The entire NBA season comes down to one final battle as the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder face off in Game 7 of the Finals, with everything on the line. For the Pacers, this moment is historic. This is their first shot at winning an NBA championship in franchise history, and they are one win away from making it real.
The series is deadlocked at three games apiece, marking the first NBA Finals to reach a Game 7 since the iconic 2016 clash between the Cavaliers and Warriors. Back then, an Eastern Conference team pulled off a legendary win. The Pacers are looking to write their own legacy this time in Oklahoma City.
Defense has shaped the identity of this Finals, and Indiana has shown no fear when it comes to shaking up their game plan. In Game 6, they locked in on MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, throwing double-teams at him throughout the night. That strategy paid off, holding the Thunder to their worst scoring performance of the playoffs.
Turnovers have also played a crucial role in this series. When Indiana coughs up the ball, they lose. In two of their three losses, the Pacers gave up the rock more than 20 times. In their two most recent wins, they brought that number down to an average of 11.5. The lone exception was Game 1, when they somehow pulled out a win despite 25 turnovers on the road.
Just like Indiana, the Thunder thrive on forcing turnovers and getting out in transition. But when the Pacers slowed that fast break rhythm, OKC struggled to generate offense in the halfcourt. So far in the three games played in Oklahoma City, Indiana has averaged 21 turnovers. That number needs to drop on Sunday if they hope to seal the deal.
One big factor in Game 7 will be the health of Tyrese Haliburton. The All-Star guard suited up for Game 6 while managing a strained right calf and still found ways to contribute. In just 23 minutes, he put up 14 points and five assists. That was a scaled-back role compared to his usual 33 to 36 minutes, but Indiana’s decision to limit his workload could pay dividends when the lights shine brightest in the finale.
Now, everything rests on one final game. Winner takes it all.
“This is what it’s all about,” said Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle. “This is what you dream about growing up, this kind of opportunity…The opportunity to play in a game like this is a great honor and a great privilege.”
The moment is set. One night. One game. One champion.