The atmosphere inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse before Game 3 of the NBA Finals was already a powder keg waiting to explode. The series was tied 1-1, and it had been 25 years since the city of Indianapolis last hosted a game this massive. The fans were desperate for a win. And then, ESPN’s Pat McAfee, the human lightning bolt and former Colts legend, grabbed a microphone and decided to pour gasoline all over the fire.
This wasn’t just some generic ‘Let’s go, Pacers!’ pep talk. This was McAfee in his element – pure, uncut energy and passion. He started by reminding everyone just how long the wait had been, his voice booming through Gainbridge Fieldhouse: “It’s been 9,126 days since the last time that this wonderful state has hosted the NBA Finals!” You could feel that number land. 9,126 days. 25 years. That’s a lifetime for some fans.
But then he shifted gears. With a smirk you could practically hear, he took on all the chatter about OKC’s home crowd, mocking the very idea that they were the loudest in the league. “I call it perfect timing because everybody’s talking about ‘the OKC fans are the loudest.’ The OKC fans have the best home court in the league,’” McAfee roared, dripping with sarcasm. It was a direct challenge, a ‘hold my beer’ moment.
Pat McAfee got ahold of a mic at the Pacers-Thunder game.
As expected, he got the Indiana crowd hyped up
“Let’s turn this s— up!”
@RomeovilleKidpic.twitter.com/2IXzU3GHkE
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 12, 2025
He was calling out the entire narrative, and then he delivered the punchline, a promise to the world: “What the world is about to witness is the loudest building in the history of ball!” And to cap it all off, the legendary call to action: “Let’s turn this s— up!” The place went absolutely nuclear. The fans, already a sea of ‘Yes ‘Cers’ yellow, just erupted.
(This is a developing story…)
The post ESPN’s Pat McAfee Takes Issue With Thunder Fans in Rousing Message to Indiana appeared first on EssentiallySports.