For the first time since Jamal Murray's championship run with the Nuggets in 2023, a Kentucky Wildcat is guaranteed to win an NBA title. Chances are SGA will have a massive impact, but the x-factor may very well end up being Cason Wallace especially if his minutes stay above 30 a game. But there is good news no matter what.
The 2025 NBA Finals have delivered a gift to Big Blue Nation: no matter who takes the crown, a former Cat will earn a ring.
The matchup? The Oklahoma City Thunder versus the Indiana Pacers. And both squads feature former Kentucky standouts.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a legitimate MVP candidate this season, has taken the Thunder to new heights, flanked by rookie standout Cason Wallace, who’s shown defensive maturity and composure beyond his years. Meanwhile, Isaiah Jackson, a former Kentucky big man, has played a key role for the Pacers at times during his 4 years in the NBA — though a torn Achilles will unfortunately keep him sidelined for the Finals.
That doesn't mean the games won't be fun to watch though.
Game 1: Instant classic
If Game 1 is any indication, this series could go down as one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
No team in NBA Finals history had ever overcome a 9-point deficit in the final three minutes of regulation, per ESPN — until last night. Oklahoma City led 108-99 with 2:57 to go before Indiana staged an improbable comeback.
With just seconds remaining, SGA pulled up for one of his signature mid-range shots — but missed. That opened the door for Tyrese Haliburton, who brought the ball up the floor and buried a contested jumper over Cason Wallace with 0.3 seconds left. Just like that, Indiana stole Game 1 on the road, 111–110.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 38 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Wallace contributed 6 points in 33 minutes, continuing to earn the trust of OKC’s coaching staff in high-leverage moments.
Kentucky connection runs deep
While the star power leans heavily toward SGA, this Finals represents more than just a personal milestone — it’s a testament to Kentucky’s ongoing influence at the highest level of basketball.
Calipari may be gone, but the pipeline he built continues to produce Finals-caliber talent. And that is not changing with Mark Pope at the helm.
Whether you’re backing the Pacers or the Thunder, the winner will be wearing blue — even under all that gold confetti.
Game 2 tips off Sunday night at 8 PM EST on ABC, and is available on YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, cable, and even over-the-air broadcasts in many major markets.
So, Big Blue Nation — who are you pulling for? Thunder? Pacers? Or are you just in it for the ring?