Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams, both hailing from Fort Smith, Arkansas, have forged a path to success together as teammates on the Oklahoma City Thunder. The duo's journey has culminated in a 2025 NBA Finals appearance against the Indiana Pacers—an opportunity to bring home the franchise's first title. Despite not playing alongside each other at the college level, their bond was strengthened through youth camps and shared experiences in Fort Smith.

Joe's dedication, under the guidance of coach Eric Burnett, set a high bar for local players, showcasing hard work and passion. Williams, inspired by Joe's relentless training regimen, developed into a formidable player himself. As they now take the stage on basketball's grandest platform, both players reflect on their humble beginnings and the community that shaped their journey.

The 2025 NBA Finals pit the Indiana Pacers against the Oklahoma City Thunder, both vying for their first title. The Pacers, led by former Sixers T.J. McConnell and Tony Bradley, have made significant strides this season. Meanwhile, the Thunder's Isaiah Joe emerged as a valuable player after his tenure with Philadelphia. Philadelphia, plagued by injuries in the previous season, still has meaningful connections to this series.

McConnell, a former Sixers backup, returns to challenge his old team with a wealth of experience, while Bradley adds depth to the Pacers' frontcourt. On the Thunder side, Isaiah Joe's development into a reliable shooter makes him a key contributor, showcasing the talent that Philadelphia once had. This matchup not only highlights individual journeys but also reflects the ongoing legacy of the Sixers in the NBA.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals, having recently advanced by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games during the Western Conference Finals. As heavy favorites, the Thunder held a practice ahead of Game 1 on June 5, preparing for the intensity of the championship matchup.

Head coach Mark Daigneault, alongside players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins, spoke to the media, exuding confidence and focus as they gear up to bring home the championship. Their preparation this week is critical as they adjust to the grand stage of the NBA Finals with the eyes of the sports world on them.

The Philadelphia 76ers have faced a tumultuous 2025 season, finishing with a disappointing 24-58 record, primarily due to a slew of injuries that hampered their potential title run. Despite these setbacks, the team holds the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft, providing a critical opportunity to either select a promising rookie or leverage the pick in a trade to enhance their roster. This pivotal moment could redefine their future as they seek to bounce back in the next season.

As the current Eastern and Western Conference finals unfold, several former Sixers are demonstrating their talents on bigger stages. The list includes T.J. McConnell and P.J. Tucker with the New York Knicks, and Isaiah Joe with the Oklahoma City Thunder. These players, who previously donned the Sixers' jersey, are contributing to their new teams' playoff runs, showcasing just how far they’ve come since their time in Philadelphia.

Isaiah Joe, who was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers, made a significant impact in the Oklahoma City Thunder's playoff game, scoring 14 points on a perfect night from the field, including four three-pointers. The Thunder rebounded from a Game 1 loss to tie their series against the Denver Nuggets 1-1. Joe's ability to produce off the bench is crucial for the Thunder as they look to advance in the playoffs, especially against a seasoned Nuggets team. The upcoming Game 3 will be a critical test for both teams as they head to Denver.