Pacers and Thunder Prep for Epic Game 7 in NBA Finals
By Tim Reynolds, AP Basketball Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY — In a thrilling NBA Finals climax, the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder are gearing up for a decisive Game 7 on Sunday night. Following a tense Game 6 that saw the Pacers rally for a victory, all eyes are now focused on what the coaches and players are calling “a privilege.”
Both teams exchanged leads throughout the series, with Indiana capturing early advantages, but Oklahoma City responded sharply. “We have one game for everything, for everything we’ve worked for,” said Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Historically, home-court advantage looms large in Game 7s: 15 of the past 19 have gone to the hosting team. However, recent history has seen visiting teams winning nine of the last 14.
The Thunder experienced success at home earlier in the playoffs, defeating Denver decisively in a previous Game 7. Conversely, the Pacers showcased their mettle by dominating the New York Knicks in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals.
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, recently recovering from a calf strain, is excited for the opportunity. “There’s nothing like a Game 7 in the NBA Finals,” he said. The stakes could not be higher, as the winner will claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy, while the loser’s aspirations will dissolve for the season.
In terms of scoring, both teams are formidable, but Game 7s historically tend to be low-scoring affairs. The last Finals Game 7 to surpass 100 points was in 1988. The average margin of victory in these matchups hovers around 6.9 points, hinting at an intense showdown ahead.
With all championship hopes resting on Sunday’s performance, the anticipation is palpable as both teams prepare for the ultimate battle.
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