The NBA Finals are locked in: Oklahoma City Thunder versus the Indiana Pacers. Young blood, electrifying styles, and a whole lotta hype. Most folks are probably looking at MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder and thinking ‘champs in the making, easy.’ But hold up a sec. Because when NBA royalty, the one and only Magic Johnson, drops a hot take saying this series is gonna be way tighter and more thrilling than anyone expects? Yeah, you better believe the basketball world sits up and listens.
Magic, a five-time NBA champion and three-time MVP himself, took to X to share his thoughts on this upcoming Finals matchup, and he didn’t hold back.
The 65-year-old tweeted: “You have the NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and in my opinion, the MVP throughout the entire Western Conference Playoffs on one side. On the other side we have – Tyrese Haliburton, who in my opinion, was Eastern Conference MVP throughout the entire Playoffs. This will be an all-time great point guard matchup!” That’s some serious praise from one of the greatest point guards to ever lace up! He’s seeing something special in this SGA vs. Hali showdown, a clash of titans at the lead guard spot that he believes will be one for the ages.
You have the NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and in my opinion, the MVP throughout the entire Western Conference Playoffs on one side. On the other side we have – Tyrese Haliburton, who in my opinion, was Eastern Conference MVP throughout the entire Playoffs. This will be an…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 3, 2025
But Magic didn’t stop there. He then explained why he thinks this series is going to be such a barnburner, and it’s not just about the star power at the point. He pointed to the incredible offensive firepower and surprising defensive grit of both squads.
In a follow-up tweet, Magic laid it out: “The Pacers vs. OKC Series will be a lot closer than people think! It’ll be a truly exciting series because both the Pacers and the Thunder average well over 100 points per game (ppg) ranking 2nd and 3rd for ppg in the NBA respectively while still being two of the best defensive teams in basketball.” Now that’s an interesting angle!
(This is a developing story…)
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