NBA Finals Game 7 history adds a new chapter as Pacers and Thunder prepare for the 20th ever Finals Game 7 showdown. Game 7s are rare—and legendary.
But did the Pacers win before? No, this could mark Indiana’s first NBA championship, while the Thunder are also searching for their first since relocating from Seattle.
Before diving into the Pacers vs Thunder prediction or checking the ESPN NBA scores, let’s revisit the most unforgettable Game 7s in NBA history.
Cavaliers vs. Warriors (2016)
Result: Cavaliers win 4-3
LeBron James led Cleveland from a 3-1 deficit to victory with a triple-double: 27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists. The series included the legendary “Block” on Andre Iguodala.
Fun Fact: Draymond Green had 32-15-9 in Game 7 for Golden State.
Spurs vs. Heat (2013)
Result: Heat win 4-3
LeBron delivered 37 points and 12 boards. With help from Dwyane Wade (23 points, 10 rebounds), Miami captured its second straight title.
Celtics vs. Lakers (2010)
Result: Lakers win 4-3
Kobe Bryant had 23 points and 15 rebounds. Pau Gasol added 19 points, 18 rebounds as LA edged Boston in a defensive slugfest.
Pistons vs. Spurs (2005)
Result: Spurs win 4-3
In a gritty, low-scoring Game 7 (81-74), Tim Duncan and Manu Ginóbili carried San Antonio to its third title in seven years.
Knicks vs. Rockets (1994)
Result: Rockets win 4-3
Hakeem Olajuwon was unstoppable: 25 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks. The Knicks couldn’t answer in Game 7.
Pistons vs. Lakers (1988)
Result: Lakers win 4-3
James Worthy had a Finals Game 7 triple-double: 36-16-10. Magic Johnson added 19 points and 14 assists.
Celtics vs. Lakers (1984)
Result: Celtics win 4-3
Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Cedric Maxwell powered the Celtics past LA. Maxwell had 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Other NBA Finals Game 7 Classics
- Bullets vs. SuperSonics (1978) – Bullets win 4-3
- Celtics vs. Bucks (1974) – Celtics win 4-3
- Knicks vs. Lakers (1970) – Knicks win 4-3
- Celtics vs. Lakers (1969, 1966, 1962) – Celtics win all three
- Hawks vs. Celtics (1960, 1957) – Celtics win both
- Pistons vs. Nationals (1955) – Nationals win 4-3
- Nationals vs. Lakers (1954) – Lakers win 4-3
- Knicks vs. Lakers (1952) – Lakers win 4-3
- Knicks vs. Royals (1951) – Royals win 4-3
Who Won Game 6 of the NBA Finals 2025?
The Pacers forced Game 7 with a resilient victory in Game 6. Their bench came alive, and standout plays from Indiana Pacers players like Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner sealed the deal.
Pacers vs Thunder Prediction
Experts are split on who will be crowned among the NBA champions by year list. With a youthful, explosive OKC roster led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder are the betting favorite. But the Pacers’ defense and playoff grit have made this series a coin flip.
Source: NBA