NBA Finals: Pacers stun OKC to force Game 7! First time in nine years...

For the first time in nine years, the NBA Finals will go the distance. On Sunday, June 23, 2025, at 8 p.m. Eastern, the Indiana Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in a decisive Game 7, with the chance to etch their names into basketball lore. This marks the first Game 7 in the Finals since the Cleveland Cavaliers' historic comeback against the Golden State Warriors in 2016.

The Pacers, a No. 4 seed entering the playoffs, are on the cusp of becoming just the third champion in history to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy from such a low seed, joining the 1969 Celtics and the 1995 Rockets. They've defied the odds from the start, entering the Finals as the heaviest underdog since 2004.

Tyrese Haliburton's no-look dime to Pascal Siakam for the poster in phantom 🤩 pic.twitter.com/iSrrzTCkBp

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 20, 2025

Game 6 was a masterclass in collective effort from the Pacers, securing a commanding 108-91 victory. While Indiana is known for its dramatic comebacks, this time, the "comeback" was from a 3-2 series deficit. Obi Toppin led the charge with 20 points and six rebounds off the bench, showcasing the depth of the Pacers' roster. Andrew Nembhard rebounded from a tough Game 5 with 17 points, four assists, and three steals, playing crucial defense against MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Pascal Siakam, a strong contender for series MVP if Indiana closes it out, delivered a timely double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Even Tyrese Haliburton, battling a strained right calf and a rough Game 5, found his rhythm, contributing 14 points, five assists, and two steals in just 23 minutes, hitting crucial shots that energized the team. The Pacers' bench, including T.J. McConnell with 12 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, thoroughly outplayed their Thunder counterparts.

OKC was down by 30 points

The Thunder, despite being a 68-win team and the top seed in the West, looked disjointed and overwhelmed in Game 6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held to a Finals-low 21 points and struggled with turnovers. The team's offense sputtered, managing only six assists and 16 turnovers through three quarters, shooting a dismal 3-of-20 from beyond the arc. They were down by 30 points heading into the fourth quarter, a testament to the Pacers' dominance.

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While the Thunder will have the home-court advantage in Oklahoma City, where home teams are 15-4 in Game 7s in the Finals, the pressure will undoubtedly be immense. The fear of squandering an NBA Finals that seemed within their grasp will be palpable. The last time a home team lost a Game 7 in the Finals was in 1969, to a No. 4 seed – a historical parallel the Pacers are eager to replicate.

The Pacers, fueled by confidence and a collective belief, are ready to make history repeat itself. Their journey as "comeback kings" has led them to this moment, and with one more miracle win, they could solidify their place as one of the most unlikely champions in NBA history.