Following a dominant game 6 victory, the Indiana Pacers have forced their first NBA Finals game 7 since 2016. In one of the most up-and-down series of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the final game of the season could either way as every game has held unexpected outcomes in these finals. From big-time performances from stars to huge contributions from role players, blowouts, close games, and road wins, the Pacers and Thunder have given fans everything one could hope for in this series. 

Game 6

After what seemed like another OKC defensive showing early on, Indiana responded with a haymaker in the first half, and a dominant defensive second quarter. The Thunder finished the second quarter with ZERO assists, as Indiana’s suffocating ball pressure forced them into late shot-clock situations. The Pacers seemingly beat Oklahoma City at their own style of play, kick-starting their transition offense by forcing turnovers and limiting second-chance opportunities. Indiana’s first-quarter response was much-needed as the Thunder haven’t played well from behind outside of game 4, and the second-quarter avalanche was the defining moment of the game. 

Despite doubts about his availability leading up to game 6, Tyrese Haliburton’s assertiveness was vital to Indiana’s first-half success, and their early lead allowed him to play limited minutes ahead of game 7. While Halliburton was shaky early on, he found his shot-making in the second quarter and made every read in transition. While Indiana’s star guard is clearly not 100% any offensive contribution will be pivotal going forward. 

X-Factor(s) For Each Team Going Into Game 7

In a series where each team has played their best and worst in various moments, it’s difficult to know what version of these teams will show up in their final game of the season. It’s important to note the constants in each team winning. 

While many people have turned their heads towards Chet Holmgren with his offensive struggles in the second-year big man’s first NBA Finals, Jalen Williams will be OKC’s determining factor in game 7. With Holmgren looking as poor as he has offensively, it’s difficult to consider him the “X-factor”. In Thunder wins in these finals, Williams has averaged 28.6 PPG opposed to 19.6 in losses. While OKC’s half-court offense tends to be stagnant, Williams can change that by capitalizing on his one-on-one opportunities, taking pressure off SGA.

Contrary to OKC, Indiana wins in a variety of ways. From seemingly impossible late-game comebacks to dominant wins on both ends of the court, this Pacers team has shown the ability to adapt to their environment and get the job done. Picking an X-factor for a team as versatile as Indiana is difficult so the easiest answer would be Tyrese Haliburton’s health.

While Indiana can win without explosive games from Haliburton, their offense operates at the highest level when he’s aggressive and getting downhill. Looking past Haliburton, the biggest X-factor is Myles Turner. On both ends of the floor, Turner can impact the game immensely as he had shown up until the finals. Defensively, he’s been on and off in this series, showing great stretches of moving his feet and contesting, and difficult moments committing poor fouls and getting lost in the action. Offensively, Turner hasn’t produced since the first two games in Oklahoma City, but an explosive game from the stretch-five could add another element to Indiana’s offense. 

End Of My NBA Finals Rant

Indiana hasn’t played well offensively in Oklahoma City, but it’d be foolish to count them out. Multiple role players will likely step up, but contributions from a struggling Turner could put them over the edge. Haliburton’s health and aggressiveness early will also be telling in their chances to steal game 7 on the road. For OKC, J-Dub’s ability to get to the rim and play through contact will be key to elevating their offense and preventing stagnation when Indiana slows them down. Ultimately, time will tell if these determining factors will show up for each team in a do-or-die NBA Finals game.