Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Timeline
You wouldn’t think that a matchup between a Midwest franchise born out of the ABA and a rebranded team that rose from the ashes of the Seattle SuperSonics would deliver decades of basketball drama, would you?
Yet, here we are. The Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers timeline has quietly become one of the more fascinating head-to-heads in NBA regular-season play.
No, it’s not Lakers-Celtics or Bulls-Pistons in terms of sheer animosity. But Thunder-Pacers? It’s like a well-aged wine of basketball matchups, complex, sometimes surprising, and always worth a taste when they meet.
From rookie surprises to franchise-defining trades, lopsided blowouts to gritty double-overtime duels, this matchup has it all. With 102 games played as of the 2025–26 season, the Thunder lead the all-time regular season series 56 – 46.
Let’s take a deeper look at how this timeline unfolded, and why it’s worth keeping your eyes on.
How Did This Matchup Begin and How Has It Evolved?
The roots of this timeline dig back to October 26, 1976, when the Seattle SuperSonics (remember them?) squared off against the Indiana Pacers for the first time.
The Pacers came out swinging, dropping a 120–90 statement win. But that early thunderstorm didn’t last long, Seattle quickly found their groove, eventually morphing into the Oklahoma City Thunder and flipping the script in the decades to come.
While the Pacers remained relatively consistent, the SuperSonics/Thunder franchise experienced peaks and valleys, some of which involved MVPs and others that involved… well, rebuilding years best left unspoken.
But regardless of form, these two teams met year after year, slowly stacking up a series that might not have the sparkle of national TV rivalries but delivers the goods for basketball purists.
What Do the All-Time Numbers Say About Thunder vs Pacers?
Let’s cut to the chase: the Thunder, including their SuperSonics days, hold the advantage in this series. Here’s how it looks when the dust settles on all 102 regular season games:
Table 1: All-Time Record – Thunder vs Pacers
| Team | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder/SuperSonics | 56 | 46 |
| Indiana Pacers | 46 | 56 |
This near-even split makes every new encounter feel like another chapter in a long-running chess match. There are years where Indiana appears to have OKC’s number, only for the Thunder to turn around and string together a win streak of their own. The balance keeps the stakes interesting and the fans guessing.
Which Games Have Defined the Timeline?
Not all games are created equal. Some matchups are just games on the schedule; others turn into benchmarks, moments that define or disrupt a narrative. The Thunder and Pacers have had their fair share of both. Here are a few that added real spice to the stew.
In May 2021, Indiana stunned everyone by absolutely torching Oklahoma City 152 – 95. That wasn’t just a win; it was an offensive explosion that set a franchise scoring record for Indiana and left OKC wondering if they’d shown up to the right building.
Fast forward to October 2025, and the Thunder found redemption with a 141-135 double-overtime win in Indiana. It was a marathon of a game, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing the role of superhero and Chet Holmgren reminding fans that blocks can be just as dramatic as buzzer-beaters.
Let’s not forget April 2024, when the Pacers outpaced the Thunder in a 126-112 win. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge, giving Indiana fans a glimpse into their bright, dynamic future.
Table 2: Selected Recent Matchups
| Date | Winner | Score | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23, 2025 | Thunder | 141–135 (2OT) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 39 PTS |
| Mar 29, 2025 | Thunder | 132–111 | Balanced OKC scoring |
| Apr 5, 2024 | Pacers | 126–112 | Haliburton – 28 PTS |
| May 1, 2021 | Pacers | 152–95 | Historic scoring night |
What Are the Key Trends Over the Last Decade?
While the early years belonged to the SuperSonics, and the 2000s were more of a give-and-take, the 2020s have seen momentum bounce like a ping-pong ball between these franchises. The Pacers enjoyed a 5-game win streak between 2021–2023, only to see the Thunder flip the script in 2024 and 2025 with three straight wins.
This back-and-forth has become the signature of the matchup, neither team dominates for long, and both bring enough firepower to turn any game into a highlight reel.
Table 3: Recent Win Streaks (2020–2025)
| Team | Streak Length | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Pacers | 5 | 2021–2023 |
| Thunder | 3 | 2024–2025 |
What Role Have Trades and Star Players Played in This Matchup?
The Paul George trade in 2017 changed more than just team rosters, it rewrote the DNA of both franchises. OKC pushed for contention, pairing George with Russell Westbrook, while Indiana embraced a retool with Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.
The trade added narrative weight every time these teams met. And yes, George put up big numbers in his early OKC-Pacers games, just to spice things up.
Now, the stars have changed, but the tension hasn’t. Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as OKC’s franchise cornerstone, with Chet Holmgren providing rim protection and offensive promise. Over in Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton runs the show like a seasoned vet, while Mathurin and Turner offer serious support.
How Do the Stats Compare Between the Teams?
They may have similar records, but their styles of play differ drastically. The Thunder thrive on athleticism, perimeter scoring, and pace. The Pacers prefer ball movement and spacing, often leading the league in assists per game. Let’s break it down.
Table 4: Statistical Comparison (Last 3 Seasons Average)
| Category | Thunder | Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 117.2 | 116.1 |
| Field Goal % | 47.5% | 47.0% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 45.8 | 42.6 |
| Assists Per Game | 24.7 | 27.5 |
| Turnovers Per Game | 13.1 | 14.2 |
While OKC dominates on the boards and second-chance points, Indiana’s ball movement has often outsmarted OKC’s aggressive defensive sets.
Who Holds the Biggest Victories and Longest Streaks?
There have been some lopsided results on both sides. The Pacers’ 57-point blowout in 2021 is the stuff of nightmares in OKC lore. But the Thunder have had their own moments, like back-to-back 20-point wins during the Durant-Westbrook era.
Table 5: Notable Win Margins
| Year | Winner | Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Pacers | 152–95 | 57 |
| 2011 | Thunder | 113–89 | 24 |
| 1993 | Pacers | 120–117 | 3 |
| 1980 | Supersonics | 120–111 | 9 |
The variety in scores, from grind-it-out wins to track meet-style blowouts, speaks to how both teams adapt and evolve over time.
What Does the Future Hold for This Matchup?
If the last few seasons are any indication, the Thunder vs Pacers timeline is entering a new golden phase. Both teams are young, exciting, and developing real depth. Their recent matchups feel like previews of future playoff series, maybe even an unlikely NBA Finals showdown. Stranger things have happened.
With the next game on the horizon in early 2026, fans are eager to see which narrative will unfold next. Will the Thunder extend their lead in the series? Or will the Pacers close the gap with another offensive clinic?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many games have the Thunder and Pacers played in the regular season?
A total of 102 games as of the 2025-26 season, with Thunder leading 56-46.
When was the highest-scoring Thunder-Pacers game?
May 1, 2021, when the Pacers scored a franchise-best 152 points in a blowout win.
Have these teams ever faced off in the playoffs?
No, their matchups have all been in the regular season due to conference differences.
Who was involved in the famous Thunder-Pacers trade?
Paul George was traded to the Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis in 2017.
What’s the longest win streak in this matchup?
The Thunder (as the SuperSonics) once held a 9-game win streak in the early 1980s.
Who are the current stars for each team?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren lead OKC; Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner head Indiana.
When is their next game?
The next scheduled regular season game is expected in March 2026.
