The 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers has captivated audiences, culminating in a highly anticipated Game 7 on Sunday, June 22. This competitive and energizing championship round marks a distinct break from recent one-sided Finals, showcasing high-octane styles and high-level adjustments from both teams. With the series tied 3-3, the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy awaits the winner, making this just the 20th Game 7 in NBA Finals history and a defining moment for both franchises seeking their first NBA title.

The series has been incredibly tight, with only seven total points separating the two teams through six games (Thunder 662, Pacers 655). While the Thunder initially dominated Game 1, the Pacers staged a breathtaking comeback, including a 12-2 run in the final 2:52, completely changing the series' terms. Subsequent games saw back-and-forth exchanges: Oklahoma City securing a decisive Game 2 win, Indiana responding in Game 3 with strong home court play, the Thunder pulling off a late-game heist in Game 4, and Jalen Williams' 40-point masterclass in Game 5. However, the Pacers roared back in Game 6 with an emphatic 17-point shellacking, including a ferocious 30-9 second-quarter run, to force Game 7.

For the Oklahoma City Thunder, much rests on the shoulders of their MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite his calm demeanor and remarkably low technical foul count throughout his career (only one rescinded technical foul this season), SGA needs to deliver an MVP-level performance in Game 7, aiming for around 30 points, five assists, two steals, and limited turnovers. The Thunder have struggled with turnover volume, committing 19 and 21 turnovers in their Game 3 and Game 6 losses, respectively, hindering their offensive opportunities. Contributions from Jalen Williams (targeting 20+ points) and Chet Holmgren (improving from his low-scoring outings in losses) are crucial. Bench players like Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and Aaron Wiggins also need to hit their three-pointers. Despite losing Game 1 of the Finals at home, the Thunder boast a formidable home-court advantage, with a 35-6 regular-season record and 10-2 in the playoffs, and will lean on the energy of the Paycom Center crowd.

The Indiana Pacers' journey to Game 7 has been fueled by their improved, feisty defense and strategic prowess. Tyrese Haliburton, the engine of Indiana's fast-paced offense, is vital; the team significantly outperforms opponents with him on the court, even while playing through a calf strain. Pascal Siakam has been an integral two-way force, averaging 19.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in the Finals, and his ability to score in the paint and defend multiple positions makes him a strong candidate for Finals MVP if the Pacers win. The Pacers have been excellent at limiting opponents' three-point attempts, and their own three-point shooting (averaging 14 made threes in wins) is a key advantage. Bench play, particularly from T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, and Obi Toppin, provides crucial minutes and momentum swings.

Both teams have faced challenges, including the Thunder's unusually low 3-point attempt rate (28.5% in the Finals, significantly down from their regular season and earlier playoff clips), forced by Indiana's hellacious closeouts and defensive rotations. This has led to more one-on-one attacks for OKC. The sheer physical demands of the series are evident in the high average distance covered per game (38.33 miles combined) and average speeds, the highest since the player-tracking era began in 2013-14. Intangibles such as effort, energy, and will have often decided game outcomes, with both coaches, Mark Daigneault and Rick Carlisle, engaging in a strategic chess match marked by timely adjustments. The importance of live-ball turnovers cannot be overstated; the team winning this battle has won every game since Game 1.

As Game 7 approaches, the desperation has peaked for both sides. Former NBA stars like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have commented on the series' lack of