The Indiana Pacers have done what few expected they’ve taken the NBA Finals all the way to Game 7. After a commanding 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6, both the teams will now face each other in the winner-takes-all battle. The team that manages to win Game 7 wil;l be lifting their first-ever NBA championship trophy.
The Thunder who came into the finals as heavy favorites after having league’s best regular-season record at 68-14, had a chance to close the series out in Indiana. But the Pacers completely outplayed them.
Tyrese Haliburton, whose health was in question heading into the matchup, showed no signs of slowing down. He chipped in with 14 points, five assists, and two steals proving he’s still the engine behind Indiana’s dream run. Now, with the series tied 3-3, all eyes turn to Game 7 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Does the Thunder hold an advantage over the Pacers?
The Thunder still hold the edge with home-court advantage, and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is determined to lead his squad to their first title. But the pressure is mounting. A team that dominated the regular season is now facing a do-or-die clash against a Pacers.
Should the Thunder win, they’ll go down as one of the most statistically dominant champions in NBA history. But if the Pacers emerge victorious, they will join the ranks of the league’s most improbable champion.
Pacers vs Thunder expected Starting Lineup
Indiana Pacers
Expected Starting Lineup: PG: Tyrese Haliburton, SG: Andrew Nembhard, SF: Aaron Nesmith, PF: Pascal Siakam, C: Myles Turner
Key bench players: SG: Benedict Mathurin, PG: TJ McConnell, C: Thomas Bryant.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Expected Starting Lineup PG: Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, SG: Luguentz Dort, SF: Jalen Williams, SF: Chet Holmgren, C: Isaiah Hartenstein
