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The Indiana Pacers are finally back in the NBA Finals after a 25-year wait, but their journey to this monumental moment was anything but smooth. On Tuesday, severe weather conditions wreaked havoc on the team’s travel plans, causing significant delays and diversions.
The Pacers’ charter flight, which was set to take them from Indianapolis to Oklahoma City, was first diverted to Tulsa, Oklahoma, due to the inclement weather.
Severe weather disrupts travel plans
As the Pacers’ flight was airborne, forecasters issued tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm watches for Oklahoma City and surrounding areas.
This led to a chaotic situation at the airport, with heavy rain and strong winds interrupting arrivals and departures. After refueling in Tulsa, the team’s plane took a longer route to avoid another band of severe weather, ultimately landing in Oklahoma City approximately three and a half hours behind schedule.
First Finals appearance in over two decades
Despite the travel challenges, the Pacers arrived in Oklahoma City around 7 p.m. local time, greeted by clear skies. This marks the first time the Pacers have reached the NBA Finals since 2000, a significant milestone for the franchise.
Myles Turner, the team’s center, expressed the mixed emotions of finally reaching this point after years of hard work. “You spend so much time thinking about getting there, but it’s like, you’re here now,” he said. The focus now shifts from merely arriving to making the most of this opportunity.
Media day and the road ahead
With the NBA Finals media day scheduled for Wednesday, the Pacers are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are also making their first Finals appearance since 2012. The excitement is palpable as both teams prepare for Game 1 of the championship series on Thursday night.
The Pacers’ journey has been filled with challenges, but they are determined to seize this moment and make their mark in NBA history.
As the Pacers gear up for the Finals, they are not just playing for a championship; they are representing a fan base that has waited a long time for this moment. The weather may have delayed their arrival, but it won’t dampen their spirits as they step onto the court to compete for the title.
