NBA: All or Nothing - Thunder, Pacers Clash in Epic Game 7 Showdown

OKLAHOMA CITY — 68 wins, an MVP, playoff heroics — none of it matters now. Only Game 7 matters.

That’s the unforgiving beauty of a Game 7 on the NBA’s biggest stage. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers will step onto the hardwood Sunday night with history, heartbreak, and glory hanging in the balance — because for both, this is the single most significant game of their careers.

In a series that’s seen surges, slumps, and sensational performances, we are now down to one final battle for the 2025 NBA Championship.

Legacy on the Line

The Thunder’s regular-season dominance — 68 wins, league-best defense, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP campaign — won’t save them. The Pacers’ breakout second half of the season and Rick Carlisle’s playoff adjustments won’t either.

Game 7 will expose who seeks the moment... and who shies from it. The Paycom Center will shake with anticipation as OKC’s home-court advantage adds another layer of tension.

Bench Brigade & Unsung Heroes

This series has defied typical Finals scripts — with deep benches making a pivotal impact.

Alex Caruso and Obi Toppin delivered unlikely 20-point games. Bennedict Mathurin exploded for 27 points in just 22 minutes during Game 3. T.J. McConnell turned the tide in Game 5 with steals and clutch shots, while Chet Holmgren’s all-around play steadied the Thunder in pressure moments.

“That’s the thing about the NBA Playoffs,” said Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton. “You never know when your number is going to be called. You have to be ready.”

Key Turning Points

Game 4 proved pivotal: the Thunder trailed 2-1 in the series and midway through the fourth before rallying behind SGA’s leadership. Game 6 belonged to Indiana, with a wounded Haliburton gutting it out and Pascal Siakam embracing the moment.

“I always remember the years when I went on vacation early,” said Siakam. “You don’t want that again.”

Game 7 in NBA Finals Lore

This will mark the eighth Game 7 in the last 45 years, joining unforgettable classics:

• Lakers-Pistons (1988)
• Spurs-Pistons (2005)
• Heat-Spurs (2013)
• Cavs-Warriors (2016)

For many players Sunday, this will be their one shot at etching their name in that history.

“It’s only the biggest game of our careers,” McConnell said.

Roundtable Thoughts: What to Watch in Game 7

• Physicality & Rebounding: Haliburton noted, “So much comes down to who starts the fight physically, who takes care of the ball, and who rebounds.” That battle will define the tone early.
• SGA’s MVP Response: After 30+ points in four of six games, all eyes will be on whether Shai delivers one more signature outing.
• Pacers’ Bench Spark: Indiana’s reserves have shifted games. Can they do it one more time under the brightest lights?
• Home-Court X-Factor: Will the roaring OKC crowd fuel the Thunder… or add more pressure?

Tip-off is set for tomorrow, Sunday June 22 at 8 PM ET on ABC.
After six incredible games, it all comes down to this: one game, one champion.