The confetti has settled in Oklahoma City, but the roar of “Loud City” is only growing louder. For the first time since 2012, the Thunder have stormed into the NBA Finals, capping a historic 68-win season with a ruthless dismantling of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now, a new challenge awaits: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and OKC’s young juggernaut will host Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals on Thursday, June 5, at Paycom Center. Their opponent? Either the Indiana Pacers, led by the magician Tyrese Haliburton, or the battle-tested New York Knicks, desperate to overcome a 3-1 series deficit. For fans across the U.S., the path to witnessing every clutch shot, defensive stand, and potential dynasty-in-the-making starts here—with your essential guide to the schedule, streaming options, and stakes of this must-watch championship series .
The Schedule: Mark Your Calendars for Thunder Basketball
Thanks to their league-best record, the Thunder hold home-court advantage throughout the Finals, a critical edge given their dominant 8-1 record at Paycom Center this postseason. The series follows a rhythm of intense bursts and strategic rest days, with ABC exclusively broadcasting every game. Here’s the full slate (all times Eastern) :
- Game 1: Thursday, June 5 | 8:30 PM | Pacers/Knicks at Thunder | Oklahoma City
- Game 2: Sunday, June 8 | 8:00 PM | Pacers/Knicks at Thunder | Oklahoma City
- Game 3: Wednesday, June 11 | 8:30 PM | Thunder at Pacers/Knicks | Indianapolis or New York
- Game 4: Friday, June 13 | 8:30 PM | Thunder at Pacers/Knicks | Indianapolis or New York
- Game 5*: Monday, June 16 | 8:30 PM | Pacers/Knicks at Thunder | Oklahoma City
- Game 6*: Thursday, June 19 | 8:30 PM | Thunder at Pacers/Knicks | Indianapolis or New York
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Game 7: Sunday, June 22 | 8:00 PM | Pacers/Knicks at Thunder | Oklahoma City
If necessary
Crucially, the spacing between games (notably, a three-day gap before Game 3) offers teams recovery time—a factor that could favor the Thunder’s youth-filled roster. As Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon noted earlier this playoffs, the condensed schedule had worn down veterans league-wide, making OKC’s average age of 25.6 a hidden advantage .
Cutting the Cord? How to Stream Every Finals Game Live in the U.S.
No cable? No problem. The NBA Finals will be accessible across multiple streaming platforms, ensuring you won’t miss a second of SGA’s MVP artistry or Haliburton’s passing wizardry. All games air on ABC, which is carried by most major live TV streaming services. Here are your top options :
- YouTube TV ($83/month): Includes ABC, ESPN, and TNT, making it a seamless choice for playoffs and Finals. Free trials often available—check local availability.
- Hulu + Live TV ($83/month): Bundles ABC, ESPN, and TNT with Hulu’s vast on-demand library. Ideal for households wanting sports and entertainment in one plan.
- DirecTV Stream ($85/month Entertainment tier): Reliable access to ABC and ESPN, with a robust channel lookup tool to confirm local network coverage.
- Sling TV ($61/month Orange & Blue plan): Covers ESPN and TNT, but ABC is only available in select markets. An affordable option if paired with an over-the-air antenna for ABC.
- FuboTV: Offers a free trial and includes ABC/ESPN in most areas, though it lacks TNT (not needed for Finals).
For antenna users, every game broadcasts free over-the-air on ABC—just ensure your local signal is strong . International viewers or those on the go can also stream via the ESPN App (with TV provider login) or ESPN.com .
The Eastern Wild Card: Pacers or Knicks? Drama Unfolds Thursday
While the Thunder rest, the East remains a pressure cooker. The Pacers hold a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Knicks, fueled by Haliburton’s historic Game 4 masterpiece: 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, and zero turnovers—a playoff first in NBA history . One more win sends Indiana to its first Finals since 2000.
But don’t count out New York. The Knicks boast the postseason’s best clutch rating (+15.4 net) and a road-warrior mentality (6-2 away record). If Jalen Brunson—averaging 33.3 PPG this series—can ignite Madison Square Garden in Game 5 on Thursday (8 PM ET, TNT), the Knicks aim to become the first team since the 2016 Cavaliers to overcome a 3-1 conference finals deficit .
Why This Finals Matchup Captivates
- Thunder’s Historic Run: OKC’s path swept through Memphis, survived a gritty 7-game war with Denver, and silenced Minnesota with four 30-point playoff wins—an NBA record. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34-point closeout in Game 5 of the WCF wasn’t just a performance; it was a coronation .
- The East’s Hunger: Indiana last won a title in the ABA (1973). New York’s drought stretches to 1973. For small-market Indy or basketball-mad NYC, this is a chance to end generations of waiting .
- Tactical Fireworks: Whether it’s OKC’s #1 defense (103.6 playoff rating) suffocating Haliburton’s #1 offense (118.5 rating) or Brunson attacking Lu Dort in isolation chess matches, the stylistic clash promises brilliance .
The Ultimate Viewer Checklist
- Set Reminders: Game 1 tips June 5 at 8:30 PM ET. Prime-time slots ensure coast-to-coast accessibility .
- Test Your Stream: If using a new service, trial it before tip-off to avoid login hiccups.
- Embrace the Atmosphere: At OKC’s Paycom Center, “Loud City” has lived up to its name. Even from home, the Thunder’s 8-1 playoff record there signals an intimidating launchpad .
- Track the East: Tune into Knicks-Pacers Game 5 Thursday on TNT—it could be Brunson’s last stand or Haliburton’s ticket to immortality .
Legacy Awaits
Thirteen years ago, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden led Oklahoma City to the Finals, only to fall short. Now, a new era—forged through patience, elite drafting, and two-way genius—has its shot at redemption. For the Pacers or Knicks, it’s about crashing a dynasty-in-progress with history of their own.
The schedule is set. The streaming paths are clear. All that remains is the bounce of the ball, the roar of the crowd, and basketball at its absolute pinnacle. Circle June 5. The Thunder are coming—and you’ve got a front-row seat.
