We're four wins away from a feat that has eluded the franchise since joining the NBA in 1976: winning a championship. So close, yet so very far from immortality.

I've written in the past about how the Thunder seem to be one step ahead of the Pacers in their rebuild. If you look at how the season has gone for both teams, it's hard not to feel that assessment continues to hold water.

The Thunder have been dominant throughout the season, finishing with a league-best 68-14 record. Their playoff run hasn't shown many signs of weakness either, with easy wins over the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves, and a seven-game-but-not-uncomfortable series against the Denver Nuggets. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads a young, talented roster that excels on both ends of the floor. They beat you up defensively and are clinical offensively.

Remind you of anyone? While the Pacers play with a more free-flowing offense, the teams essentially try to win in the same way: physicality, execution, and depth. Those traits have made the Finals contestants the two best teams in the NBA since January, 1st.

And yet, no matter how good the Pacers have been, nobody seems to believe they can bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to Indianapolis.

You know what I say to that?

THANK GOD! Lord knows we play infinitely better as underdogs. Hell, we have the Thunder right where we want them.

In all seriousness, this series will come down to whether or not the Pacers can make their shots. No matter how good the Thunder are defensively, nobody has really prevented the Pacers from getting open looks this year. If we make those count, we'll win. If we miss, we'll lose.

Keep an eye on the score. The Pacers' ability to score at least 110 points figures to be a benchmark for success.

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 8:30 PM ET.

TV: ABC

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!

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