For the first time in nearly a decade, the NBA Finals will be decided in a Game 7. On Sunday night, June 22, 2025, the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder face off in what promises to be an unforgettable climax to a fiercely contested series. The stakes couldn’t be higher: the Pacers are vying for their first-ever NBA championship, while the Thunder aim to claim their first title since relocating to Oklahoma City. With both teams deadlocked at 3-3, the winner will etch their name into basketball history, and the loser will be left to ponder what might have been. This is the story of resilience, heart, and the purest form of NBA Finals drama—a Game 7 for the ages.
A Season of Surprises and Dominance
The journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. The Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, roared through the regular season with a league-best 68-14 record, establishing themselves as the team to beat. Their suffocating defense, sharpshooting from deep, and depth made them a nightmare for opponents all year. Meanwhile, the Pacers, seeded fourth in the East with a solid 50-32 mark, have consistently defied expectations throughout the playoffs, rallying from deficits and delivering clutch performances when it mattered most.
The Road to Game 7
The Finals have been a rollercoaster of momentum swings and standout performances. Indiana led the series early, but Oklahoma City battled back, winning three of the next four games to put themselves on the brink of a championship. In Game 6, with their backs against the wall, the Pacers delivered a masterclass, routing the Thunder 108-91 and forcing the decisive Game 7. Obi Toppin led the way with 20 points, while Tyrese Haliburton, playing through injury, added 14 points and five assists in limited minutes. The Pacers’ defense stifled the Thunder, forcing 21 turnovers and making 15 three-pointers—a testament to their growth and adaptability under pressure.
Key Matchups and Storylines
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Tyrese Haliburton: The battle of the star point guards will be pivotal. Gilgeous-Alexander, the league MVP, must lead his team with poise and scoring punch. Haliburton, despite lingering calf issues, has shown he can rise to the occasion and orchestrate Indiana’s offense with precision.
- Coaching Chess Match: Both Mark Daigneault (Thunder) and Rick Carlisle (Pacers) have made critical adjustments throughout the series. The Thunder reinserted Isaiah Hartenstein into the starting lineup, while the Pacers abandoned full-court pressure at key moments. The mental battle off the court may be just as important as the physical one on it.
- Home Court Advantage: The Thunder boast a formidable 36-6 home record and are 10-2 at Paycom Center in the playoffs. Historically, home teams are 15-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s, but road teams have pulled off upsets before, most recently in 2016 when Cleveland stunned Golden State.
- Late-Game Execution: The Pacers’ Achilles’ heel has been late-game execution on the road, with several collapses in crunch time this series. The Thunder, meanwhile, have thrived in high-pressure situations at home, making them slight favorites heading into the finale.
The X-Factors
- Bench Production: Indiana’s depth has been a difference-maker, with players like TJ McConnell and Obi Toppin stepping up when needed. The Thunder’s bench, led by Isaiah Joe, will need to match that energy.
- Defensive Intensity: The Pacers’ improved defense has been a key to their playoff run, while the Thunder’s top-rated defense must regain its edge after a rough Game 6.
- Three-Point Shooting: Both teams rely heavily on the three-ball. The Pacers shot 36.4% from deep in the Finals, while the Thunder averaged 14.5 made threes per game at a 37.4% clip
What’s at Stake
For the Pacers, a win would complete one of the most improbable championship runs in NBA history. They would join the 1994-95 Houston Rockets as one of the few teams to win a title with 50 or fewer regular-season wins. For the Thunder, victory would validate a dominant season and cement their place among the league’s elite. Both franchises are chasing history, and both have the talent and heart to make it happen.
The Stage is Set
As tip-off approaches, the basketball world holds its breath. The Paycom Center will be electric, the players will be ready, and the stakes will be as high as they’ve ever been. One game, 48 minutes (or more), and everything is on the line. The 2025 NBA Finals Game 7 is more than just a basketball game; it’s a chance for legends to be made and legacies to be defined.