Full article

An unprecedented final: Thunder and Pacers go for their first ring in smart basketball times

No Celtics, no Lakers, no Warriors. Nor are the Bucks, Suns or Nuggets. This year, the NBA Finals pits two teams that few would have bet on in October against each other: the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. It will be an unprecedented clash, historic for many reasons and with a narrative that, even if it doesn't make the front page of the major U.S. networks, will leave a lot to talk about.

To begin with, neither team has been champion in its current stage. The Thunder came close to glory in 2012 with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, but fell to LeBron's Miami Heat. The only title in their history was in 1979, when the franchise still played in Seattle and was called the SuperSonics. For their part, the Pacers reached the finals in 2000, led by Reggie Miller, but were swept by Shaq and Kobe's Lakers. Now, both have the opportunity to open their trophy cabinet at home.

Although it may seem like a “minor” final on the media, a true exhibition of good basketball is expected on the court. Oklahoma represents order, balance and perfect execution of a plan. Indiana, on the other hand, is pure vertigo: high tempo, fast transitions and an organized chaos that baffles anyone. Two very different styles that promise a vibrant, tactical series with high-level direct duels.

And the best part is that this final is already making history before it even begins. For starters, tickets for the first game have become the most expensive ever sold in both pavilions. And we are talking about two medium-sized markets. The local hype has broken all expectations. The fever to see their team fight for the title has skyrocketed prices to record figures.

Another curious fact: this is the final with the shortest geographical distance between the two teams since 1956. Only 1,231 kilometers separate Indianapolis from Oklahoma City. That distant final was between Fort Wayne Pistons and Philadelphia Warriors, separated by 991 km. But that was another NBA, with just eight teams and without today's global show.

However, the fact that really marks a before and after in the league is another: for the first time since the modern salary cap has existed (2002), both finalists are under the allowed cap. Neither the Thunder nor the Pacers have had to pay the dreaded “luxury tax” for exceeding the salary cap.

This says a lot about the work of the front office. Both teams have been able to build competitive workforces without wasting money. They have opted for internal development, smart contracts and project continuity. In an ecosystem where money is king, they have shown that you can go far with brains, scouting and patience.

The numbers speak for themselves: Indiana ranks 18th on the salary table with just over $169 million in payroll. Oklahoma, even less, ranks 25th with $165 million. By comparison, the Knicks - who were eliminated by the Pacers - spent nearly $189 million, and the Timberwolves - who lost to the Thunder - topped $202 million.

In short: this Finals is a breath of fresh air for the NBA. Two young, hungry teams, built with a long-term vision, playing modern, bold basketball. They may not have the usual media stars, but they have talent to spare and a history that is already breaking the mold. The question is not whether it will be a great final. It will be. The question is: who will win their first ring?