Pacers, Thunder Going The Distance in NBA Finals; How Last 5 Game 7s Have Fared

SPORTIVO
Article arrow_drop_down

<!–>

For the 20th time in the history of the sport, the NBA Finals will require a Game 7. The Indiana Pacers won Game 6 on their home floor on Thursday night to force the win-or-go-home affair against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which will take place on Sunday night at 8 p.m.

When was the last NBA Finals matchup to go seven games? How close were the last handful of Game 7s? Here’s how each of the last five Game 7s in NBA Finals history played out, in chronological order.

The Rockets won Games 6 and 7 to win the 1994 NBA Finals. (Photo by Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (SetNumber: X46393) –> <!–>

After coming back home facing a 3-2 series deficit, Houston won back-to-back games to win the series. In Game 7, the Rockets won every quarter by a narrow margin, with Hakeem Olajuwon leading the way with a game-high 25 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks, accompanied by 21 points from Vernon Maxwell and 13 points and two steals in 18 minutes from Sam Cassell.

ADVERTISEMENT

–>

It was a tight affair from start to finish, with Derek Harper’s team-high 23 points keeping the Knicks in the mix despite Patrick Ewing’s (7 of 17 from the field) and John Starks’ (2 of 18 from the field) inefficient games. But Houston kept New York at bay in the fourth quarter and ultimately held on to win its first championship in franchise history, then went on to repeat as NBA champions the next season.

The 2005 NBA Finals were the third championship for the Spurs under head coach Gregg Popovich. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) <!–>

–>

San Antonio had a 2-0 series lead and then a 3-2 lead, but Detroit evened up the series both times. On a June 23 night in San Antonio, though, the Spurs would not be denied.

The game was tied at 57 apiece entering the fourth quarter, and then San Antonio’s offense came to life. Manu Ginobili proceeded to score 11 of his 23 points in the final quarter, with Ginobili and Tim Duncan combining for 48 of San Antonio’s 81 total points, while Robert Horry chipped in 15 points. As a whole, the Spurs held the Pistons to 41.9% shooting from the field and 14.3% shooting from behind the arc. It marked the Spurs’ third NBA championship under head coach Gregg Popovich and their second title in three seasons.

The Lakers’ 2010 NBA Finals triumph was their third championship round win over the Celtics. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) <!–>

–>

The Celtics brought a 3-2 series lead to Los Angeles, but the Lakers prevailed on their home court. After an 89-67 Game 6 victory, the Lakers won Game 7 in grueling fashion.

It was an inauspicious start for the Lakers, with them scoring just 14 first-quarter points, and Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol shooting a combined 3 of 15 from the field. Los Angeles trailed after each of the first three quarters, but it then broke out for a 30-point fourth quarter, which saw Bryant — who shot just 6 of 24 from the field throughout the entire game — score 10 points, eight of those coming from the charity stripe.

[Related: 4 Teams Have Won an NBA Finals Game 7 on The Road. Will the Pacers be the 5th?]

Still finishing with a game-high 23 points, Bryant also pulled down 15 rebounds and had a pivotal assist to Metta World Peace — who finished with 20 points, five rebounds and five steals — who knocked down a 3-pointer with 1:01 remaining in the game to give the Lakers a six-point lead and help them finish off the win. It was the 12th NBA Finals matchup between the Lakers and Celtics and was the last time they faced off in the championship round.

2013: Miami Heat 95, San Antonio Spurs 88

The Miami Heat’s 2013 NBA Finals championship was their last in franchise history. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) <!–>

–>

The Heat won their second consecutive title in 2013, but they did so in the face of multiple scares, starting with Ray Allen helping force overtime with a 3-pointer with 5.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 6.

Up 90-88 in the final minute of Game 7, Miami forced a Tim Duncan miss, and the Heat came up with the ball with 42 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing possession, LeBron James made a mid-range jump shot, and San Antonio never scored again.

James led the way for the Heat, who had the lead throughout the entire fourth quarter, with 37 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade had 23 points and 10 rebounds and Shane Battier knocked down six 3-pointers for Miami.

Kyrie Irving averaged 25.2 points per game for the Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA postseason. (Photo by MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images) <!–>

–>

It was not only a historic game in Cleveland sports, but it was also one of the best games in NBA history.

