The history of Game 7 in NBA Finals as Indiana Pacers v Oklahoma City Thunder 2025 series goes the distance
Published 20/06/2025 at 14:02 GMT+1
The Indiana Pacers produced a stunning display to defeat The Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 and set up a mouth-watering Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals. It will be the first Game 7 in the NBA Finals in nine years, and with that in mind, we thought the time was right to take a look back through the history books at the previous Game 7s from over the years.
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The Indiana Pacers beat The Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 to set up the first Game 7 in the NBA Finals in nine years.
Obi Toppin came off the bench to score 20 points and inspire The Pacers to victory in Game 6, levelling the series at 3-3 in the process.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top scored for The Thunder with 21 points, but it was not enough to see his side secure the NBA Championship in Indiana.
The result means fans will be treated to the 20th Game 7 in the history of the NBA Finals.
With that in mind, here is how these thrilling series clinchers have unfolded in years gone by.
Cavaliers vs. Warriors – 2016 NBA Finals
A LeBron James-inspired Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2016 NBA Finals 4-3 after battling back from 3-1 down in the series.
King James produced 27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and three blocks in Game 7 to seal the victory for his side.
Spurs vs. Heat – 2013 NBA Finals
James was also the star of the show during Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals, helping The Miami Heat beat the San Antonio Spurs 4-3.
James top scored with 37 points to help The Heat to a 95-88 victory in Game 7.
Celtics vs. Lakers – 2010 NBA Finals
The legendary Kobe Bryant took centre stage in 2010 as The Los Angeles Lakers defeated The Boston Celtics in Game 7 to secure a 4-3 win in the NBA finals.
Bryant secured the final championship of his illustrious career after scoring 23 points in an 83-79 victory in Game 7.
Pistons vs. Spurs – 2005 NBA Finals
The San Antonio Spurs secured a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals in 2005.
They beat their rivals 81-74 in Game 7 thanks to a 25-point haul from Tim Duncan.
Knicks vs. Rockets – 1994 NBA Finals
The New York Knicks fell to a 4-3 defeat against the Houston Rockets in the 1994 NBA Finals.
The Rockets battled back from 3-2 down to win the NBA Championship after a 90-84 triumph in Game 7.
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Pistons vs. Lakers – 1988 NBA Finals
The Los Angeles Lakers also came out on top in the 1988 NBA Finals after beating The Detroit Pistons in Game 7.
They wrapped up a dramatic 108-105 win in the first Game 7 under the 2–3–2 format.
Lakers vs. Celtics – 1984 NBA Finals
The first Game 7 of the Magic-Bird Era saw Larry Bird's Boston Celtics battle to a 111-102 win over Magic Johnson's Los Angeles Lakers, to secure a 4-3 win in the NBA Finals.
Bullets vs. SuperSonics - 1978 Finals
The Washington Bullets defeated The Seattle Super Sonics 105-99 to complete an impressive 4-3 victory in the 1978 NBA Finals.
Celtics vs. Bucks – 1974 Finals
The Boston Celtics outclassed the Milwaukee Bucks by 102-87 to win Game 7 and the 1974 NBA Finals.
Lakers vs. Knicks – 1970 Finals
The Los Angeles Lakers fell to a 4-3 defeat against The New York Knicks in 1970 after being beaten 113-99 in Game 7.
Celtics vs. Lakers – 1969 Finals
The Boston Celtics were victorious in the 1969 NBA Finals after beating The Los Angeles Lakers 108-106 in Game 7.
Game 7 in the early NBA
The Boston Celtics defeated The Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 of the 1966 and 1962 NBA Finals.
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They also came out on top in Game 7 against the St. Louis Hawks in 1960 and 1957.
The Syracuse Nationals won a Game 7 against The Fort Wayne Pistons in 1955.
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated The Nationals in Game 7 in 1954, having also beaten The Minneapolis Lakers in 1952.
The New York Knicks also suffered NBA Finals heartbreak in 1951 when they lost Game 7 against The Rochester Royals.
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