The central theme of this NBA Finals series between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder can perhaps be distilled into two simple yet profound quotes shared recently.
The first quote comes from Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner. Known for his passion for Lego – a hobby sometimes used by opponents as a taunt – Turner views building, brick by brick, as an art form, seeing himself as an artist.
Just as basketball has extensive philosophy written about it, so does Lego. Turner, a deep thinker, is a follower of both philosophies. Had he not declared for the 2015 NBA draft after his freshman year at the University of Texas, he intended to study psychology.
Therefore, his comment wasn`t made lightly. It might just be the most insightful statement summarizing this entire NBA season and the upcoming Finals between his Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
His explanation was both profound and simple, deep yet lighthearted, much like his Lego creations. He articulated why these two teams – one an underdog, the other consistently dominant – have reached this stage: their capacity to “use the power of friendship,” building chemistry both on and off the court.
The second key quote comes from MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Like Michael Jordan, SGA experienced a setback early in his high school career in Hamilton, Ontario, being “cut” from the junior varsity team in ninth grade. More precisely, he was placed on the freshman team instead, which he then led to a city championship.
SGA clearly had a significant rise in high school, but the impact went beyond simply reaching the University of Kentucky. This week, he shared a crucial lesson from his high school years that became a defining trait.
The lesson? The power of calm.
He recounted, “I used to be a kid who would get angry and throw the ball around the court during a pickup game.” His coaches taught him, “the older you get, the less you get away with things like that.”
He explained the impact: “To become the player I aspire to be, I couldn`t act that way, as it would affect the rest of my team. That lesson stayed with me. I still possess that intensity; I feel it. However, I learned not to display it publicly, which, in a way, turned it into a weapon for myself. Showing your emotions can give your opponent an advantage.”
The 2025 NBA Finals could be encapsulated by these two ideas: the power of friendship and the weaponization of calm.
This theme perfectly captures the journey of these two small-market teams, constructed patiently and intentionally, much like building Turner`s cherished 9,000-piece Lego Titanic. Notably, only one player in this Finals series, Thunder big man Chet Holmgren, was a top-three draft pick, and he hasn`t yet made an All-Star team.
After the Pacers eliminated the New York Knicks, Turner commented, “I think it`s a new blueprint for the league.”
He elaborated, “The era of superteams and stacking talent isn`t as effective as it once was. The current trend is what we and OKC are doing: young players running, defending, and leveraging the power of friendship.”
It`s a catchy idea with significant merit.
Earlier in the season, Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen described his team`s style as “ethical basketball.”
Allen used descriptive terms like “Farm-raised, non-GMO, organic, free-range, ethical basketball” for his 64-win Cavs squad, known for its three All-Stars, deep rotation, high-assist numbers, and balanced offense.
The Cavaliers` team-oriented “ethical” approach was widely praised, culminating in Kenny Atkinson winning Coach of the Year in his first season. However, in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Cleveland encountered a team embodying that ethic even more fully: the Indiana Pacers, often seen as a “circle-of-friends” team.
The Knicks, who advanced one round further than the Cavs, also emphasize team chemistry, with intrateam friendships highlighted through podcasts, commercials, and their shared history, notably from their Villanova days (referencing Brunson/Hart).
Knicks President Leon Rose, a former agent, built the team by hiring longtime friends and clients like coaches Tom Thibodeau and Rick Brunson, and targeting former clients Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns – both All-NBA selections this season – as foundational pieces.
The Knicks` recent success, achieving their best two-season stretch in 25 years, further supports Turner`s perspective.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault remarked on the Pacers, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, which signals a strong team. They play consistently, whether it`s January or May, up by 20 or down by 20. Their approach has remarkable integrity.”
A focus on camaraderie, emotional control, and integrity: these aren`t the characteristics traditionally associated with teams reaching – let alone winning – the NBA Finals.
Michael Jordan famously described his win-at-all-costs mentality in “The Last Dance,” saying, “When people see this, they’re going to say, `Well, he wasn’t really a nice guy. He was a tyrant.` Well, that’s you because you never won anything.”
He continued, “It`s who I am; it`s how I approached the game. That was my mindset. If that`s not how you want to play, then don`t.”
While focused on friendship, the Pacers aren`t without an edge. Star Tyrese Haliburton is becoming known as one of the league`s notable provocateurs. Ahead of the decisive Game 6 against the Knicks, some players, including Haliburton, wore black attire, symbolizing a “funeral.” Haliburton also engaged with Knicks superfan Ben Stiller on social media after securing the series win.
Nevertheless, despite moments like “choke” gestures and social media jabs, these actions don`t fully define their playing style. While they can be fierce competitors in critical moments, Turner`s description of the team`s core identity holds true.
Similarly, the Thunder have cultivated their own culture rooted in a similar principle. A notable tradition, often initiated by SGA, is conducting postgame on-court interviews collectively as a team.
Earlier in the season, Coach Daigneault stated that when faced with a decision (“the angel and devil on your shoulder”), the Thunder choose “the angel.”
Largely, they follow the example set by their MVP, who prioritizes maintaining emotional composure and supporting his teammates.
Gilgeous-Alexander commented on their bond: “We`re as close as a basketball team can be; guys are constantly together wherever we go. We do everything together, both on and off the court. Our top priorities are winning and enjoying each other`s company. I believe this connection developed organically.”
“Organic” joins the list of terms describing this series. Interestingly, during his year at Kentucky, Gilgeous-Alexander focused his studies on agriculture. So, the 2025 NBA Finals themes? Lego, farms, and friendship – potential titles for a future documentary.
If nothing else, this championship matchup offers a refreshing change for the NBA. These teams operate with a distinct feel compared to recent champions, whose narratives were often defined by overcoming adversity or proving doubters wrong, like the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors.
The on-court intensity and skill level are just as high, but the personalities involved present a different dynamic. And those within the teams are fully aware of this difference.
Gilgeous-Alexander reflected, “It`s something you don`t take for granted. You never know how many chances you`ll get to play for a team like this.”
