The NBA Finals tip off tonight, with the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder set to clash for the championship. To some, it’s a matchup that lacks sizzle. It features a pair of midwestern franchises that don’t exactly light up TV markets or dominate national headlines. That, of course, bothers the mainstream media to no end, and in some ways, it’s hilarious to watch them squirm.
But for basketball purists, this series is a dream. It’s a showcase of speed, athleticism, defensive grit, and breathtaking transition play. These are two teams built with vision and patience, playing a brand of basketball that’s as modern as it is fundamental.