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As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for a pivotal Game 7 on Sunday (8 PM ET, ABC), two teams are charting distinct paths in their quest for their first NBA championship.
OKLAHOMA CITY—At this moment, everything feels crucial while at the same time, none of it truly matters.
This observation perfectly encapsulates the essence of a Game 7, especially in the NBA Finals, and particularly in this matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, who have pushed each other to the limits throughout the series.
In a sense, nothing else holds weight—OKC’s impressive 68 regular-season victories, their top-ranking defense, their record point differential, and their overall dominance over the league—boasting a staggering 40-1 record against Eastern Conference teams—as well as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Kia MVP accolade.
Similarly, the Pacers’ cinematic ties to the legendary Hoosiers, their impressive East-leading record since the start of the new year, their roster depth, Rick Carlisle’s tactical ingenuity, and Tyrese Haliburton’s standout performances fade into the background.
When the stakes are this high, what truly counts is how each player steps up for their team and their legacy, especially on Sunday. That becomes the singular focus.
The weight of pressure becomes palpable in such high-stakes environments; the victorious team will need to push past this strain rather than let it consume them. In this setting, the true essence of each player and coach is revealed, as the intensity of Game 7 leaves no room for pretense.
The court will determine who is ready to seize the moment and who may shy away from it.
Coaches will be challenged to make the right calls, demonstrating their confidence and understanding of their players.
A critical juncture will emerge when the fate of the game could swing dramatically, ideally waiting until the final moments to unfold.
There may also be a serendipitous play or fortunate possession that shifts the game’s momentum, highlighting the unpredictability of basketball—outcomes often depend not solely on skill or talent.
“Every team aspires to seize this opportunity,” asserted OKC’s Chet Holmgren. “We’re no exception. It’s up to us to capitalize on it.”
One significant aspect of the past could influence Sunday’s game: OKC has earned the privilege of hosting the Game 7. With this advantage, the Thunder will not only be competing in Paycom Center but will also be energized by their home crowd.
“It’s an honor to participate in Game 7s,” remarked Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “Playing in the Finals is a privilege.”
As we look forward to the upcoming Game 7 (8 PM ET, ABC), it’s crucial to reflect on how both teams have reached this moment:
In Game 6, the Pacers effectively limited Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact, resulting in a series-low 21 points and a series-high 8 turnovers for him.
His performance filled with turnovers was particularly noteworthy, given that it strayed from his typical excellence. Greatness is often defined by such unexpected downturns.
Still, Shai was a consistent force throughout the series, scoring 30 or more points in four of the six games while facilitating plays for both himself and his teammates. However, he will need a performance worthy of an MVP on Sunday.
Though rotations generally tighten during this time of year, this series has been the exception, with bench players contributing significantly. Coaches have effectively utilized their reserves, which has been pivotal for both teams.
Alex Caruso, who didn’t score 20 points during the entire season, has managed to tally those points in this series. Obi Toppin has reached 20 points in one game and secured two additional games with 17 points each. Bennedict Mathurin had a breakout performance with 27 points in only 22 minutes of Game 3. T.J. McConnell proved disruptive by stealing inbounds passes and hitting mid-range jumpers when least expected.
Each game has appeared to spark new energy from various players. Remarkably, these athletes have remained poised under pressure. Given the opportunity and responsibility, many have risen to the occasion.
“The beauty of the NBA and the playoffs lies in the uncertainty of when your moment will come,” said Haliburton. “We’ve got so many players prepared for that moment.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander asserted control at the end of Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, turning the tide against the Pacers.
The Thunder’s performance in Game 4 was pivotal; they were down 2-1 in the series and trailing in the fourth quarter before Shai took charge, while the Pacers faltered due to missed opportunities.
Even with Haliburton limited by injury, the Pacers remained competitive in their Game 5 loss, as McConnell provided a spark in the third quarter. OKC had the answers, showcasing the growth of a young team in intense scenarios.
Without that pivotal response, the season would have come to an end. It’s the only reason there will be a Game 7. The way the Pacers confronted the challenge, even with Haliburton’s uncertain health, was emblematic of a championship mentality.
Faced with elimination, the Pacers found motivation.
“There are moments I recall where I had to end my season early,” reflected Pascal Siakam. “Those memories remind me to be grateful for the opportunity we have now, as we are still in the game with a tremendous chance ahead.”
Over the past 45 years, there have only been seven Game 7s, with this being the first since 2016. Some were thrilling, others less so, but all were filled with tension at tipoff given the stakes. Here’s a brief look at the history of iconic Game 7s:
Celtics beat Lakers, 1984: The sweltering old Boston Garden, devoid of air conditioning as claimed by Red Auerbach, put the West Coast visitors at a disadvantage. The Celtics nearly squandered a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, with Cedric Maxwell posting 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists while Larry Bird earned MVP honors.
Lakers beat Pistons, 1988: Despite Isiah Thomas battling through an ankle injury, the Lakers nearly faltered in the fourth quarter after holding a 15-point cushion. Historically 0-5 in Game 7s, the pressure was palpable in L.A. as James Worthy stepped up, recording a triple-double of 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Rockets beat Knicks, 1994: Many will argue that LeBron James’ chase-down block in the 2016 Finals is the greatest defensive play, yet Hakeem Olajuwon’s deflection of John Starks’ potential game-winner in Game 6 was just as crucial. Starks struggled in the decisive follow-up Game 7, shooting a mere 2-for-18, while Olajuwon outperformed legendary center Patrick Ewing.
Spurs beat Pistons, 2005: This was a lower-scoring affair, with the Spurs winning 81-74 to prevent the Pistons from claiming back-to-back championships. Tim Duncan earned his third Finals MVP, denying former assistant coach Larry Brown.
Lakers beat Celtics, 2010: Once again, these two storied franchises clashed. Kobe Bryant had a tough shooting night, hitting only 6 of 24, but contributed with 10 points in a tightly contested fourth quarter. He was saved by Ron Artest’s crucial three-pointer in the final minute, marking Phil Jackson’s first Game 7 in the Finals.
Heat beat Spurs, 2013: Referred to as the game brought to life by Ray Allen’s remarkable three-pointer that pushed Game 6 into overtime (which Miami won), LeBron James scored 37 points, tying Tommy Heinsohn for the most points scored in a Game 7, while Shane Battier enjoyed a breakout night with six three-pointers.
Cavs beat Warriors, 2016: Cleveland overcame a 3-1 series deficit, with LeBron’s athletic defensive play setting the stage for Kyrie Irving’s go-ahead jumper in the dying moments. This momentous victory was truly for Cleveland.
And now, the saga continues.
As the stars perform at their peak and their teammates contribute, the game’s outcome will ultimately hinge on the foundational elements of basketball.
“A lot of these games boil down to who initiates the physicality, takes better care of the ball, and excels in rebounding,” emphasized Haliburton.
Isiah Thomas, Steve Smith & Brendan Haywood look ahead to Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals this Sunday (8 PM ET, ABC).
For many players, this might be their singular chance to claim a championship ring. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“It’s the most significant game of our lives,” stated McConnell.
Therefore, as we approach Sunday, the thrilling fourth-quarter comebacks, contributions from the bench, stellar regular seasons, and game-winning shots that led to the Pacers versus Thunder Game 7 will ultimately lose significance.
“All of that is in the past now,” said Carlisle. “Some remarkable things have happened for us, just as for Oklahoma City to reach this point.
“It all comes down to this one game. It’s the ultimate showdown.”
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for over 25 years. You can reach him via email, find his archives, and follow him on X.
The opinions expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
