The 2025 NBA playoffs are heating up, culminating in the highly anticipated Game 7 of the NBA Finals. This thrilling finale showcases two fierce conference champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, as they vie for the prestigious Larry O’Brien Trophy. Few predicted this matchup at the start of the playoffs, but both teams have proven to be formidable opponents, pushing each other to their limits throughout the series.
As the series has unfolded, it has seen dramatic shifts in momentum: Indiana initially took a 2-1 lead, only for Oklahoma City to turn the tables and bring the series to a 3-2 advantage. Now, all eyes are on the winner-take-all Game 7, scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast live on ABC.
The path to this pivotal Game 7 has been nothing short of exhilarating:
Game 1: Tyrese Haliburton's clutch jumper delivers a stunning win for the Pacers. Game 2: The Thunder dominate with a blend of explosive offense and relentless defense. Game 3: This game is dubbed “The Bennedict Mathurin Game” for his standout performance. Game 4: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rises to the occasion, showcasing his MVP-caliber skills in the fourth quarter. Game 5: Jalen Williams steps up, leading the Thunder to a critical win. Game 6: Despite playing through injury, Haliburton leads the Pacers to a commanding victory, forcing a Game 7.The last time the NBA Finals went to a decisive Game 7 was in 2016, where the Cleveland Cavaliers made a historic comeback from a 3-1 series deficit against the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James, who was named Finals MVP, played a pivotal role in securing Cleveland’s first championship, with memorable moments like his iconic block and Kyrie Irving’s clutch shot dominating the headlines.
Throughout NBA history, this marks the 20th time that the Finals have reached a Game 7. The longest gap between such occurrences was 11 years, spanning from the 1994 Knicks-Rockets to the 2005 Pistons-Spurs matchup. Notably, back-to-back Finals Game 7s have occurred only three times, highlighting how rare and exhilarating these matchups are.
Finals Game 7s are typically characterized by intense competition and low scoring, with an average victory margin of just 6.9 points. Historically, only four of the previous 19 Game 7s have been decided by double digits, a testament to the high stakes involved. The last team to score over 100 points in a Finals Game 7 was the Los Angeles Lakers in 1988.
Here’s a quick look at the last five Game 7s in the NBA Finals:
2016: Cleveland 93, Golden State 89 2013: Miami 95, San Antonio 88 2010: Los Angeles Lakers 83, Boston 79 2005: San Antonio 81, Detroit 74 1994: Houston 90, New York 84The Oklahoma City Thunder come into Game 7 with valuable experience, having already triumphed in a Game 7 matchup against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals, winning decisively 125-93. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental in that victory, scoring 35 points and leading the team to a commanding win.
On the other hand, the Indiana Pacers have their own recent success, having clinched a Game 7 victory on the road against the New York Knicks in the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals. Their core players from that game remain intact, providing them with continuity and confidence.
The historical trend indicates a strong advantage for home teams in Game 7 situations, with a record of 15 wins to just 4 losses in championship deciders. The Pacers have demonstrated resilience on the road this postseason with a record of 7-4, while the Thunder excelled at home with a 10-2 record.
As the countdown to Game 7 continues, fans can download the NBA App to stay updated with the latest scores, schedules, and comprehensive coverage of the playoffs. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the 2025 NBA playoffs.
