Pacers or Thunder? The NBA Finals Game 7 Showdown No One Saw Coming — Who Takes the Crown?
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — In a season full of unexpected twists, breakout stars, and shattered narratives, the 2025 NBA Finals is ending in the most dramatic way possible: a Game 7, winner-take-all showdown between two of the league’s most surprising teams — the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Neither team was a preseason favorite. Neither had a championship pedigree. Yet, here they are — one win away from glory, and one loss from heartbreak.
“This is what basketball is all about,” said ESPN’s Malika Andrews. “Two young, fearless teams rewriting the future of the NBA — and only one can wear the crown.”
🟡 Indiana Pacers: The East’s Unexpected Warriors
If you predicted the Pacers would be playing for a title back in October, you were in the extreme minority.
Led by Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and one of the deepest benches in the league, Indiana has crashed the Finals through grit, selfless play, and strategic brilliance. Their road to Game 7 has included:
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A stunning upset of the Celtics in the East Finals
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Dominant bench performances, including historic production from Obi Toppin, TJ McConnell, and Bennedict Mathurin
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Resilience in hostile environments and clutch performances in crunch time
“We don’t care who doubts us,” Haliburton said after Game 6. “We’ve believed in this from day one. Now we’ve got one more to win.”
🔵 Oklahoma City Thunder: The West’s Rising Empire
The Thunder, meanwhile, have transformed their youth movement into a juggernaut.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has firmly established himself as a top-5 player in the league. Backed by Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and a loaded bench, OKC’s combination of length, speed, and swagger has overwhelmed even the most seasoned contenders.
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SGA has averaged over 30 PPG in the Finals
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Holmgren is changing the paint with elite rim protection
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Head coach Mark Daigneault has outcoached veterans with smart, adaptive strategies
“We’re not here by accident,” said SGA. “We earned this. And we’re not done yet.”
🎯 Key Matchups to Watch in Game 7
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Haliburton vs. SGA – Two floor generals with MVP-level impact. Whoever dictates pace may decide the game.
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Siakam vs. Williams – A physical battle of versatile forwards who can swing momentum with energy plays.
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Bench vs. Bench – Indiana’s second unit has been dominant. Can OKC’s depth respond when it matters most?
📊 Series Breakdown (Tied 3–3)
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Game 1: Thunder win in OKC (SGA: 34 pts)
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Game 2: Pacers steal one on the road (Haliburton: 22 pts, 12 ast)
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Game 3: Indiana rolls at home (McConnell: 18 pts off bench)
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Game 4: Thunder tie series with late run
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Game 5: OKC wins nail-biter on home floor
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Game 6: Pacers force Game 7 with a blowout in Indy
🏆 What’s at Stake?
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Pacers: First NBA championship in franchise history
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Thunder: First title since the franchise moved from Seattle in 2008
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SGA: Could become the first player ever to win Season MVP, Conference Finals MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and a championship in the same season
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Haliburton: A chance to complete one of the most improbable title runs in modern NBA history
