SGA, Haliburton took roads less traveled to stardom

Oklahoma City Thunder faces Indiana Pacers in battle of small market teams boasting big talent

Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton weren't expected to ever be starring in leading roles on the NBA Finals stage.

Well, at least not by many.

"It's been a roller coaster," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "I had nights where I thought I wasn't good at basketball, had nights where I thought I was the best player in the world before I was. It's been ups and downs. My mentality to try to stay level through it all really helped me. Once I figured that out, I really saw jumps in my game."