As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for the Indiana Pacers, the circus that typically surrounds the NBA Finals is brand new for most of the roster. Even Alex Caruso — the lone champion on their roster — had a unique experience in The Bubble.

We haven't even tipped off the 2025 NBA Finals, and the playoffs have already given us several weeks of eye-popping highlights, hard-fought series and team and individual performances that have defined the era and its narratives.

The Oklahoma City Thunder punched their NBA Finals ticket for the first time since 2012 in true Thunder fashion: They suffocated the Timberwolves' offense to the point that Minnesota -- a deserving conference finals team -- looked completely inept.

That translated over to the NBA playoffs as a Death Star that destroyed teams left and right en route to a 12-4 postseason record in the West. The Thunder enter the 2025 NBA Finals as the heavy favorite.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have a week off before playing again in the NBA Finals. How the Thunder, who defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in the Western Conference finals, handle that stretch could set the tone for the championship series against either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks that starts June 5 in Oklahoma City.