Game 7 Is Here: Thunder, Pacers Set for Epic NBA Finals Showdown

After nine years without a Game 7 in the NBA Finals, fans are finally getting the moment they've dreamed about.

By Owen Pannell

OKLAHOMA CITY — The two best words in sports: Game Seven.

After a thrilling NBA Finals series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, it all comes down to one night. For the first time in nearly a decade, the Finals will be decided in a winner-take-all showdown—and it’s shaping up to be an instant classic.

It’s been nine years since the NBA witnessed a Game 7 in the Finals. After six hard-fought, wildly entertaining games, Sunday night’s battle in OKC will decide it all.

Will the Thunder finish off one of the best seasons of the decade with a title on their home floor? Or will the Pacers defy the odds and shock the world with their first-ever NBA championship?

Keys to Victory: Oklahoma City Thunder

1. Shooting Must Improve

Three-point shooting has been the Thunder’s lifeblood all postseason. In Game 6, however, their role players struggled—Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, and Alex Caruso combined to shoot just 2-for-14 from beyond the arc.

That can’t happen again. While playing at home gives them an edge, there are no guarantees. Role players tend to perform better on their own court, and if Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams (both 2-for-3 from three in Game 6) can contribute, that could be the boost OKC needs.

2. Control the Glass

The Thunder gave up 11 offensive rebounds in Game 6—a number that could prove fatal in Game 7. Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein must dominate the glass and prevent second-chance opportunities for Indiana.

Pascal Siakam alone grabbed five offensive boards in the last game. If he’s not boxed out consistently, the Thunder will be in trouble.

3. Share the Basketball

The Thunder’s starters recorded just four total assists in Game 6—an alarming stat for a team trying to win a title. Relying too heavily on isolation plays from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams has led to stagnant stretches offensively.

To unlock their full potential, OKC must move the ball, generate open shots, and involve all five players on the floor.

4. Use the Crowd

The Thunder fought all season for home-court advantage, and this is exactly why. Game 7, in Oklahoma City.

The Paycom Center needs to be deafening. Free throws should feel like half-court shots for Indiana. Communication between Pacers coaches and players should be nearly impossible. The atmosphere alone must tilt the scales—even by just 1%—in OKC’s favor.

Keys to Victory: Indiana Pacers

1. Role Players Must Shoot with Confidence

Indiana’s shooting has been a revelation during this playoff run. In Game 6, Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard combined to go 7-for-12 from three.

They’ll need a repeat performance—plus help from Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, and Ben Sheppard. Shooting on the road is tougher, and all eyes will be on whether Indiana can maintain its rhythm in a hostile environment.

2. Stars Need to Shine

Depth has carried Indiana all year—but Game 7s are won by stars. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are excellent, but they’re facing a top-tier duo in SGA and Jalen Williams.

Haliburton and Siakam will have to deliver the games of their lives. Anything less, and the Pacers may find themselves watching the confetti fall on someone else’s celebration.

3. Stop Shai

Gilgeous-Alexander is on a mission—and odds are, he’ll play his best game yet on Sunday. If Indiana can’t limit him, the rest won’t matter.

Nembhard needs to be glued to SGA from baseline to baseline. Expect double-teams, traps, and every possible look to try to throw the MVP runner-up off rhythm.

4. TJ McConnell’s Energy Is a Must

Few players have swung momentum in this series like T.J. McConnell. The veteran guard has carved up defenders and brought crucial bench production.

In what promises to be an intense, emotionally charged environment, McConnell’s composure and aggression could once again be the X-factor for Indiana.

Prediction: Thunder Ride the Wave at Home

This has all the makings of a classic. Two young, hungry teams. A city on edge. History on the line.

In the end, it’s hard to bet against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at home. Expect a legendary performance from the Thunder star, and expect Oklahoma City to pull away in the fourth quarter to secure the franchise’s first-ever NBA Championship.

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