Who’s rocking the freshest pair in the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers?
Ever since the NBA relaxed its on-court sneaker rules in 2019, players have gone on to rock the freshest pairs from their rotations, whether it’s a custom colorway, a new model, or even a rare pair only a few could ever get their hands on.
It’s no different for this year’s NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, where players have worn their hottest pairs in pursuit of a coveted Larry O’Brien trophy.
Here are some of The GAME’s standout pairs from this year’s championship bout. See any kicks that catch your eye?
Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s SHAI 001 ‘Masi Blue’
The NBA finals saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander debut the “Masi Blue” colorway of his upcoming SHAI 001 sneakers, which fits in perfectly with Oklahoma City’s white and blue team colors.
In an interview posted by NBA Kicks on Instagram, Shai revealed that the colorway is a tribute to his younger brother, Thomasi, who loves this particular shade of blue.
“This is my brother’s favorite color, like growing up, he had some fake Jordans in this color and he wore them everywhere, so that’s kind of the inspo behind this color,” Shai said of the colorway.
That being said, the SHAI 001 is looking like a perfect basketball shoe for casual wear, with Shai himself rocking it for some of his pre-game outfits. The Masi Blues in particular, have even been worn by rapper Lil Yachty during Game 5, giving us an idea on how to rock it for an off-the-court look.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Hali 1 ‘Hibiscus’
We have only seen it in the “Hibiscus” colorway, but Tyrese Haliburton’s Puma Hali 1s are looking like a must-cop when it drops in September this year. Designed by Salehe Bembury, the Hali 1s adhere to modern-day design cues, while still managing to stand out on its own.
Bembury’s signature organic matter-esque prints surround the base and midsole, along with the oversized Puma cat logo. The outsole, however, takes a back to the basics approach, opting for the classic, but nonetheless herringbone traction pattern.
Jalen Williams’ Harden Vol. 9 ‘JDUB’
It may look like a Buzz Lightyear-inspired colorway, but Jalen Williams’ Harden Vol. 9 player exclusives actually take cues from his favorite cartoon, Pinky and the Brain. “JDub” has been open about his love for the series, even having a Pinky and the Brain lunchbox as a vanity kit he uses for game days.
JDub’s PEs come in a white base, which are accentuated by vibrant purple, green, and blue tones throughout several parts of the sneaker. The back of the sneaker also includes his new JDub logo that completes one of the more vibrant pairs we have spotted in this year’s postseason.
Alex Caruso’s Kobe 5 Protro x UNDEFEATED ‘Dirty Dozen’
A part of Alex Caruso’s NBA Finals rotation is this pair of Kobe 5 Protros from the “What If” pack made with sneaker reseller Undefeated. Caruso rocked the “Dirty Dozen” colorway from the collaboration, which refers to the first 12 teams that passed up on Kobe Bryant during the 1996 NBA Draft.
Obi Toppin’s Jordan 39 ‘Hot Pink’
As a Jordan Brand athlete, Obi Toppin has consistently rocked the latest release in its main signature line. For this year’s NBA Finals, he’s opted to wear the Jordan 39s in a “Hot Pink” colorway, which completely stands out whenever he steps on the hardwood.
Cushion and impact protection are regarded as the shoe’s strong points, which makes it an ideal pair for an athletic forward like Obi.
Myles Turner’s Kobe 5 Protro x PJ Tucker ‘Optical Illusion’
For his NBA Finals debut, Myles Turner has turned to the Kobe 5 Protro “Optical Illusion”, a colorway initially made for sneaker king PJ Tucker.
Myles has worn Kobe Protros throughout this year’s Playoffs, so it makes perfect sense for him to pull out one of, if not the rarest Kobes he has in his sneaker rotation.
Chet Holmgren’s KD18 ‘New Timeline’
Last but not least is OKC’s Chet Holmgren with his “New Timeline KD18s, another vibrant pair that slightly reminds us of the iconic “Weatherman” colorway that we saw in the KD4 (2011) and the KD7 (2014).
Sharing a similar physique with the “Durantula”, Chet has also been an ambassador of sorts for the KD line, even starring in a Nike commercial for the KD 17 last year.
Banner images from AFP, Adidas Basketball and NBA Kicks on Instagram.
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