NBA Finals Game 1: Pacers at Thunder, 8:30 p.m., Thursday; TV: ABC

The 2025 NBA Finals tip off Thursday night with Game 1 between the Pacers and Thunder in Oklahoma City.

We asked USA Today Sports Network's two beat writers who cover their respective teams the most — IndyStar's Dustin Dopirak and Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman — what matchup they'll be focused on most as the key to which team will hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Luguentz Dort vs. Tyrese Haliburton

The primary problem Tyrese Haliburton has had to find a solution for over the past two seasons has been top-level defenders who face-guard him and devote all of their attention to keeping the ball out of his hands or giving him no space to operate when he gets it. Early in the season he more than once took the

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