2025 NBA Finals Game 7 Preview: After an unforgettable NBA season and six thrilling games, the 2025 NBA Finals will be determined in the most dramatic way possible. Game 7. Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers If it’s stagnant, the championship will be resolved in the last game. This matchup combines two of the league’s most compelling stories: the rise in youth fuel in Oklahoma City with the Indiana underdog surge.
Series Summary: The Road to Game 7
This series is nothing more than an epic. Here’s how we got here:
- Game 1 (Indiana wins 111–110): The Pacers surprised the thunder on the road behind a 26-point, 14-assist performance by Tyreese Halliburton and clutch buzzer beater, sealing the victory.
- Game 2 (Thunder Win 123–107): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took over 34 points and Chet Holmgren added 18 and 12 boards as OKC even out the series.
- Game 3 (Pacer wins 116–107): Back in Indiana, Pascal Siakam erupted 28 points, causing the Pacers’ defense to irritate the SGA all night.
- Game 4 (Thunder Win 111–104): Jalen Williams and the OKC bench became huge and again concluded the series with a rough performance.
- Game 5 (Thunder Win 120–109): The crowds of their homes were behind them, and the Thunder were pulled away in the second half, with SGA and Holmgren combined for 55 points.
- Game 6 (Pacer wins 108–91): Faced with elimination, Indiana responded with a stifling defense, holding OKC at just 91 points and dominated the board.
Match up with key players
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) – Oklahoma City Thunder
SGA has appeared as a genuine superstar this postseason, averaging over 30 points per game in the finals. His mastery of midrange, improved playmaking and leadership were important to Thunder’s success. In Game 7, he will need to carry another load against the physical Indiana defense that locks him from the opening tip.
Tyrees Halliburton – Indiana Pacers
Halliburton’s creativity and vision have driven Indiana’s offense throughout the season. He deals with a nagging calf injury, but he looks sharp in Game 6 and needs to adjust his balanced offense to keep Indiana in the game. His ability to read his defense and find a shooter in the rhythm makes him the most valuable work of the Pacers.
Chet Holmgren vs. Myles Turner
This big fight is extremely important. Holmgren’s rim protection and floor spacing gave OKC a unique edge, but Turner’s experience, defensive instincts and external shooting could swing game 7.
Jalen Williams vs. Bennedict Mathurin
Williams is OKC’s two-way force, with confidence attacking Rim and giving him a tough perimeter defense. Mathurin’s energy and athletic ability sparks Indiana, and his shooting is essential. This wing duel can determine which teams gain momentum faster.
Coaching Chess Match: Daigneault vs. Carlisle
Mark Daen He has guided Thunder’s young core with calm and innovation. His in-game coordination and trust in his players allowed OKC to thrive in a close-up game. He is fearless at using an unconventional lineup, taking advantage of the Thunder’s versatility.
Rick Carlylea veteran strategist and 2011 NBA champion bring decades of experience. The ability to slow down the game, control tempo and narrow down the value in Game 6 was evident in Game 6. Expect Carlisle to create a creative set to lead Halliburton and Siakam into a lucrative matchup.
What is at risk?
For lightning:
Oklahoma City is chasing it First NBA title In the history of the franchise. These young cores, SGA, Holmglen, Williams and Giddy, went against their expectations. Winning Game 7 not only solidifies their legacy, but also signals the beginning of a potential dynasty.
For the Pacers:
Indiana has never won an NBA championship. The overlooked and underrated team has overcome the Celtics and Bucks and now pushed OKC to the brink. Game 7 victory delivers the city’s first NBA title, making Halliburton a hero forever.
X Factor
- Obitoppin (Indiana): His transitional scoring and offensive rebounds changed the momentum of the gush. He is actively deployed by wildcard Carlisle.
- Isaiah Joe (OKC): Sharpshooter hit all series with clutch 3. One hot quarter from him was able to change the game.
- Andrew Nenberd: Defensive pests and smart ball handlers, Nenbird is extremely important when Halliburton rests or becomes a blitz.
- Josh Giddy: His size and ability to pass the exam make him a mismatch weapon. If he is confident, he can punish Indiana’s rotation.
Historical comparison
This is the 20th game 7 in history of the NBA Finals. The home team has earned almost 80% of them. The final game 7 came in 2016 when LeBron James and the Cavaliers surprised the Warriors. Before that, Game 7 was often the place where legends were made. Jordan in 1998, Hakeem in 1994, and Tim Duncan in 2005. The wagers are immeasurable. This game defines your career.
What to see
- Early nerves: Who will settle first? Turnovers and poor shot choices often lead to game 7 beginning.
- Foul Trouble: If Holmgren or Turner falls into early foul trouble, they could make a major change to their chess board.
- Clutch execution: The last 5 minutes may be crushed. Look for someone who gets the ball at crunch time and whether defenses switch everything or trap ball handlers.
Predictions for 2025 NBA Finals Game 7 Preview: Thunder 112, Pacers 106
This was an even series, but Oklahoma City enters Game 7 with two decisive advantages. Home Court and The best player on the floor With Shy Gilgaus Alexander. The SGA is great all year round and he’s ready for this moment. Expect him to offer a signature performance of 35+ points, efficient shooting and timely passing.
Indiana fights. Halliburton, Siakam and Turner are too good to not get it near. But the crowd, depth and confidence in the OKC carry them across the finish line. Thunder lifts them up First-ever Championship Banner– And this time it’s not their last.
Let the legend write about yourself. Game 7 is here.
