US basketball: Expert explains who will win the NBA crown and what role a German will play

The 2025 NBA Finals are just around the corner – the ultimate US basketball highlight of the season. This year, the Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Indiana Pacers, who made a surprise appearance in the Finals. The Finals are the final and decisive round of the NBA season, in which the best teams from the Western and Eastern Conferences battle for the coveted title of arguably the best basketball team in the world. Oklahoma City is considered the clear favorite.

With a mix of young talent and impressive team chemistry, Oklahoma has had an outstanding season and is determined to win its first championship. But the Pacers, who have made several upsets this season, are a tough opponent to be reckoned with.

We spoke with Alexander Vogel. He has been one of the most well-known basketball experts for years and is the sports director of Germany's top club, the Heidelberg Academics, who are currently battling against FC Bayern Munich in the BBL for a place in the final. Vogel analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of both teams and explains what will be decisive in this exciting final series.

FOCUS online: What made the Indiana Pacers so strong this season

Alexander Vogel: The Pacers have shown this season that teamwork and good coaching are crucial. Under Rick Carlisle, one of the best coaches in the league, they have found their identity and become stronger both offensively and defensively. They stabilized, especially in the second half of the season, and looked good against big teams like the Celtics and Bucks.

And what exactly are the strengths of the OKC Thunder and why are they so successful in the playoffs?

Above all, the OKC Thunder have their absolute top player: Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander. He's not only the MVP (league's most valuable player) of the season, but also the player who has carried the entire team. His performance is outstanding, and without him, the Oklahoma team certainly wouldn't be where it is today. Even though they're still young and have little playoff experience, they've shown that they're well-positioned both offensively and defensively.

There's a debate in the US about whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander truly deserves the MVP title. What's your take on that?

The discussion about the MVP award often revolves around who the 'best' player is, but this year it's about who was most valuable to their team. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to an impressive season. While he's not necessarily the best player in the league—and the MVP award is, of course, always tied to team performance—he was definitely the most important player for Oklahoma. Without him, they wouldn't have been able to play so successfully this season.

Oklahoma also has a German, Isaiah Hartenstein. He would be only the second German after Dirk Nowitzki to win the NBA title. What role has he played in the team's success?

Isaiah Hartenstein has established himself as a very solid two-way player this season. By that, I mean he doesn't need the ball in his hands all the time to be effective, and he contributes a lot on both offense and defense for Oklahoma. He's a good example of a player who doesn't play a dominant role but is still incredibly important to the team. However, to be fair, the comparison to Dirk Nowitzki isn't fair—Hartenstein is a good player, but Nowitzki remains an exceptional player.

What role will coaching decisions play in the 2025 playoffs?

Coaching definitely plays a big role. Both Rick Carlisle of the Pacers and Tom Thibodeau of the Knicks are excellent coaches who are very good at preparing their teams tactically. The way they deploy their players and react to changes in the game is crucial, especially in the playoffs when games become more intense. A well-planned game plan can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Which team do you think is the favorite to win the 2025 NBA Finals?

Both teams have their strengths. The Pacers, with their well-balanced team and experienced players, and Oklahoma, with their dynamic mix of youth and talent around MVP Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander, offer a dynamic mix of youth and talent. Both teams have the potential to truly shine in the Finals, even if they still have weaknesses. It will come down to tactical adjustments and who can impress in the decisive moments in the Finals. But the top contender for the championship is Oklahoma.