The Indiana Pacers delivered a commanding performance in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night, overpowering the Oklahoma City Thunder and setting up a thrilling Game 7.
With their season on the line, the Pacers came out swinging and produced a statement win to keep their championship hopes alive. Fans can now look forward to something they haven’t seen in nearly a decade — a winner-takes-all Game 7 in the NBA Finals.
NBA Finals Game 7 History: A Night of Firsts
This Game 7 brings with it several historic firsts. It’s the first NBA Finals to go the distance since 2016, when LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers battled it out against Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors.
It also marks the first time in 15 years that a Game 7 in the Finals won’t feature LeBron James. The last such instance was in 2010, when Kobe Bryant’s Lakers faced off against the Boston Celtics.
Adding to the excitement, whichever team wins will be crowned NBA champions for the first time in franchise history — a milestone not achieved since the Denver Nuggets lifted their first title in 2023. Currently, ten franchises are still chasing their first ring, and that number will drop to nine come Sunday night.
NBA Finals Game 7 Home Court Advantage
The Oklahoma City Thunder will have the edge in Game 7 with the home-court advantage. Historically, that’s a big deal — out of the 19 Finals series that have gone to Game 7, the home team has won 15 times.
But the Pacers will be looking to buck the trend and join a short list of teams that have captured a Game 7 victory on the road. That exclusive club includes the Boston Celtics (1969, 1974), the Washington Bullets (1978), and the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016).
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