Post Reports: The Upside Down NBA Finals – Detailed Summary
Published on June 4, 2025
Hosts: Ava Wallace and Ben Golliver
Podcast: Post Reports by The Washington Post
Introduction
In the June 4, 2025 episode of Post Reports, sports reporters Ava Wallace and Ben Golliver delve into the unexpected matchup of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. This Finals series is particularly noteworthy as it features two smaller market teams devoid of the traditional legacy stars like LeBron James and Steph Curry. The hosts explore what this unique matchup signifies for the future of the NBA, the strategies behind the teams' successes, and the broader implications for players and fans alike.
The Upside Down NBA Finals (01:28 - 03:34)
Ben Golliver introduces the concept of the "upside down NBA Finals," highlighting the departure from the usual dominance of coastal powerhouse teams such as the Lakers and Celtics. He explains:
"This year's final of the matchup, you have the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, obviously two of the smallest 10 markets in the NBA, and two teams who just three years ago were some of the worst teams in the league."
— Ben Golliver (02:34)
Golliver emphasizes that this Finals is a testament to the NBA's commitment to parity, allowing smaller market teams to rise through strategic trades, draft picks, and smart management rather than relying solely on superstar acquisitions.
NBA's Drive for Parity (03:34 - 05:43)
Ava Wallace prompts a discussion on how the NBA's push for parity impacts team-building strategies. Ben elaborates on the league's efforts to ensure competitive balance by implementing a harder salary cap and imposing penalties on high-spending teams:
"The NBA and the owners decided, we want... parity of opportunity. Every team should have a chance."
— Ben Golliver (02:34)
He contrasts this approach with the NFL’s hard salary cap, explaining that the NBA's adjustments prevent teams from monopolizing star talent, thereby fostering a more balanced and unpredictable league.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Dominance through Defense (05:43 - 07:26)
The Thunder's remarkable 68-14 season and their league MVP, Shay Gilgeous-Alexander, are spotlighted. Ben notes:
"The star of the Oklahoma City team is really their team defense. It was number one all season long... they've just been smoking everybody."
— Ben Golliver (05:58)
He praises Gilgeous-Alexander's dedication and skill, describing him as a precise scorer who significantly contributes to the Thunder's offensive efficiency. Additionally, the Thunder's emphasis on defense sets them apart in an era dominated by offensive firepower.
Indiana Pacers: Cohesion and Depth (07:26 - 08:58)
Turning to the Pacers, Ben describes them as the "most cohesive team," where no single player dominates the ball, fostering a team-first mentality. He highlights Tyrese Halliburton as the standout star:
"They're built on really depth and a lot of hardworking players who are willing to make the sacrifices for the betterment of the team rather than their own statistics."
— Ben Golliver (07:39)
Halliburton's unselfish playstyle and ability to lead the team are underscored, positioning the Pacers as the quintessential underdog with the potential to surprise the league.
Thunder's Fan Base and Home Court Advantage (08:58 - 10:59)
Ava shares her personal experience visiting Oklahoma City, noting the city's passionate support for the Thunder. Ben adds:
"This city is obsessed with the Thunder right now. If you walk around downtown Oklahoma City, on every storefront, you will see Thunder up."
— Ben Golliver (09:25)
He paints a vivid picture of the city's enthusiasm, from Thunder-themed storefronts to the iconic Devon Tower lighting up with the team logo after victories. This fervent fan base provides the Thunder with a significant home-court advantage and a palpable sense of community pride.
Implications for the Future of the NBA (16:55 - 20:09)
Ava and Ben discuss the broader implications of parity on the NBA's landscape. Ben expresses concerns that while parity fosters competition, it may also dilute the concentration of star power, potentially impacting global fan engagement:
"The very best players are getting to ride the wave at the top as long as they used to. And that can be tricky..."
— Ben Golliver (17:23)
He suggests that star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic might struggle to accumulate multiple championships due to the league's balanced structure, potentially leading to increased player movement during off-seasons as athletes seek viable paths to championships.
Adapting to a Parity-Driven League (19:46 - 21:18)
The conversation shifts to how players might adapt to the NBA's parity-focused era. Ben anticipates significant player movement in the upcoming NBA summer, as stars seek teams with championship potential:
"What you’re going to see is an adjustment of player attitudes... rather than being, you know, quite as obsessed with chasing the rings as guys like LeBron James and Kevin Durant were during their primes."
— Ben Golliver (20:09)
This shift could lead to more dynamic team rosters and potentially more balanced competition, albeit with less long-term dominance by individual stars.
Key Matchups and Statistics to Watch in the Finals (21:32 - 22:23)
Ben identifies turnovers as a critical statistic that could determine the outcome of the Finals:
"Tyrese Halliburton and the Pacers do a very good job of protecting the basketball... Oklahoma City... are so good at forcing turnovers."
— Ben Golliver (21:32)
He posits that Indiana's ability to minimize turnovers against Oklahoma City's aggressive defensive strategies will be pivotal. Conversely, Oklahoma City's proficiency in capitalizing on turnovers could tilt the series in their favor if Indiana cannot maintain clean play.
Closing Thoughts and Final Reflections (22:32 - 23:56)
In concluding the episode, Ben Golliver shares his hopes for a positive and appreciative fan response to the Finals:
"I just hope people can appreciate them. And I hope it just doesn't turn into a complaint fest for the next two weeks."
— Ben Golliver (22:32)
He expresses a desire for fans to celebrate the deserving teams' achievements rather than engage in negativity, emphasizing the importance of supporting the narrative of competition and growth within the league.
Conclusion
The "Upside Down NBA Finals" featuring the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder marks a significant moment in NBA history, symbolizing the league's dedication to parity and competitive balance. Through strategic management, cohesive team dynamics, and passionate fan support, both teams exemplify the evolving landscape of professional basketball. As the Finals unfold, key factors such as turnovers and team chemistry will be crucial in determining the champion, while the broader implications of parity will continue to shape the NBA's future.
This summary captures the essence of the June 4, 2025 episode of Post Reports, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and detailed analysis.