Game Seven. Yes, my fellow Last Rounders, it doesn’t get any better than this. The Indiana Pacers routed the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 to force a Game 7 in the NBA Finals and since this going to be the first one in almost a decade, so we know this is going to be special.
GAME 6. Initially, the Pacers had a slow start but went on a 68-32 run to close the first half. Tyrese Haliburton’s injured calf looked fine and the Pacers also limited their turnovers which proved to be crucial.
OKC’s offense sputtered and the game was essentially decided as early as the third quarter.
COMPARISON. Coming into Game 7, OKC is heavily favored and my J and J Podcast Partner “Jiggy Juice” will only be too happy to agree, but I predicted the Pacers to win in seven games and I am sticking to my forecast.
There are are eight players from the Pacers averaging double-digit points and so play more like a team and have this next man up-mentality. OKC relies a lot more on isolation plays for SGA and Jalen William although their defense is the best in the league.
I totally agree with the oddsmakers though that the Thunder ought to be the favorites but there’s just something about this Pacers team that makes them unique.
If this were music, Thunder personify classical music. They are highly structured and meticulous. They emphasize precision and adherence to the game plan.
The Pacers are clearly jazz music. They are flexible and improvise a lot. They play spontaneously and are not afraid to deviate.
KEYS. The Thunder will have homecourt advantage and historically, home teams in a game 7 are 15-4 all time in the NBA Finals and so they definitely have the advantage coming in.
This is also the ultimate litmus test for SGA as the reigning league MVP. He just has to deliver another MVP-worthy performance and he will no doubt ascend to superstardom and be considered the best player in the league.
The Thunder are 35-6 at home and the last road team to win a Game 7 in the NBA Finals is the Cleveland Cavaliers team led by one Lebron James.
All those weigh heavily in favor of the OKC Thunder but of course, all the pressure is on them.
On the other hand, the Pacers just have to keep on doing what’s works for them -- pass the ball, give touches to whoever is on the floor and keep those hands active.
Of course, it goes without saying that Haliburton has to play well. So far, the most consistent player on their team has been Pascal Siakam. In fact, if both of them play reasonably well and the Pacers become the champions, Siakam would be the favorite to win Finals MVP.
That being said, the Pacers have to keep the game close and make the crucial plays in the final minutes to steal this one.
LAST ROUND. It’s on Mama Alma Gopico Navarro who recently turned 81. Happy birthday Ma, and Cheers!