The denouement of the 2024-25 NBA season comes with the drama that only a Game 7 can offer. The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers will meet for the last time this Sunday at the Paycom Center in a matchup that will decide who wins the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
After six high-voltage duels, where dominance and surprises have alternated, it all comes down to one game. And although favoritism falls on the Thunder because of their record, location and consistency, the Pacers have shown that nothing is set in stone.
How Each Team Arrives: Different Paths, Same Ambition
The road to this Game 7 has been very different for both teams. Oklahoma has been dominant all season long, while Indiana has built its way based on collective effort and resiliency.
Oklahoma City Thunder: maximum pressure and young talent
The Thunder finished the regular season with the best record in the league (68-14), which gave them home-court advantage in every series. That consistency has carried through much of the Playoffs, especially at home, where they have lost just two games. Led by Mark Daigneault, this young team has combined a stout defense with a versatile offense led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP.
68 regular season wins
Number one defense in efficiency (106.6 points received)
8-2 at home in these Playoffs
However, the resounding defeat in Game 6 has generated doubts. The pressure is high, and the team must prove that it knows how to respond when the margin for error is zero.
Indiana Pacers: the great story of overcoming the odds
Nobody was betting on Indiana at the beginning of the year, but they have broken all predictions. Led by veteran Rick Carlisle and with a young but combative roster, the Pacers have made their way to this stage with solid collective performances. Although their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, has been limited by a leg injury, the team has been able to rely on stars such as Obi Toppin and Pascal Siakam.
First Finals appearance in 25 years
3 wins as underdogs in this series
Playoffs away record: 4-4
Indiana has already stunned superior teams on the road. And with one last chance to make history, they have nothing to lose.
Keys to the Match: What Can Define the Champion
Both teams have very different weapons. While OKC bets on order, defense and tempo control, Indiana looks to exploit its collective play and the depth of its rotation.
Thunder defense vs. Pacers offense
The heart of OKC's success has been their ability to limit opponents. They average less than 105 points allowed per game in these Playoffs, and force a lot of turnovers (17.7% per game). If they can make Haliburton uncomfortable from the start and neutralize Siakam's inside game, they'll have their work cut out for them.
Instead, the Pacers must find ways to generate points without relying too much on their injured point guard. They already accomplished that in Game 6 with six players in double figures. If they repeat that collective formula, they can pull off the upset.
Pace of the game
OKC plays better in down-tempo, defensive games. Indiana needs a more open game, with quick possessions and lots of three-point shooting. The team that imposes its style will be the one that gets closer to victory.
Experience and mettle
The Thunder are young and talented, but they haven't been in a situation like this. On the other hand, the Pacers have Siakam and Carlisle, two names with rings on their record. Experience can weigh, especially in the final moments if the game is even.
Visual Comparison: Key Statistics
| Metrics | Thunder | Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Regular season record | 68-14 | 48-34 |
| Defensive efficiency (Playoffs) | 104.7 points | 112.3 points |
| Forced forfeits per game | 17.7% | 14.2% |
| Average points per game | 112.5 | 116.1 |
| Games 7 won since 2020 | 2 | 1 |
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Prediction: Who will lift the trophy?
It's a game that has all the ingredients to be unforgettable: tension, history, youth vs. experience, and a title on the line. Oklahoma City has the tools, the talent and the stage in its favor. But Indiana has shown heart, grit and resilience.
While the margin will be minimal, the weight of the league's best record, strongest defense and the home crowd's momentum should make the difference. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is ready to cap his MVP season with a title, and his team has responded when he needed it most.
Estimated result:
Thunder 107 - Pacers 101
