The News Life

NBA Finals 2025: “The Paul George Cup” – When the Past Shapes History.Phuong

June 10, 2025 by mrs y

Why Is It Called “The Paul George Cup”?

The 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers has been playfully dubbed “The Paul George Cup” by fans—a catchy name that’s far from coincidental. The moniker stems from the fascinating career journey of Paul George, a star who has donned the jerseys of both teams competing in this year’s championship.

Paul George is not just a former player for the Thunder and Pacers; he’s a pivotal figure in the trade deals that shaped the current rosters of both franchises. The transactions involving George brought key players to Indiana and Oklahoma City, players who are now leading their teams to glory.

Paul George’s Career Journey

Starting with the Indiana Pacers (2010-2017)
Paul George was selected by the Indiana Pacers as the 10th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, marking the beginning of a remarkable seven-year tenure in Indianapolis. During this time, George evolved from a promising rookie into one of the league’s brightest stars. At his peak with the Pacers, he became the face of the franchise and a fan favorite. However, as his contract neared its end, George began exploring new paths for his future.

The Oklahoma City Chapter (2017-2019)
The summer of 2017 marked a turning point in Paul George’s career. Facing the risk of losing him for nothing, the Pacers made a historic trade.

Details of the Paul George Trade from Pacers to Thunder:

  • Indiana Pacers received:
    • Victor Oladipo: A talented guard with elite scoring and defensive skills
    • Domantas Sabonis: A versatile forward/center with all-around abilities
  • Oklahoma City Thunder received:
    • Paul George: An All-Star forward known for his scoring and defensive prowess

Initially, many viewed this trade as a win for the Thunder, but time has shown that both teams got exactly what they needed.

The Los Angeles Clippers Era (2019-2024)
After two years with Oklahoma City, Paul George shocked the basketball world again by moving to the Los Angeles Clippers in the summer of 2019. This move not only shook up the league but also brought the Thunder a haul of draft picks and young talent.

Details of the Paul George Trade from Thunder to Clippers:

  • Oklahoma City Thunder received:
    • Danilo Gallinari: An Italian forward with exceptional three-point shooting
    • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A young, talented guard (now the Thunder’s MVP)
    • A series of valuable draft picks:
      • 2021 first-round pick (used to select Tre Mann)
      • 2022 first-round pick (used to select Jalen Williams)
      • 2024 first-round pick (used to select Dillon Jones)
      • 2025 pick swap rights
  • Los Angeles Clippers received:
    • Paul George

A New Chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers (2024-Present)
In 2024, Paul George made another major move, signing a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, his first season in Philly was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 41 games.

Stars Born from the “Paul George Effect”

Tyrese Haliburton: Indiana’s Gem
The chain of trades sparked by Paul George ultimately brought a new star to the Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton. The journey unfolded as follows:

  • Paul George → Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis
  • Domantas Sabonis → Tyrese Haliburton (in a 2022 trade)

Haliburton is now the Pacers’ brightest star, boasting elite playmaking (10.1 assists per game) and a modern playing style. He has become the new face of the Indiana franchise.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Thunder’s MVP
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—acquired in the Paul George trade with the Clippers—has blossomed into one of the league’s top players. Averaging 27.4 points per game with exceptional leadership, SGA has propelled the Thunder back into championship contention.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 09: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates with Isaiah Joe #11 and Aaron Wiggins #21 after scoring against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at PHX Arena on April 09, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Statistical Comparison: Past and Present

Tyrese Haliburton vs. Paul George (Pacers Era)

Stat

Haliburton (2022-25) Paul George (2010-17)
Trận đấu/mùa 224 448
Điểm/trận 19.5 18.1
Rebounds/trận 3.8 6.3
Assists/trận 10.1 3.2
Steals/trận 1.5 1.7
FG% 48.2% 43.2%
3P% 38.6% 37.0%

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Paul George (Thunder Era)

Stat

SGA (2019-25) Paul George (2017-19)
Trận đấu 380 156
Điểm/trận 27.4 25.0
Rebounds/trận 5.2 6.9
Assists/trận 5.5 3.7
Steals/trận 1.5 2.1
FG% 50.3% 43.4%
3P% 35.4% 39.2%

The Significance of the Finals
The 2025 NBA Finals is not just a clash between two exceptional teams; it’s a testament to the foresight of their front offices. Trade decisions made years ago are now bearing fruit.

The Indiana Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, have found new cornerstones to build their futures. Meanwhile, Paul George continues his journey in Philadelphia, though no longer at his peak.The “Paul George Cup” is more than a playful nickname—it reflects the magic of the NBA, where past decisions can create unexpected and compelling stories in the present. This year’s Finals is the clearest evidence of how a single player can shape the destiny of multiple franchises, even long after he’s left them.

Though Paul George will watch the Finals from afar, his impact on the journeys of both the Thunder and Pacers will be remembered forever. This is truly a beautiful story of how the NBA weaves unexpected and meaningful connections between the past, present, and future.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • UNBELIEVABLE MOVE: Detroit Tigers Star Tarik Skubal Just Turned Down $45 Million from Mark Zuckerberg — But What He Said Next About America, Inequality, and What Truly Matters in Life Might Be the Most Powerful Thing Baseball Has Heard All Year.nh1
  • BREAKING: SF Giants Are Now at a Tense and Unavoidable Crossroads with Justin Verlander — Why His Next Start Might Be His Last in San Francisco, and the Silent Rift Growing Inside the Clubhouse That No One’s Talking About (Until Now).nh1
  • BREAKING NEWS: Alex Cora has shocked the world and the American media when she accepted Mark Zuckerberg’s $45 million advertising offer to prepare for the launch of a new campaign called “Cora Cares Initiative” to help disadvantaged children in Boston.nh1
  • BREAKING: Red Sox Just Walked Into Wrigley and Silenced the Cubs — What Happened in the Final Inning, the Hug at the Ivy Wall, and the Message from Cora in the Dugout Might Be the Turning Point of the Season.nh1
  • AMAZING NEWS: Aaron Judge Gives Baseball and Hope to Boy Who Survived Ruidoso Wildfire After pouring his heart and soul into Texas, Aaron Judge wasn’t done yet. When the raging fire burned down the town of Ruidoso, New Mexico—taking away homes, forests, and the childhoods of thousands of children—he quietly showed up. Not in a Yankees uniform, but with… a bat, a bracelet, and his eyes fixed on little Liam—a kid who lost both his father and his beloved ballpark overnight..nh1

Recent Comments

  1. A WordPress Commenter on Hello world!

Copyright © 2025 · Paradise on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in