Shai leads OKC into the Finals, where they are heavily favored
The NBA Finals gets underway tonight with Game 1 in Oklahoma City.
It’s also the finals debut for former Kentucky Wildcat and NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
SGA leads the Oklahoma City Thunder into the NBA Finals coming off a victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. In that series, SGA averaged 31.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, and was named Western Conference Finals MVP.
The Thunder are a heavy favorite in the Finals, and SGA is a heavy favorite to be named Finals MVP. Just as SGA was the first former Wildcat to win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award, if he claims the Finals MVP Award, he will also be the first former Cat to receive that honor.
All that said, it would be a mistake to count out this Pacers team that has been an underdog throughout much of the playoffs. Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and this Pacers group are playing their best basketball of the season, and have shown that no lead is safe with them.
This should be a really good series, and Game 1 gets it all started tonight at 8:30 ET on ABC.
Tweet of the Day
Former Arkansas guard Manny Watkins talks about guarding Jamal Murray at Kentucky, calling it a “nightmare.”
“It felt like he was writing the rules as we were playing. We were playing his game… We got our ass handed to us.” pic.twitter.com/VMncfqUDfa
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) June 5, 2025
I’d say others guarding Jamal Murray felt the same way.
Headlines
Mark Pope has pieces to win championship in 2026 – Cats Pause
Plenty to like with this roster.
Davis McCray gives UK a physical commitment – Vaughts Views
A lot of good comments in this article.
Future looks bright for Baseball Cats – UK Athletics
If some of the young guys stay and develop, this could be a really good group.
Reed Sheppard set to take on expanded role in Houston in Year 2 – KSR
Reed could be a big piece for the Rockets.
Pitino shoots down Knicks rumors – Yahoo
It doesn’t look like Rick is headed to the Knicks.
Red Sox win on shortest walk-off home run in at least 10 years – ESPN
Only at Fenway.
2026 NBA All-Star Game will be USA v World – NBC Sports
No shocker, but should be interesting.
Oilers win Game 1 thriller – ESPN
Could be a really good series.
4-6 teams expected to have serious interest in KD trade – Bleacher Report
Where will Durant land next?
Texas wins wild Game 1 in WCWS – CBS Sports
The obstruction rule is now in the spotlight.