HOMECOURT advantage or underdog status?

PBA coaches believe everything all boils down to this two major factors when the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers go at it one last time for this year’s NBA championship.

From Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone to Rain or Shine counterpart Yeng Guiao, these veteran coaches expect a war of attrition between the Thunder and Pacers as they battle in the first NBA Game 7 since LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers upended the Golden State Warriors in a memorable do-or-die match in 2016.

And all six coaches surveyed by SPIN.ph think OKC’s homecourt edge and Indiana’s underdog status could have a huge say in the final game of the series set Monday morning (Manila time).

Typical of Filipino basketball fans, majority of the coaches are leaning on the Pacers winning their first ever NBA title though, the Thunder playing before an expected capacity crowd at the Paycom Center in downtown Oklahoma would be a tremendous challenge to overcome.

“The Pacers have been the NSD (Never-Say-Die) team of the NBA, but my money would be on Oklahoma because of their homecourt advantage,” noted Cone, the winningest coach in the 49-year history of the PBA.

“I think in a Game 7 and you’re playing in your own court, malaking advantage yun,” seconded Guiao, the champion mentor of Rain or Shine, who nonetheless added he’s rooting for Indiana by heart.

“Maganda yung nilaro last time ng Pacers, but I think the homecourt advantage is just too big to overcome.”

The Pacers dragged the Thunder, the best team in the regular season which hold homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs, to a deciding Game 7 after a 108-91 blowout win in Game 6 before a sellout crowd at home.

Curiously, the Cavaliers won Game 7 on the road as Kyrie Irving buried the go-ahead three in their 93-89 win against the Warriors at the Oracle Arena in Oakland.

Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso believes the Pacers have what it takes to win a high-pressure game away from home.

“Between the two teams, I honestly feel it’s Indiana who can win in an away game. They have a group of guys that work together well,” he said. “I’m going to predict Indiana in Game 7."

Bonnie Tan of Northport agreed 100 percent.

“Personally, I’m hoping the Pacers pull it off. If OKC’s defense starts to slip - even just a bit - I think Indiana can take full advantage,” said Tan. “They’ve been super clutch in big moments, and if they stay composed and smart down the stretch, they’ve got a real shot.”

But the Thunder had also proven they can win one on the road after a 111-104 win at Indiana that prevented the Pacers from taking a 3-1 lead in the series.

Playing in the finals for the first time in 25 years, Indiana opened the series by stealing Game 1 against Oklahoma, 111-110, behind the game-winning jumper by Tyrese Haliburton after trailing by as many as 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Meralco coach Luigi Trillo said Oklahoma will certainly take advantage of Haliburton’s health issue (calf strain) which has been bothering him since Game 5.

The Indiana star played through it in the last game and came up with a modest production of 14 points, five assists, and a rebound.

“I think Haliburton looks better than his calf injury says,” said Trillo. “Im sure OKC will test him. Put him on screens, isolate against him, and wear him down.”

While statistically, majority of the home team had won Game 7 of the finals, Trillo together with TNT coach Chot Reyes like Indiana’s chance of pulling an upset.

“Pacers are the underdogs so I’m rooting for them,” said Reyes.

Trillo sees some parallel between the Pacers and the Bolts, who last season won their first ever PBA championship by pulling off a stunner against mighty San Miguel Beermen in six games.

“I know the odds are against Indiana, but i like rooting for the underdog,” said the Meralco coach. “I think they are capable of that Cinderella finish. I’m going with the Pacers. I just like their story.”

Bring out the popcorn then, and enjoy every bit of Game 7 between the Pacers and Thunder.

Kanino ka?

Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph