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NBA Posts Immediate Message About Pacers-Thunder Before Game 7

Sunday night is do-or-die in the NBA as Game 7 of the NBA Finals tips off with the Indiana Pacers visiting the Oklahoma City Thunder. Indiana forced the decisive game after a dominant 108-91 win at home in Game 6.

That game was close early, with the Pacers holding a narrow 28-25 lead after the first quarter. But Indiana exploded in the middle quarters, outscoring the Thunder in the second and third to take a 30-point lead into the final frame.

Sunday’s showdown will mark just the 20th Game 7 in NBA Finals history.

After Game 6, the NBA released an official message hyping up the finale:

"WE'RE GOING TO GAME 7! The Pacers and Thunder will battle for the NBA CHAMPIONSHIP in a WINNER-TAKE-ALL GAME 7 on Sunday, June 22 at 8pm/et on ABC!"

Indiana had six players score in double figures during the blowout. Obi Toppin came off the bench to score 20 points in just 23 minutes, while T.J. McConnell added 12 points and 9 rebounds.

There were questions about Tyrese Haliburton’s health going into Game 6, but he played without issue. Though limited to 22 minutes, he still managed 14 points and 5 assists. Andrew Nembhard added 17, Pascal Siakam scored 16 and Aaron Nesmith added 10.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0)

The Pacers are chasing their first NBA title. They won three championships in the ABA, with the most recent in 1973. This marks Indiana’s second trip to the NBA Finals; their first came in 2000 when they lost to the Lakers.

The Thunder are also seeking their first title since moving from Seattle in 2008. The franchise's lone championship came in 1979 as the SuperSonics. Oklahoma City made it to the NBA Finals in 2012 but lost to the Miami Heat in five games.