2025 NBA Finals: Who do we have winning Title, Finals MVP?

Matt Hanifan / NBA / June 5, 2025

2025 NBA Finals: Who do we have winning the Finals, Finals MVP?

Today is the day! The 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers tip off Thursday evening! We will be doing a four-part roundtable, with the first two discussing our X-Factors for the series.

Who do we have winning Finals MVP?!? Here is our team’s responses!

Chickster:

Pacers in 7

The Thunder are deep in their rotation. They got guys that can score a few points here and there to fill out the scoring stat sheet. However, with only three guys averaging in double figures this postseason, you’re going to need more guys consistently scoring more against the Pacers team.

The Pacers are averaging 6 players in double figures in the postseason and their offense is a “swing the mf rock” type of offense to where everyone eats. The Thunder’s defense might be the best NBA defense I’ve seen in years, even with the NBA’s touchy whistle. The Thunder’s defense is disgusting to watch.

It truly will be a battle each time these two teams meet. What makes me give the edge to the Pacers is that they’re a more experienced team, as their players like Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and TJ McConnell are all near or over 30. Siakam has been here before and has won a championship with the Raptors in 2019. This Thunder team is still green, even though they are really good. Big moments matter, and how the Thunder composes themselves will be vital.

Coaching also matters. Rick Carlisle is a helluva coach. He’s vastly underrated as an NBA coach. He also led the Mavericks on their legendary 2011 Title run. Right now, he’s more experienced and frankly a better coach than Mark Daigneault.

Finals MVP: Tyrese Haliburton

Not that I overly care about the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, but I do feel like that should have gone to Hali, too. However, if the Thunder win, no doubt it goes to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

James Herrick:

Thunder in 6

This prediction is rooted in my belief in the Thunder defense. The team’s collection of quality and elite defensive options will allow them to hit the Pacers with copious defensive matchups. At the same time, the team’s defensive depth will allow players to rest and recover from the Pacers’ relentless pace. This is all present alongside the league MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander, who can carry a large burden of the team’s offensive creation responsibilities.

Finals MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

It is difficult to pick against Gilgeous-Alexander. In any prediction for the Thunder to win the finals, this is the corresponding MVP selection. He will be carrying the team’s offense on his shoulders and will have the counting stats to win the award. If he does not, Williams or Holmgren will have to have the series of their life.

Jiarmani DePena:

Thunder in 7

Oklahoma City will be the youngest team that win the NBA finals. No pun intended, but it’s a perfect storm for OKC having so many players on their team that are young, athletic and can play defense. On top of having the MVP with his two other costars. Well, I feel Indiana will pull up a fight similar to Denver. I feel it is OKC’s championship to lose.

Finals MVP: Jalen Williams

Just wanted to pick a bold choice. However, I feel Indiana will do their best Kansas City Chiefs impression in these NBA finals by trying to limit SGA as much as possible at the cost of allowing Oklahoma City’s next star to have the finals of his life. I can very well imagine SGA taking home the award as well.

Anthony Miranda:

Thunder

I like both these teams and would be happy for either franchise to win a championship. Even though they are young, I think the Thunder would be the safe pick. Their balance of suffocating defense and strong scoring will be too much in this series. However, I will be rooting for the Power of Friendship Pacers because that team is all vibes.

Finals MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander