The 2025 NBA Finals: A Test of Endurance and Mental Toughness for the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder

In the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are locked in a thrilling series that has pushed both teams to their physical and mental limits. The nine-month grind of the NBA season, combined with the added fatigue from cross-country flights and the intense competition of the playoffs, has taken a significant toll on the players' well-being. One player who has experienced this firsthand is Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who admitted to feeling winded in Games 3 and 4 in Indianapolis. "It's a lot of games. It's tiring, for sure," he said. "But every game is tiring. When you're giving your all, every possession, you're going to be tired." Similarly, Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, who went through the nine-month grind of the 2019 NBA Finals, has a different perspective on the experience. "In '19, I was probably less than 200 pounds by the time I got to the Finals," he told Yahoo Sports. "All the weight through the playoffs, it was so much." Despite the physical and mental exhaustion, both teams are determined to keep pushing and fighting for every possession. The Thunder's Jalen Williams has grown in confidence and demeanor throughout the series, while Siakam has found ways to take care of his body and stay mentally focused on the task at hand. The series is tied 2-2 heading into Monday's pivotal Game 5, and both teams are approaching the point of being tired of each other. The emotional swings that have taken place in every great Finals series are part of the wild ride that both teams are experiencing. As the series continues to heat up, it's clear that both teams are giving it their all and leaving nothing behind on the court. The 2025 NBA Finals is a testament to the mental and physical toughness required to compete at this level, and both teams are proving that they are more than capable of handling the pressure and challenges that come with it. The image below shows a moment from the game, captured by a photographer. It's a reminder of the intensity and passion that these players bring to every game, and it's a testament to their dedication and hard work.