Introduction
The rivalry between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder is not the most traditional in the NBA, but it has produced unforgettable moments, dramatic streaks, and, most recently, an NBA Finals showdown. Their history dates back to the late 1970s when the Thunder were known as the Seattle SuperSonics. Since then, the two franchises have shared a competitive back-and-forth, highlighted by lopsided victories, long winning streaks, and a 2025 Finals series that went down to the wire.
This timeline captures their most important encounters, records, and the road that has shaped one of the league’s emerging rivalries.
Historic Timeline of the Rivalry
| Date / Period | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Since 1976 (Seattle era) | Rivalry began when the Thunder were the Seattle SuperSonics; Thunder lead the series 55–46. |
| 1978–1982 | Seattle/OKC enjoyed a 10-game winning streak over Indiana. |
| 2019–2022 | Pacers countered with their best run of 5 straight wins against OKC. |
| May 1, 2021 | Pacers achieved their largest win ever in the series, a 57-point blowout (152–95). |
| 2024–25 Regular Season | Total encounters: Pacers 3 wins, Thunder 6. |
| June 2025 NBA Finals | First-ever playoff matchup between the two teams — Thunder edged the Pacers 4–3. |
2025 NBA Finals Recap (Game by Game)
- Game 1 (June 5): Pacers stole a thriller 111–110 on Haliburton’s buzzer-beater.
- Game 2 (June 8): Thunder bounced back strong, 123–107.
- Game 3 (June 11): Pacers regained momentum with a 116–107 victory.
- Game 4 (June 13): Thunder evened the series again, 111–104.
- Game 5 (June 16): OKC pulled ahead with a 120–109 win.
- Game 6 (June 19): Pacers forced a Game 7 after a 108–91 statement win.
- Game 7 (June 22): Thunder clinched their first championship in Oklahoma City with a 103–91 triumph. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was crowned Finals MVP.
Key Notes from the Rivalry
- The Thunder maintain the series edge historically.
- Longest streaks: Thunder’s 10-game run (1978–82) vs. Pacers’ 5-game surge (2019–22).
- Indiana owns the largest margin of victory in the rivalry (57 points, 2021).
- Their first postseason showdown came in 2025 — a seven-game Finals classic.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander elevated his legacy with Finals MVP honors.
Upcoming Showdowns
- Next scheduled game: Pacers vs. Thunder will headline the 2025–26 NBA season opener on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (televised on ESPN).
- Another confirmed clash: Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 4:00 PM PDT (Thunder @ Pacers).
Quick Takeaways
- Rivalry stretches back nearly five decades.
- Thunder lead historically, but Pacers have produced iconic victories.
- 2025 Finals added a dramatic new chapter — Thunder’s first OKC-era title.
- Fans won’t have to wait long for a rematch, with the season opener in October 2025.
