As the NBA's latest collective bargaining agreement, specifically its widely chronicled tax aprons, continues to reshape the modern model of championship-contending roster construction, a common denominator in these 2025 NBA Finals has emerged.

As the NBA Finals head to Indianapolis for a pivotal Game 3 between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, all eyes in the DMV will be on a familiar face: Aaron Wiggins, the University of Maryland alumnus whose breakout postseason is turning heads and fueling OKC’s title hopes.

The Thunder evened the 2025 NBA Finals at 1-1 with a 123-107 Game 2 win over the Indiana Pacers. It was another must-win scenario that the title favorite aced. That's been a common theme these playoffs.