The Knicks got as close to reaching the NBA Finals as they have in a quarter century, but the league title once again will be decided without them.

While the Knicks sort out their coaching situation with the firing of Tom Thibodeau following their Eastern Conference finals loss to Indiana, the Pacers will square off with the rolling Thunder with both teams looking to be crowned as the champions for the first time in their respective cities.

(Note: The Thunder franchise did win it at all as the Seattle Supersonics in 1979, but this would mark their first title since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008).

Here are 10 storylines to follow beginning with Game 1 on Thursday night in OKC:

First things first

The Pacers joined the NBA in the 1976 merger with the ABA, and this only marks thei

See Full Page