INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time in nine years, the NBA Finals have reached a thrilling Game 7. The Indiana Pacers are poised to achieve what many consider one of the greatest upsets in championship history. In a pivotal Game 6, Pascal Siakam delivered a spectacular double-double performance, while Tyrese Haliburton battled through a strained right calf, leading the Pacers to a decisive 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“One game — this is what it’s all about,” said Rick Carlisle, the Pacers' coach, who is on the verge of securing his second championship as a coach of an underdog team, following his 2011 title with the Dallas Mavericks. “This kind of opportunity is what you dream about growing up,” he added. The Pacers, who entered the playoffs as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, now have a chance to make history. A win in Game 7 would not only grant them their first NBA title but also place them among the few teams to win a championship as a lower seed.
Game 7 is set for 8 p.m. Eastern on Sunday in Oklahoma City. The Pacers' journey has been remarkable; they were considered the heaviest underdogs in the finals since 2004. The only other teams to win titles as lower seeds were the 1969 Boston Celtics and the 1995 Houston Rockets. This finals marks the first time the series has gone to a seventh game since the Cleveland Cavaliers' historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in 2016.
In Game 6, the Pacers showcased a well-rounded team effort, with no single player dominating the spotlight. Obi Toppin led the scoring with 20 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Andrew Nembhard contributed 17 points, four assists, and three steals. Siakam rounded out the strong performance with 16 points and 13 rebounds, positioning himself as a potential series MVP should Indiana secure the championship.
The Pacers' bench was particularly effective, with T.J. McConnell adding 12 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. “We are just super resilient and hungry,” Toppin expressed. “There aren’t many Game 7s, so this opportunity is a blessing.” Haliburton rebounded from his previous struggles, scoring 14 points in just 23 minutes, proving his importance to the team's success.
The Oklahoma City Thunder faced a disappointing setback in their first chance to clinch the finals since relocating from Seattle in 2008. Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 21 points, he recorded eight turnovers, contributing to a total of 21 turnovers for the team compared to just 14 assists. Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein added 16 and 10 points, respectively, but the team struggled offensively throughout the game.
“Indiana was great, and we were not,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault admitted. “We have the same opportunity as Indiana on Sunday. The score will be 0-0 when the ball goes up in the air. It’s a privilege to play in Game 7s.” The Thunder will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for the decisive game in their home arena.
Haliburton's determination was evident as he overcame his injury to deliver a solid performance. After missing his initial three shots, he found his rhythm with a critical 3-pointer, contributing to the Pacers' commanding lead. His ability to create plays and score was pivotal in building a significant advantage over the Thunder.
The Pacers outscored the Thunder by an impressive 25 points in the first half, showcasing their dominance. “There’s no explanation, no excuse,” Holmgren of the Thunder said. “We have to be better, top to bottom.”
As the Pacers and Thunder prepare for Game 7, history looms large. The Thunder, despite being the top seed with a remarkable 68-win season, now face the pressure of performing at home. The Pacers, riding high on momentum, are eager to cement their place in history as one of the most unlikely NBA champions. Both teams must navigate the emotional and physical challenges of this critical matchup.
With everything on the line, Game 7 promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this unforgettable NBA Finals. Will the Pacers achieve their dream, or will the Thunder rise to the occasion? The basketball world will be watching closely as these two teams battle for the ultimate prize.
