The Thunder return to the Finals after 13 years! Will compete with the Pacers for the title? A basketball feast with poor ratings

On May 29, Beijing time, the Thunder defeated the Timberwolves and advanced to the finals with a total score of 4-1. This is the Thunder's second time on the Finals stage since 2012. Thirteen years ago, Durant, Westbrook and Harden led the Thunder to the Finals, but lost 4-1 to the Heat led by James, Wade and Bosh.

The Thunder's Finals opponent has not yet been determined, and many American media believe that the Pacers are currently leading 3-1 in the Eastern Conference finals. By all indications, this year's championship is likely to be between these two teams.

Some American media lamented that this potential matchup is a victory for pure basketball fans. Both teams played an exciting style that deviated from modern basketball conventions – rejecting superstar-dominated single-centric tactics, excessive three-point shooting, and shortened playoff rotations.

The Thunder and Pacers ranked 11th and 13th in singles scoring, respectively, and 9th and 7th in three-point shooting, respectively. Their deep roster also shows that both teams are tied for fourth place in bench scoring, averaging 33.7 points per game.

All of this data depicts two teams working together without star privileges, reminiscent of NCAA teams. That's exactly why they lead the way in fast-break scoring in the playoffs, with the Thunder (24.9) and Pacers (23.7) straining opponents with a frantic pace. The Pacers' fast-break performance was extraordinary, scoring 1.34 points per game and shooting 66 percent from the field, while the Thunder scored 1.17 points and shot 54 percent.

If style determines how exciting the matchup is, then the Thunder vs. Pacers has all the elements of a classic battle. The American media believes that it is a pity that ordinary NBA fans may not be able to appreciate this matchup due to their obsession with stars and star teams.

Just look at the fact that NBA playoff ratings have plummeted since Curry's Warriors and James' Lakers were out. According to Sports Media Watch, the third game of the Timberwolves-Thunder Western Conference Finals is the lowest-rated Western Conference Final game since 2013.

Given the drop in ratings, one reporter said the league clearly preferred the Knicks (the only big-market team left in the playoffs) to reach the Finals. In the Eastern Conference finals series, the Pacers vs. Knicks had excellent U.S. viewing figures, but more due to the Knicks' huge fan base.

If the Thunder and Pacers face each other in the Finals, a lot of the audience may switch channels. It would be a shame because a basketball feast is coming.

The Thunder are known for their elite defense, and the Pacers rely on offense to win, but what these teams have in common isn't limited to being in a small market. Both teams acquired their superstar guards in trades — the Thunder "snatched" Alexander from the Clippers in the George trade, and the Pacers got Haliburton from the Kings in the Sabonis trade. Both teams are led by basketball operations executives who have served for more than 10 years – Presti of the Thunder and Pritchard of the Pacers. Both teams would not have won without the significant contributions of their role players, and frankly, this is usually true for teams that have come this far.

Another trait that the Pacers and Thunder have in common seems to be an underrated factor in their success: these two teams are the two best teams in the league to avoid turnovers on the offensive end, which gives them an undeniable advantage.

Interestingly, both the Thunder and the Pacers are old clubs of Paul George, and George didn't help the team reach its current heights when he played for either team.

Now, the Thunder have taken the lead in advancing to the Finals, and the Pacers are one step away from the Finals. At 8 a.m. Beijing time on May 30, the Pacers will play the Knicks on the road, and if they can win, they will advance to the finals with a total score of 4-1 and meet the Thunder. Which team is more optimistic about becoming this year's champion? Feel free to leave a message to express your opinions.

With the schedule of the finals (Beijing time)——

June 6, 8:30 Finals G1

June 9, 8:00 Finals G2

June 12, 8:30 Finals G3

June 14th 8:30 Finals G4

June 17, 8:30 Finals G5 (if required)

June 20th, 8:30 Finals G6 (if needed)

June 23rd, 8:00 Finals G7 (if required)