Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams expressed the excitement of a Game 7 in the NBA Finals, saying it “makes the hair on your arm stand up a little bit.” Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle described the moment as “a time to celebrate” as both teams prepare for a decisive showdown on Sunday night in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder are aiming for their first title since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008, while the Pacers seek their first NBA championship, having previously won three ABA titles, the last in 1973. This matchup marks the 20th Game 7 in NBA Finals history and the first since the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in 2016.
“As you go on in your competitive life in sports, what you learn is that these moments are rare,” Carlisle noted. “I’m very much looking forward to Game 7.” Historically, home teams have a strong record in these matchups, going 15-4.
The Pacers enter the game with momentum after a 108-91 victory in Game 6, where Tyrese Haliburton contributed 14 points and five assists despite a calf strain. Haliburton, who played just 23 minutes in that game, stated he is ready for Sunday, despite feeling stiff and sore.
Oklahoma City has not lost back-to-back games in the playoffs and boasts a 10-2 home record. In Game 6, Indiana capitalized on turnovers, forcing 21 while committing only 11. “We’re just down to one game and one opportunity,” Carlisle emphasized.
Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s MVP, struggled in Game 6 with eight turnovers. He acknowledged the importance of focusing on controllable factors: “When we do those things, we look like a pretty good team.”
This will be Oklahoma City’s second Game 7 of the playoffs, having previously defeated Denver 125-93 at home in the second round. Williams noted the emotional differences between this Game 7 and their earlier playoff experience, saying, “It’s hard to give a good answer because this Game 7 is going to be completely different from the last one we played in.”
While the Pacers have not faced a Game 7 this postseason, they did win a Game 7 against the New York Knicks in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals.