A series that Golden State led 3-1 required a Game 7 in the Bay Area, and it delivered. With 1:51 remaining in a game knotted up at 89 apiece, LeBron James flew in and denied Andre Iguodala‘s fastball layup attempt. While the Cavaliers didn’t score on the next possession, they got another defensive stop. Following a timeout, Kyrie Irving drained a step-back 3-pointer with 53 seconds remaining, and it would be the final field goal of the game, which proved to be enough for Cleveland to get the epic win and finish off the 3-1 series comeback.

James and Irving combined for 53 points, while James posted a triple-double (27 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists). For Golden State, Draymond Green had the individual game of his life, finishing with 32 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists, but the Cavaliers held the NBA’s best backcourt — Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson — to a combined 31 points on 12 of 36 shooting from the field and the Warriors as a whole to 38.6% shooting from the field. Golden State didn’t score in the last 4:39 of play.

It was the first championship in Cavaliers history and the first for Cleveland sports since the Cleveland Browns won the 1964 NFL Championship.

Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience

National Basketball Association

Oklahoma City Thunder

Indiana Pacers

<!–>



Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more


in this topic

–>

This news was originally published on this post .

About the author

About the author call_made

SPORTIVO

More posts

Recorde de Rafael Nadal em Roland Garros está entre os 5 mais difíceis de quebrar em todos esportes

Rafael Nadal comemora vitória em Roland Garros. (Foto: Julian Finney/Getty Images) Aproveitamento absurdo do espanhol em Roland Garros se destaca entre os recordes impossíveis de quebrar na história de todos os esportes Um dos maiores esportistas da história, Rafael Nadal ganhou destaque no jornal espanhol “Marca” nesta sexta-feira (20). O ex-tenista entrou na lista do portal de cinco recordes mais difíceis de quebrar em todos os esportes. Em Roland Garros, o espanhol dominou o saibro com 14 títulos e um aproveitamento absurdo, muito complicado de alguém superar um dia. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE O grande recorde de Rafael Nadal em Roland Garros O Grand Slam de Roland Garros é a “Copa do Mundo” do tênis, é como se fosse a picanha no churrasco. Porém, Rafael Nadal dominou esse torneio como poucos na história, conquistando 14 títulos, o que ainda nem é seu […]

trending_flat
From Babe to Betts, The Wild Trades that Define the Red Sox After Devers Deal

<!--> What is it about the Boston Red Sox and their penchant for blockbuster trades that often feel - bigger? It could be across the team’s 125-year history, their deals have had huge impacts. The infamous deal that sent Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1920 and sparked an 86-year drought. Or more recently, when the team tempted fate again when trading Mookie Betts to the Dodgers in 2018. Now, Rafael Devers joins that list of superstar players after Boston traded him to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. Devers was only in the second season of a 10-year, $313.5 million extension and is arguably one of the top 10 hitters in baseball. The 28-year-old will likely be named an All-Star for the fourth time in his career in the coming weeks.A decision that didn’t exactly warm Red Sox fans about the […]

trending_flat
Pacers force Game 7, Thunder under pressure, Lakers get sold and Giannis likely staying with Bucks

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Gary Washburn react to the Indiana Pacers defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder and forcing a Game 7 in the NBA Finals.Next, Vince and Gary discuss which team has the edge in Game 7 before explaining what the Lakers being sold to Mark Walter’s means for LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Magic Johnson.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLater, Vince and Gary react to Ime Udoka signing an extension with the Houston Rockets and how the Milwaukee Bucks can build a team around Giannis Antetokounmpo.(1:56) Thunder vs. Pacers Game 6 reaction(10:13) Notable Game 7’s in the NBA Finals(15:32) Pacers playing with immense confidence(18:53) T.J. McConnell’s impact(21:49) Pressure on SGA & Thunder franchise(26:43) This Game 7 is very unique for Thunder and Pacers(36:55) Lakers sold for $10 Billion(46:30) Ime Udoka gets extension as Kevin Durant rumors swirl(51:54) If […]

Mesmo classificando a Ferroviária no Brasileirão Feminino, Jéssica de Lima é demitida da Ferroviária após mais de dois anos no comando da equipe

