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It’s Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the pinnacle of professional basketball—the exhilarating conclusion to a monumental showdown between two conference champions competing for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Both Oklahoma City and Indiana are now etched into this narrative.
Very few anticipated this scenario leading into the 2025 NBA Finals, yet the Thunder and Pacers have become ideal rivals, pushing each other to the brink of their abilities. The series has swung dramatically from Indiana holding a 2-1 lead to Oklahoma City taking a 3-2 advantage, culminating in a decisive Game 7 this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
🔥 BILL RUSSELL’S WORDS RING TRUE 🔊🔊
GAME 7. THIS SUNDAY. 8 PM ET. ABC. #NBA pic.twitter.com/brSdFrcXMB
— NBA (@NBA) June 20, 2025
**Game Recaps:**
– **Game 1:** Tyrese Haliburton’s last-second jumper secures a remarkable win for the Pacers, known for their clutch performances.
– **Game 2:** The Thunder dominate with explosive offense and aggressive defense, keeping Indiana at bay.
– **Game 3:** This is known as the Bennedict Mathurin Game.
– **Game 4:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander steps up in the fourth quarter, showcasing his MVP prowess.
– **Game 5:** This game shines the spotlight on Jalen Williams.
– **Game 6:** Haliburton battles through an injury, leading the Pacers to a resounding victory and forcing a Game 7.
The last time the NBA Finals reached a Game 7 was in 2016, when the Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit, highlighted by LeBron James, who earned the Finals MVP title and led Cleveland to its inaugural NBA championship.
That historic Game 7 came down to the wire, featuring one of the most iconic blocks of James’ career and Kyrie Irving’s pivotal shot.
For a glimpse, revisit the final six minutes of the 2016 NBA Finals Game 7!
This upcoming matchup marks the 20th occasion an NBA Finals has progressed to Game 7. The longest gap without one spanned 11 years, from the 1994 Knicks-Rockets to the 2005 Pistons-Spurs.
Back-to-back Game 7s in the Finals have occurred only three times in the league’s history.
Throughout their storied franchises, both the Celtics and Lakers have each participated in eight Finals Game 7s.
Typically, Finals Game 7s are closely contested; since 1974, only a handful have been won by a double-digit margin. Historical victory margins in previous decisive games include: 4, 17, 7, 1, 2, 19, 3, 2, 2, 14, 15, 6, 9, 3, 6, 7, 4, 7, and 4.
Previously in this postseason, the Thunder have experienced a Game 7, decisively beating the Nuggets 125-93 at home to advance past the Western Conference semifinals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander notched 35 points as Oklahoma City overcame an 11-point deficit, leading by as much as 43.
Indiana also enters this game with recent success. The Pacers triumphed in Game 7 against New York on the road during the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals, and their key players from that 130-109 win remain intact.
In a notable 2016 turnaround, Cleveland became the first team to win a Finals Game 7 on the road since 1978 (Washington over Seattle). Historically, the home team has a strong record, standing at 15-4 in decider games.
The Pacers have achieved a 7-4 record on the road this postseason, while the Thunder boast an impressive 10-2 performance at home.
“It’s essentially a one-game series now.”
Transitions from Best of 7. To Best of 5. To Best of 3. TO BEST OF 1.
The stakes are high—winner takes all this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/K8KFKWxmwx
— NBA (@NBA) June 20, 2025
