Thinking Basketball

#326: Final Preview + All-Playoff teams

·1 hr 10 min·5 clips

Ben claims the Oklahoma City Thunder could be the best defense ever constructed in basketball history.

This episode previews the 2025 NBA Finals matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, hosted by Ben and Cody from the Thinking Basketball podcast. The hosts express excitement for the series while lamenting perceived media disinterest due to the small-market status of both teams. They frame the matchup as a clash between the Thunder's historically great defense and the Pacers' cutting-edge, pace-and-space offense. Ben argues the Thunder might be the best defensive team ever constructed under current officiating, citing their coordination, speed, and tactical versatility. He describes the Pacers' offense as reminiscent of the 2014 Spurs, highlighting their use of flare screens and actions around the foul line extended. The hosts reference a podcast comment from Matt Bellamy suggesting the NBA might be unhappy with this small-market finals. Cody finds it sad that MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is widely disliked despite a historic season, comparing the criticism to outdated narratives about foul-drawing. Ben notes the Thunder's defense employs progressive tactics like peel switching, triple switching, and full-court pressure. The hosts debate whether other teams can replicate the Thunder's defensive schemes without their unique personnel, like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. They compare the Pacers' playoff run to other "magical" underdog stories in NBA history, specifically the 1995 Houston Rockets and 2011 Dallas Mavericks. Cody argues the 2011 Mavericks' run, fueled by Dirk Nowitzki's redemption, is the most magical he can recall. They agree that if the Pacers win the title, their run would top the list, having been preseason longshots and playoff underdogs in multiple series. The tone is conversational and analytically rich, blending basketball strategy with cultural commentary on the league. The style is enthusiastic and detailed, with hosts frequently referencing specific players, historical teams, and advanced tactical concepts. This episode is ideal for fans who enjoy deep strategic breakdowns of NBA matchups and discussions about playoff legacies. Listeners solely interested in superstar narratives from major markets might find the small-market focus less engaging.

As heard by us

Analytical Finals talk with personality, a prediction, and a few pleasant detours.

The discussion opens with the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, then moves through all-playoff teams, Pacers validation, and a call on who wins and by how many points.

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Want the Finals matchup broken down by people who enjoy the math and the banter?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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