Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers

For the first time in nearly a decade, an NBA champion will be crowned in a dramatic Game Seven, as the Oklahoma City Thunder face off against the Indiana Pacers in a decisive showdown at PayCom Center on Monday.

The Pacers displayed remarkable resilience in Friday’s Game Six, securing a critical victory to keep their dreams of a maiden NBA title alive.

After pivotal wins in Games Four and Five, the Thunder traveled to Indianapolis needing just one more triumph to etch their name into basketball history and claim the coveted Larry O'Brien Trophy. Despite their commanding performance throughout the season, which began in October, OKC’s championship hopes were delayed by a 108-91 loss on Friday.

The Western Conference champs struggled early, scoring only 42 points in the first half—their second-lowest playoff total—falling into a 22-point hole that grew by eight in the third quarter. A late rally in the final period only softened the blow.

Following their standout performances in Game Five, stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams faltered, combining for 37 points on 13-of-28 shooting and missing all five three-point attempts. After the loss, Gilgeous-Alexander urged his team to regroup, knowing his own resurgence will be key to OKC’s title aspirations in Game Seven.

With a 10-2 home record in the playoffs, the Thunder have thrived in front of their passionate fans and now have a chance to cap a stellar season with the ultimate prize on their home court.

The Indiana Pacers, meanwhile, are enjoying their most successful playoff run ever, having dispatched the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks in earlier rounds. Few expected Rick Carlisle’s squad to push the Thunder to six games, but their knack for defying expectations has brought them within one victory of a historic championship.

Staring down elimination for the first time this season, the Pacers came out firing in Game Six at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with six players reaching double figures, led by Obi Toppin’s 20 points off the bench. Their sharpshooting from beyond the arc—sinking 15 threes compared to OKC’s eight—proved decisive, despite taking 12 more attempts.

After turning the ball over 22 times in Game Five, the Pacers flipped the script on Friday, forcing 21 turnovers from the Thunder while limiting them to just 14 assists, paving the way for their commanding win.