Pacers Flight Diverts to Tulsa Amid Oklahoma City Tornado Warning

The Indiana Pacers faced a weather-related challenge while traveling to Oklahoma City for Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as their team plane was diverted to Tulsa due to a tornado warning in the area. After circling the OKC airport and refueling in Tulsa, the Pacers safely landed in Oklahoma City several hours behind schedule but still had time to prepare for the game on Thursday. Oklahoma City lies in the heart of Tornado Alley, which experiences frequent tornadoes during this peak season, adding an unusual hurdle for the Pacers' first Finals appearance since 2000. Despite entering as massive underdogs with +500 odds, Pacers stars Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam expressed excitement and confidence in facing the Thunder. The Thunder are hosting their first Finals game since 2012, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown. Game 1 will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday and be televised on ABC.