That didn’t change in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on a night the Thunder were the better team for 45 minutes — leading by nine with 2:30 remaining — but when it came to executing in the clutch, it was once again the Pacers. Haliburton silenced Loud City and sent Pacers fans into a frenzy.

The expectation in league circles is that the NBA will ultimately move forward with expansion, with two teams: Seattle and, most likely, Las Vegas. Silver and the league office had wanted to wait for a new CBA to be in place (ensuring stability) as well as the new television deal finalized before moving forward. Those are now done.