This is it. Game 7 is upon us, and the NBA season is set to crown a new champion. The Indiana Pacers have forced this decisive showdown, prevailing over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 108-91 victory on Thursday night, leveling the Finals series at 3-3.
The much-anticipated Game 7 will unfold on Sunday night in Oklahoma City, adding another chapter to the historic narrative of NBA Finals. This will be the 20th occurrence of a Game 7 in the Finals’ history, with home teams historically holding a 15-4 edge. However, it’s worth noting that the last team to win an away Game 7 was Cleveland against Golden State in 2016.
Leading up to the ultimate game, the focus shifts to various storylines and factors: The Thunder’s approach in avoiding technical fouls, the determined focus of Pacers assistant Jenny Boucek, and whether Chet Holmgren can make a comeback. All eyes will be riveted on the final, and the numbers that shape Game 7 elucidate the gravity of this face-off.
Among the series highlights, Tyrese Haliburton’s brave performance through injury stood out, sparking significant triumphs. A decisive 36-9 run oversaw one of the Thunder’s falters, and TJ McConnell remains poised to adapt to whatever role is required.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams’ scoring spectacles have been historic, coupled with the Thunder’s accomplishment in setting a season scoring record. Meanwhile, coach Rick Carlisle has been vocal, not just about basketball but about leveraging his platform during the finals.
Historically, June 22 is notable as this marks only the second occasion when the NBA Finals could conclude on this date since Houston’s victory over New York in 1994. Going deeper into calendar history, only the COVID-impacted seasons of 2020 and 2021 extended later.
For Oklahoma City, their current standing in wins this season is an 83rd, inching closer to joining the elite ranks of teams with the most single-season wins, notably behind Golden State and Chicago’s historic runs.
On an individual note, Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring this season stands at 3,143 points, tying an NBA record, and he has opportunities to climb higher on that ladder with a strong Game 7 performance.
Betting lines have positioned Oklahoma City as favorites at (-300), with the Pacers now standing at +240 after their strong Game 6 showing. However, the Thunder’s track record of covering in these playoffs mirrors their competitive journey.
After several intense match-ups, the Finals schedule is as follows: Indiana clinched Game 1, Oklahoma City tied it with Game 2, Indiana led again in Game 3, followed by the Thunder in Game 4 and Game 5, and Indiana’s latest win catapulting the series into a climactic Game 7. This series marks the first time since 2022 that both the NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup Final stretched to six games each.
Geographically, the proximity between Oklahoma City and Indiana makes this one of the closest finals cities pairing in nearly seven decades, only surpassed by even tighter proximities seen in earlier years.
Looking forward, significant events lie ahead, including the NBA draft on June 25 and 26, while the details of SGA’s MVP accolade remain a point of pride for Oklahoma City, especially following the emotional dedication to his family.
Statistically, Rick Carlisle has joined an elite list of coaches steering multiple teams to the NBA Finals, with the potential to enhance his title record. As the series stands evenly matched, it’s reflected in their quarter-by-quarter battles.
As poignant quotes capture the intensity, Thunder’s Gilgeous-Alexander talks about the comfort of playing Game 7 at home, emphasizing the advantage of familiar environments and supportive fans. Pacers’ Myles Turner encapsulates the stakes, reminding all of the do-or-die spirit that defines this historic face-off.