Após mais de dois anos, Jéssica de Lima deixa a Ferroviária (Reprodução/Nayra Halm/Staff Images Woman/CBF) Treinadora deixa às Guerreiras Grenás tinha o trabalho mais longínquo do futebol feminino brasileiro e estava preto de completar 100 jogos pela equipe Nesta sexta-feira (20), a Ferroviária anunciou nesta sexta-feira (20), a saída da treinadora Jéssica de Lima. Na equipe desde setembro de 2022, a técnica estava prestes a completar 100 jogos no clube, além de ter o trabalho mais longo no futebol feminino brasileiro. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Em nota, a Ferroviária informou que a decisão foi tomada em comum acordo com a treinadora. Além disso, junto dela também deixa a equipe o seu auxiliar, Marlon Major. Porém, o clube agradeceu os trabalhos prestados pela treinadora. “As Guerreiras Grenás informam que, em comum acordo, a treinadora Jéssica de Lima não segue mais à frente do […]

Lucas Lima cobra elenco do Sport e pede reação contra rebaixamento: “Entrar para a história”

Meia aborda situação do Sport no Brasileiirão (Foto: Paulo Paiva / Sport Recife) Leão tem o pior começo da história de um time no Brasileirão da chamada ‘era dos pontos corridos’ e quer reagir após pausa A paralisação do Brasileirão Série A para a disputa da Copa do Mundo de Clubes da Fifa não poderia ter vindo em melhor hora para o Sport. Lanterna absoluto da competição, o time ganhará o descanso necessário para poder vir no retorno dos jogos com uma única missão: escapar da última posição e da zona de rebaixamento. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Pode entrar para a história E, caso o Rubro-Negro consiga tal feito, será algo para entrar na história do clube pernambucano e da competição. É a visão do meia Lucas Lima, que pede que o time siga o caminho necessário para poder conseguir na volta […]

trending_flat
Angels manager Ron Washington out indefinitely because of health concerns

<!--> Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington will be out indefinitely because of health issues, and bench coach Ray Montgomery will manage Friday night’s series opener against the Houston Astros.Washington, 73, experienced shortness of breath and appeared fatigued toward the end of a four-game series against the Yankees. He was cleared by Yankees doctors to fly home with the team Thursday night and underwent a series of medical tests on Friday.General manager Perry Minasian announced Washington's status before the game.The Angels did not specify what symptoms Washington is experiencing, but said the manager was able to address the team in the clubhouse along with Minasian on Friday, and he was planning to watch the game from the GM's Angel Stadium suite. Washington was not made available to the media."Wash has not felt great the last couple of days," Minasian said. […]

Related

Recorde de Rafael Nadal em Roland Garros está entre os 5 mais difíceis de quebrar em todos esportes

Rafael Nadal comemora vitória em Roland Garros. (Foto: Julian Finney/Getty Images) Aproveitamento absurdo do espanhol em Roland Garros se destaca entre os recordes impossíveis de quebrar na história de todos os esportes Um dos maiores esportistas da história, Rafael Nadal ganhou destaque no jornal espanhol “Marca” nesta sexta-feira (20). O ex-tenista entrou na lista do portal de cinco recordes mais difíceis de quebrar em todos os esportes. Em Roland Garros, o espanhol dominou o saibro com 14 títulos e um aproveitamento absurdo, muito complicado de alguém superar um dia. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE O grande recorde de Rafael Nadal em Roland Garros O Grand Slam de Roland Garros é a “Copa do Mundo” do tênis, é como se fosse a picanha no churrasco. Porém, Rafael Nadal dominou esse torneio como poucos na história, conquistando 14 títulos, o que ainda nem é seu […]

trending_flat
From Babe to Betts, The Wild Trades that Define the Red Sox After Devers Deal

<!--> What is it about the Boston Red Sox and their penchant for blockbuster trades that often feel - bigger? It could be across the team’s 125-year history, their deals have had huge impacts. The infamous deal that sent Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1920 and sparked an 86-year drought. Or more recently, when the team tempted fate again when trading Mookie Betts to the Dodgers in 2018. Now, Rafael Devers joins that list of superstar players after Boston traded him to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. Devers was only in the second season of a 10-year, $313.5 million extension and is arguably one of the top 10 hitters in baseball. The 28-year-old will likely be named an All-Star for the fourth time in his career in the coming weeks.A decision that didn’t exactly warm Red Sox fans about the […]

trending_flat
Pacers force Game 7, Thunder under pressure, Lakers get sold and Giannis likely staying with Bucks

