The NBA Finals branding has been criticized for lacking spectacle, as evidenced during Game 1 of the 2025 Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, which featured no visible Finals logos or trophy on the court. In response to fan backlash, the league hastily added digital representations of the Larry O’Brien Trophy for Game 2, but these low-resolution images were poorly received and felt forced. The overall lack of thoughtful branding highlights a shift away from the traditional pageantry associated with the Finals, with fans voicing disappointment over the diminished emphasis on the championship’s significance.
