The Indiana Pacers’ flight to the 2025 NBA Finals was delayed by 3.5 hours due to harsh weather and tornado warnings in Oklahoma.
Why was the Indiana Pacers flight delayed before the NBA Finals?
The Indiana Pacers returned to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years, but there was temporary evidence Tuesday. Not because of bad weather and tornado warnings in Oklahoma.
On the way to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the dangerous storm conditions in Oklahoma City have led to the repurpose of a Pacers Charter flight from Indianapolis to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
After refueling and rerouting to avoid additional storms, the team landed about 3.5 hours later than planned and arrived around 7pm local time.
What causes the Pacers NBA Finals Flight Delay?
A sweeping across central Oklahoma on Tuesday prompted:
Oklahoma County-wide tornado warnings
Flood clock and serious thunderstorm alerts
Air traffic disruption at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City
As the Pacers flew towards the much-anticipated final, meteorologists reported sightings of a tornado in Norman, Oklahoma about 20 miles south of Oak and near the University of Oklahoma.
The dangerous weather forced the aircraft to land in Tulsa, about 120 miles northeast of its destination.
The skies had been cleared by the time the team landed, but flight delays reminded us of the unpredictability of Midwest weather, even in basketball’s biggest week.
When did Pacer arrive in Oklahoma City for the NBA Finals?
The Pacers landed in Oklahoma City on Tuesday around 7pm local time. It was full three and a half hours after its initial scheduled arrival.
Despite the delays, the team is still scheduled to take part in Wednesday’s NBA Finals Media Day, with Game 1 of the Finals getting back on track at Paycom Center on Thursday night.
What did the Pacers say about the final trip delay?
Miles Turner of Pacers Center reflected on the importance of travel and spoke with reporters before leaving Indianapolis.
“You’re spending so much time thinking about getting there,” Turner said. “It’s like, ‘Let’s just get there.’ So that milestone has been achieved.
When will game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals begin?
Despite Tuesday’s delay, Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals with the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder will chip off at Oklahoma City on Thursday night.
It marks the Pacers’ first final appearance since 2000 and the Thunder’s first final trip since 2012.
Both teams are seeking the first NBA championship in franchise history, and even if the weather tries to interfere, the forecast is high.