THE Indiana Pacers encountered unexpected turbulence on their journey to the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals as severe weather across Oklahoma City on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 (PH time), disrupted the team’s travel plans.
The team’s charter flight from Indianapolis was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Tulsa. After refueling, the plane had to take a longer route to avoid more storms before eventually touching down in Oklahoma City, roughly three and a half hours later than planned.
Although the team arrived to clear skies, conditions were far more dangerous just an hour earlier. Oklahoma City was under a tornado warning, flood watch and severe thunderstorm alert during the afternoon as the Pacers were en route.
The intense weather also caused delays and interruptions at Will Rogers World Airport, affecting both arrivals and departures well into the evening.
The travel hiccup comes just days before the Pacers are set to make their first NBA Finals appearance after 25 years.
They’ll face the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 is set on Friday. / RSC