The Indiana Pacers recalled their fondest moments of the 2024/25 NBA Finals ahead of a mouth-watering Game 7 clash on Sunday, June 22 – as Obi Toppin sends the Oklahoma City Thunder a menacing warning.
An incredible effort on June 19 saw the Pacers run out 108-91 winners at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse to force the NBA Finals to go to a winner-takes-all meeting at the Paycom Center.
Dominant on three-point efforts whilst claiming 16 steals to their rivals’ four, Indiana also proved to have a clear edge when it came to minimizing turnovers by a 21-10 margin as they hauled themselves back into championship contention.
Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander putting up 21 points, it wasn’t enough to stop the Pacers as all of Pascal Siakam, Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, Tyrese Haliburton, T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin managed to hit double figures when it came to points.
That proved the team has talent across the board and hands them momentum heading into the final game of the 2024/25 NBA season, as they chase down their first title since the 1973 campaign. But was it the players’ best moment of their in their eyes?
“Of the Finals?,” Aaron Nesmith told MARCA’s Nacho Garcia. “I mean it has to be Tyrese’s game winner in Game 1. That one, and our dominant win in Game 6.”
Ben Sheppard concurred by adding, “I’d probably say Tyrese Haliburton’s game winner in Game 1.”
A moment that stunned the world of NBA
Haliburton stunned the basketball world in Game 1 of the 2024/25 NBA Finals, hitting a game-winning 21-foot jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining as the shot sealed a 111-110 win for Indiana.
It capped a 15-point fourth-quarter rally, solidifying the Pacers’ identity as this postseason’s comeback specialists and made it clear they will not be willing to go down to the Thunder without a bitter fight.
However, on more touching note, the Pacers’ Nembhard chose to credit the fans back in Indiana for their avid support at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and beyond, something that has clearly left a mark in the locker room.
“I mean, I think the fan base in Indiana has been amazing,” said Nembhard. “I think that’s been a highlight of the Finals.
But whilst it’s sweet and fun to remember the iconic moments that have happened in this thrilling NBA Finals, the first to go to Game 7 since LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers stopped Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors in 2016, there is a job to do.
And that’s exactly what Obi Toppin decided to remind his colleagues and also Oklahoma City, sending them a clear message that there is only one thing that will standout in his mind: Getting his hands on the Larry O’Brien Trophy on Sunday.
“It hasn’t happened yet. It hasn’t happened yet,” warned Toppin. “I’m not going to change that answer.
“Whatever happens in Game 7. It’s going to be great.”
When is Game 7 of the 2024/25 NBA Finals as the Thunder take on the Pacers?
Game 7 of the 2024/25 NBA Finals will take place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma as the Thunder take on the Indiana Pacers before their passionate home crowd at a sold-out venue with a capacity of 18,200 seats.
Fans can watch the action live on ABC on Sunday, June 22 from 20:00 ET/17:00 PT as Haliburton faces off against Gilgeous-Alexander for one last time in what has been a thrilling series of basketball. Which team will win?
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