Indiana Gov Mike Braun savoring state's moment in national spotlight as Pacers lead NBA Finals

The Indiana Pacers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, and the Pacers came back from 14-points down to win the game. Jason McIntyre discusses the impact this Game 1 win will have on the series, and if the Pacers can...

This year's NBA Finals are a battle between two small-market franchises, but the governor of Indiana is fully embracing the national limelight shining on his state.

The Pacers are in their first NBA Finals since 2000, going up against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pacers won three ABA titles in the early 1970s, while the Thunder organization has not won a title since 1979, when they were the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Pacers are up 1-0 in the series after yet another incredible comeback. Gov. Mike Braun said he watched the game again shortly after it wrapped up, and then once more the morning after. Now, he's starting to think they are a "team of destiny" that embodies the blue-collar attitude of his state.

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Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith and guard Tyrese Haliburton celebrate after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the NBA Finals at Paycom Center. (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)

Braun was a basketball player in high school, and even played against Indiana legend Larry Bird.

"Basketball to Hoosiers, it's 49 other states, and then there's Indiana. It means a lot, because the Pacers have been always competitive, but never been quite in that position to win it," Braun said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. "And this isn't one with authority other than they now have become a team of destiny, it seems almost. But coming back from 15 points (in Game 1), it's underdog status. 

"I've always loved it when I