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Gary Washburn react to the Indiana Pacers defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder and forcing a Game 7 in the NBA Finals.Next, Vince and Gary discuss which team has the edge in Game 7 before explaining what the Lakers being sold to Mark Walter’s means for LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Magic Johnson.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLater, Vince and Gary react to Ime Udoka signing an extension with the Houston Rockets and how the Milwaukee Bucks can build a team around Giannis Antetokounmpo.(1:56) Thunder vs. Pacers Game 6 reaction(10:13) Notable Game 7’s in the NBA Finals(15:32) Pacers playing with immense confidence(18:53) T.J. McConnell’s impact(21:49) Pressure on SGA & Thunder franchise(26:43) This Game 7 is very unique for Thunder and Pacers(36:55) Lakers sold for $10 Billion(46:30) Ime Udoka gets extension as Kevin Durant rumors swirl(51:54) If […]

Mesmo classificando a Ferroviária no Brasileirão Feminino, Jéssica de Lima é demitida da Ferroviária após mais de dois anos no comando da equipe

Após mais de dois anos, Jéssica de Lima deixa a Ferroviária (Reprodução/Nayra Halm/Staff Images Woman/CBF) Treinadora deixa às Guerreiras Grenás tinha o trabalho mais longínquo do futebol feminino brasileiro e estava preto de completar 100 jogos pela equipe Nesta sexta-feira (20), a Ferroviária anunciou nesta sexta-feira (20), a saída da treinadora Jéssica de Lima. Na equipe desde setembro de 2022, a técnica estava prestes a completar 100 jogos no clube, além de ter o trabalho mais longo no futebol feminino brasileiro. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Em nota, a Ferroviária informou que a decisão foi tomada em comum acordo com a treinadora. Além disso, junto dela também deixa a equipe o seu auxiliar, Marlon Major. Porém, o clube agradeceu os trabalhos prestados pela treinadora. “As Guerreiras Grenás informam que, em comum acordo, a treinadora Jéssica de Lima não segue mais à frente do […]

Lucas Lima cobra elenco do Sport e pede reação contra rebaixamento: “Entrar para a história”

Meia aborda situação do Sport no Brasileiirão (Foto: Paulo Paiva / Sport Recife) Leão tem o pior começo da história de um time no Brasileirão da chamada ‘era dos pontos corridos’ e quer reagir após pausa A paralisação do Brasileirão Série A para a disputa da Copa do Mundo de Clubes da Fifa não poderia ter vindo em melhor hora para o Sport. Lanterna absoluto da competição, o time ganhará o descanso necessário para poder vir no retorno dos jogos com uma única missão: escapar da última posição e da zona de rebaixamento. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Pode entrar para a história E, caso o Rubro-Negro consiga tal feito, será algo para entrar na história do clube pernambucano e da competição. É a visão do meia Lucas Lima, que pede que o time siga o caminho necessário para poder conseguir na volta […]

trending_flat
Angels manager Ron Washington out indefinitely because of health concerns

<!--> Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington will be out indefinitely because of health issues, and bench coach Ray Montgomery will manage Friday night’s series opener against the Houston Astros.Washington, 73, experienced shortness of breath and appeared fatigued toward the end of a four-game series against the Yankees. He was cleared by Yankees doctors to fly home with the team Thursday night and underwent a series of medical tests on Friday.General manager Perry Minasian announced Washington's status before the game.The Angels did not specify what symptoms Washington is experiencing, but said the manager was able to address the team in the clubhouse along with Minasian on Friday, and he was planning to watch the game from the GM's Angel Stadium suite. Washington was not made available to the media."Wash has not felt great the last couple of days," Minasian said. […]

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sportivo bridges the gap between talent and opportunity.

About SPORTIVO

Sportivo Network is a dedicated social platform for sports enthusiasts, athletes, and scouts. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete looking for opportunities, a coach searching for talent, or simply a sports lover wanting to connect with like-minded people, Sportivo is your go-to network. With features like direct messaging, profile showcasing, and talent scouting, Sportivo bridges the gap between talent and opportunity. Here, you can share your achievements, interact with professionals, and open doors to the next level in your sports journey. Join Sportivo Network – because every great athlete deserves to be discovered!
Copyright © 2025 SPORTIVO News. and SPORTIVO Network. All rights reserved.

Go Premium!

Enjoy the full advantage of the premium access.

Stop following

Unfollow Cancel

Cancel subscription

Are you sure you want to cancel your subscription? You will lose your Premium access and stored playlists.

Go back Confirm cancellation