This is similar to: The 2016 Cavs, 2019 Raptors & 2023 Nuggets. Those three teams became first-time champions in the past nine seasons, including two with ties to the current Pacers. The 2019 Raptors featured Pascal Siakam, while the 2023 Nuggets included Thomas Bryant. The rest of the Indiana roster has yet to taste championship glory.

Adam Silver Addresses 'Small Market Teams' Amid Pacers vs Thunder NBA Finals originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It is a stretch that began in 2019, when the Toronto Raptors upended the Golden State Warriors to win their first-ever title; the Denver Nuggets joined them as first-time champs in 2023.

The NBA Finals are set to begin on Thursday, and the matchup between two young, exciting teams has fans excited. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the league's best team all season long, but the Indiana Pacers have been on a tear themselves, announcing their brilliance in the playoffs.