Game 7. The two best words in sports. A phrase every respected sports fan has to at least have heard in life, let alone comprehend the meaning, repercussions and impact of what a Game 7 implies. Especially in the NBA Finals.
This next Sunday, at 8 pm E.T., the Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Indiana Pacers in a winner takes all culmination of the 2024-25 NBA season. All the stakes, effort, promises, and chemistry will be risked and displayed at Paycom Center; for the 20th time, the sports gods reward us with a Game 7 in the Finals.
Game 7’s in NBA Finals History
The Lakers have been involved in the most, but also lost more than anybody, product of the Celtics dynasty in the Bill Russell era. The Knicks have a 1-3 record in them, echoing their present success. Of the previous 19, only 4 times was the away team able to win the title. How will the Pacers use this? I’m guessing they have their minds busy enough.
From Don Nelson‘s blessed jumper to win in LA, to Willis Reed igniting Madison Square Garden hobbling onto the court and hitting those first 2 points. Through Ron Artest‘s clutch three pointer for the Lakers to finally beat the Celtics in a Game 7. Finalizing with Lebron James‘s block and Kyrie Irving‘s dagger three to seal the comeback against the historic Warriors. The NBA Finals have given us timeless moments. This Sunday will not be the exception.
A Game 7 in the NBA Finals feels different
Protagonists of a Game 7 carry a heavier mental burden, the ‘what ifs’ of one game surely are kept in someones mind forever. Those sentiments should be equally potent, as being in the winning side, or maybe even stronger.
Like Jalen Williams said after Game 6’s blowout loss in Indiana, “You play for so long, it just has a lot more weight to it. Obiously you want to win a championship and you don’t want to feel like it was all for nothing.” Or Pascal Siakam‘s words looking ahead to sunday’s clash, “It’s like one game for everything. I think at that point it’s just about hard play and sacrificing everything. You’ve worked so hard for this opportunity and you’v been privileged enough to get it.”
Thunder‘s coach Mark Daigneault expresses it perfectly, “It’s a privilege to play in a Game 7, it’s a privilege to play in the Finals. We’re grateful for the opportunity and we’ve put in a lot of work this season to be able to play that game at home.”
“It’s only the biggest game of our careers“, said T. J. McConnell, an unsung hero in these Finals.
Game 7 NBA Finals Numbers
- 15-4 record for home teams
- Most points: 42, Jerry West in ’69 (still lost to Celtics)
- Most watched: 31.02 million viewers, CLE vs GS in ’16
- Celtics: most wins (7) and perfect at home (4-0)
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