Countdown to Game 7! Thunder and Pacers engage in the ultimate showdown: Who will emerge as the true hero of this do-or-die battle?

On June 22, Beijing time, the renowned American media outlet The Athletic previewed the upcoming Game 7 showdown (scheduled for June 23 at 8 AM). In this life-or-death match, the Thunder and the Pacers will face off in a final contest. It's a winner-takes-all scenario—who will rise as the genuine hero?

After a nine-year hiatus, the Game 7 of the Finals is back. "Game 7" might just be the most thrilling two words in sports.

They have returned to the grandest stage—this NBA championship decider marks the 20th Game 7 in the league's 79-year history and only the 6th in the past 36 years. The Pacers could pull off one of the biggest upsets in championship history, while the Thunder may conclude one of the greatest seasons in the history of American professional basketball. The Pacers have never won an NBA championship, and the Thunder's last title dates back to 1979 when they were still the Seattle SuperSonics.

As the Game 7 approaches, fans on both sides may find it hard to sleep. The passionate crowd in Oklahoma City will ignite the atmosphere, and when the basketball is tossed into the air, for at least 48 minutes, both teams will fight fiercely for a place in the legendary ranks of NBA Finals Game 7s.

One meticulously crafted blueprint will come to fruition, while another may go up in flames, reduced to ashes in the trash.

“This could be the most significant game of our careers,” said Pacers star Haliburton, succinctly summarizing the weight of this Game 7.

Indeed, the term “Game 7” carries its own aura.

“I try to view it as a gift and an opportunity, and then go out there and be my best self,” said Thunder star Alexander.

The backdrop of an epic clash

The Thunder finished the regular season with an impressive 68 wins (tied for fifth in history), boasting the league's best defense and setting a record for average point differential. They are about to put a perfect cap on the rebuild that began six years ago when Presti traded for Alexander in exchange for George.

As the fourth seed in the East, the Pacers would become the third team to win a championship while being seeded lower than three. They lead the playoffs in comebacks of 15 points or more, making them the most underrated team in the Finals since 2004, gradually realizing the vision of building around Haliburton, whom they acquired for Sabonis four years ago.

Series Recap

Pacers: G1 won by Haliburton's buzzer-beater, G3 saw a surprising performance from bench player Mathurin with 27 points, and G6 was a one-sided victory over the Thunder.

Thunder: G2 dominated the game, G4 saw a comeback led by Alexander in the final quarter, and G5 featured four consecutive steals in the last quarter to thwart the Pacers' rally.

In terms of statistics, the Thunder average 1.1 points more than the Pacers, while the Pacers average 0.5 more rebounds. The differences in steals, blocks, and shooting percentages between the two teams are all minimal.

The Coaches' Duel

Thunder head coach Daigneault (coaching since 2021) expressed his honor in facing off against Pacers head coach Carlisle. He admitted, “I always feel the pressure—being responsible for the players, serving the team, and putting them in the best position to win, especially with this team that I love coaching.”

Carlisle, who as Larry Bird's assistant led the Pacers to their first Finals appearance in 2000, also guided the Mavericks to defeat the Heat in the 2011 Finals as head coach. “I love pressure,” Carlisle said, “In competitive sports, you understand how precious these moments are, and trying to replicate such situations is what you strive for in daily life—it's not easy.”

The Weight of History

No player from either team has experienced a Game 7 in the Finals (the Pacers' Siakam won a championship with the Raptors in 2019, and the Thunder's Caruso did so with the Lakers in 2020). In the first 19 Game 7s of the Finals, 9 were decided by 5 points or fewer, the most recent being on June 20, 2016, when the Cavaliers narrowly defeated the Warriors 93-89, featuring Irving's step-back three-pointer, James' chase-down block, and Love's crucial defense against Curry.

“As a basketball fan, that might be one of the greatest games I've ever watched,” Haliburton said. “That's the allure of Game 7—it's the pinnacle of Game 7 for someone my age. I'm excited to contribute to this legendary history.”

Who will become the hero of Game 7?

In G5, Jalen Williams scored 40 points, the highest in the series for a single game. If he shines again in Game 7, he could claim the Finals MVP; Alexander, averaging 30.5 points, is also a strong contender; Siakam averages 19.8 points and 8.3 rebounds, and if the Pacers win, he is currently the closest to the MVP. Additionally, the Pacers' role players (Mathurin, Obi Toppin, Nembhard, McConnell) could also have their magical moments.

Historically, LeBron has had two iconic Game 7 performances, Kobe triumphed in Game 7 in 2010, and legends like Bill Russell, Bird, Duncan, and Olajuwon have all left their mark in Game 7s. Frazier even scored 36 points and provided 19 assists in the Game 7 that led the Knicks to their first championship.

“It's unfortunate, but perhaps only by achieving the desired outcome can I truly appreciate (the historical significance),” Jalen Williams said. “But regardless of winning or losing, having my name in the history books is pretty cool—though it's hard to think about that right now. I'm more grateful for this opportunity, as many NBA players would love to be in my position at this moment. But when it comes to history, I certainly want to be on the winning side.”

Yes, Williams is right—actually, “Game 7” may not be the most melodious two words in sports. Perhaps, “We won” is.