Pacers’ Haliburton Reflects on Weather Delays Before Finals

In an unexpected twist that added to the drama surrounding the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers encountered significant travel disruptions as they made their way to Oklahoma City. Their charter flight was forced to divert to Tulsa due to severe weather conditions, including tornado warnings, a situation that star guard Tyrese Haliburton described with a blend of humor and frustration.

Speaking at the NBA Finals media day, Haliburton shared his thoughts on the prolonged journey. “We might as well have traveled to Portland or something,” he quipped, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. The Pacers had taken off from Indianapolis shortly after 3 p.m. ET, with plans to land in Oklahoma City approximately two and a half hours later. However, the unexpected detour turned what was meant to be a quick trip into a grueling five-hour ordeal.

According to CBS Sports, the National Weather Service confirmed the presence of at least one tornado in Norman, just under 30 miles from Oklahoma City, around 5 p.m. local time. This alarming weather development prompted the pilot’s decision to reroute the plane, ensuring the safety of the players and staff. Haliburton recounted how he had dosed off during the flight, only to be jolted awake by the realization that they had landed in Tulsa instead of their intended destination.

Despite the inconvenience, Haliburton maintained a positive outlook. “It was a long travel day, but what can you do? None of us can control the weather. There’s worse problems in life. We’ll be fine,” he remarked, showcasing his resilience and focus on the task ahead. The Pacers are poised to compete in the Finals for the first time in years, and the team is determined to focus on the challenge rather than the setbacks.

This year’s matchup is particularly significant for the Pacers, as they seek to reclaim their place among the NBA elite. With the excitement building around this long-awaited return to the Finals, the team is keen to channel any frustration from the travel disruption into a strong performance on the court.

As reported by CBS Sports, the Finals not only hold personal stakes for the players but also represent a pivotal moment for the franchise as a whole. The Pacers’ ability to overcome adversity, whether it be in the form of weather delays or competitive challenges, will be crucial as they embark on their quest for championship glory.

The anticipation surrounding the series is palpable, and with both teams eager to make their mark, the Pacers are determined to turn the page on their turbulent travel experience and focus on what lies ahead. Their resilience will be tested on the hardwood, but with players like Haliburton leading the way, the Indiana franchise looks prepared to embrace the challenge.