Pacers’ Flight Diverted to Tulsa Ahead of NBA Finals Amid Tornado Warnings

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Indiana Pacers faced unexpected challenges on their way to the NBA Finals Tuesday, as severe weather forced their team flight to divert to Tulsa. The team’s original charter flight from Indianapolis encountered tornado warnings near Oklahoma City, prompting the crew to circle before landing safely at Tulsa International Airport to refuel, according to multiple reports.

After nearly two hours on the ground, the Pacers’ plane resumed its journey and arrived in Oklahoma City about 3½ hours behind schedule. Despite the travel difficulties, the team expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Delta pilots and crew, and extended their hopes for safety to those affected by the storms.

The Pacers are set to play in their first Finals since 2000, while the Oklahoma City Thunder return to the championship stage for the first time since 2012. Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday night at the Paycom Center.

Severe weather in Oklahoma on Tuesday included tornado warnings and heavy thunderstorms, which caused travel disruptions for many flights entering the area. As the Pacers waited in Tulsa, nearby Norman witnessed at least one tornado sighting.

The Pacers advanced to the NBA Finals after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference playoffs. For the Thunder, their playoff run included a sweep against the Memphis Grizzlies, a seven-game thriller versus the Denver Nuggets, and a five-game series win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

With the Finals set to kick off soon, both teams are determined to seize their championship opportunities, though Mother Nature had other plans for their travel.