The pinnacle of the NBA season has arrived. Game 7 of the NBA Finals is upon us, a single, winner-take-all contest where history is etched, and legends are forged. Sunday night sees the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers in a decisive finale, marking the first time the championship series has gone the distance since the unforgettable 2016 battle that saw LeBron James lead the Cavaliers back from a 3-1 deficit.
For the top-seeded Thunder, a dominant 68-win regular season positioned them as heavy favorites, carrying the weight of expectations to deliver the franchise’s first championship since relocating from Seattle 17 years ago. A victory would cap a historic year, placing them among the winningest teams in NBA history and potentially signaling the dawn of a dynasty built around a remarkably young, ascending core led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-NBA sidekick Jalen Williams, and promising big man Chet Holmgren. General Manager Sam Presti’s wealth of future draft picks further bolsters their long-term outlook.
Across the court stand the Indiana Pacers, the Eastern Conference’s 4th seed, who have defied all expectations on an improbable journey. Their path has been marked by thrilling comebacks and clutch performances, led by the dynamic Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Rick Carlisle, the architect of the 2011 Mavericks’ upset title, seeks to guide this Pacers squad to the franchise’s first NBA championship in the NBA era, 25 years after their last Finals appearance. A win would not only end a long drought but also stand as potentially the biggest upset in Finals history based on the significant regular-season win differential between the two teams.
Both teams have tasted the pressure of a Game 7 recently, with OKC overcoming Denver in the Western Semifinals and Indiana prevailing in last year’s Eastern Semis against New York. Yet, the NBA Finals Game 7 presents a unique, high-stakes environment unlike any other.
As these two squads prepare for 48 minutes that will define their seasons and legacies, several crucial factors will determine who ultimately hoists the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Keys to Game 7
Harnessing Home-Court Advantage: The Oklahoma City Thunder earned the right to host this critical game with their league-best record. The Paycom Center has been a fortress in the playoffs, where they hold a commanding 10-2 record with an astounding +20.7 net rating. Their defense is significantly better at home, and players openly acknowledge feeding off the crowd’s energy. This intense atmosphere, described as being like a high school football powerhouse, provides the Thunder with “the wind behind our backs.” Historically, home teams hold a significant 15-4 advantage in NBA Finals Game 7s, a trend OKC will look to continue.
Controlling the Chaos (and the Turnovers): The Pacers thrive in a fast-paced, chaotic environment but only when they can control it. The turnover battle has been a defining storyline of these playoffs, with teams minimizing mistakes holding a strong winning record. The Thunder excel at forcing turnovers and protecting the ball, but Indiana has managed to flip this script in the Finals, particularly in their Game 3 and Game 6 victories. Their ability to pressure the ball, forcing costly live-ball turnovers before OKC even crosses the three-point line, was a key factor in Game 6. If the Pacers can replicate their low turnover numbers from home games in the hostile OKC arena, they significantly increase their chances.
Defensive Adjustments & Pace: Expect a tight, potentially lower-scoring affair, mirroring the historical trend of Finals Game 7s. The Pacers found success defending MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 6 by adjusting their approach, using less full-court pressure and more aggressive half-court double-teaming. This strategy will be vital. Meanwhile, the Thunder may look to exploit Tyrese Haliburton’s lingering calf strain defensively. The pace will be critical; Indiana wants to push, while OKC might prefer a more deliberate half-court game, especially if their transition opportunities are limited by the Pacers controlling turnovers.
Impact Players to Watch
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The regular-season MVP needs to bounce back from a turnover-prone Game 6 performance and deliver the dominant, efficient offense he’s known for. Winning the title alongside the scoring title and MVP would place him in incredibly rare company historically.
Jalen Williams: The talented wing has shown he can carry the scoring load (40 points in Game 5) and needs to be assertive, particularly if the Pacers focus heavily on SGA. His ability to create and score, especially feeding off the home crowd, is crucial.
Alex Caruso: The lone proven champion on the roster. His defensive intensity, playoff experience, and leadership are invaluable. He dominated the Thunder’s previous Game 7 win against Denver and lives for these high-stakes moments.
Chet Holmgren: While a defensive force, Holmgren has struggled offensively at times in the Finals, particularly against Myles Turner. The Thunder need him to establish an interior presence and score efficiently. The decision to start with a double-big lineup alongside Isaiah Hartenstein might be aimed at unlocking his offensive potential.
Indiana Pacers:
Tyrese Haliburton: Despite a calf issue, his playmaking, court vision, and timely scoring remain essential. He orchestrates the Pacers’ high-octane offense, and his ability to create for others, especially with the Thunder potentially targeting his injury, is paramount.
Pascal Siakam: Indiana’s leading scorer and rebounder in the series, Siakam provides veteran stability and two-way impact. He needs to continue his consistent production, especially in the half-court game.
T.J. McConnell: The high-energy reserve has been a revelation in this series, providing a significant spark off the bench and outplaying his OKC counterparts. His chaotic defensive pressure and offensive punch (averaging 11.3 points, 4.5 assists in the series) are vital to the Pacers’ depth advantage. Andrew Nembhard could also see an increased role and scoring/assist opportunities, particularly if Haliburton’s injury is a factor.
Legacy at Stake
A Thunder victory would be remembered as the coronation of a historic season and the potential launchpad for a dynasty. Their dominance, reflected in elite statistical measures like point differential and total wins comparable only to the all-time great Bulls teams, underscores the significance of their potential championship.
A Pacers victory would be hailed as one of the greatest upsets in NBA history. Coming from an unexpected playoff run, overcoming odds in every round, and facing a team that won 18 more regular-season games highlights the improbable nature of their potential title. It would be a testament to their resilience, depth, and the unique basketball culture of Indiana.
How to Watch
Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals is scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2025, with tip-off at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC.
Fans can also stream the game live through various platforms that carry ABC, including:
DirecTV’s MySports pack
Fubo TV
Hulu + Live TV
Sling Blue
YouTube TV
Prepare for a historic showdown. Only one team will achieve immortality.
