SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
2025 NBA MVP
TYRESE HALIBURTON
2x All-Star
RUNDOWN
It’s extremely fitting that the 2025 NBA Finals will be decided by a single game. Two small market franchises, OKC & Indiana, vying for their first title in a “winner-take-all” scenario. We’re past the idea of Indiana as a cinderella story…or OKC as a regular-season juggernaut - now, it’s all about being etched in history as the first team bring home a Larry O’Brien trophy for their city.
The entire series has been back and forth, Indiana (most recently) winning convincingly to force Game 7. Tyrese Haliburton looked close to his old self despite battling a calf injury & Indy’s incredible bench (led by Obi Toppin & TJ McConnell) led a spirited charge similar to Game 3. Despite the loss, OKC’s continued to receive a huge boost from Jalen Williams, who has slowly marched his way into the Finals MVP discussion if he pulls off another spectacular performance today. Although they fell short in Game 6, OKC will head into Game 7 (at home) with a ton of confidence.
From the opening tip, it will be interesting to see which players step up - possession by possession. Even if OKC gets out to an early lead, Indiana’s resiliency & depth will keep them within striking distance all night. Before the series started, I predicted that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & the Thunder would get it done in seven games. With just a few hours before tipoff, it’s time to change my pick.
SGA legitimately has a chance to become a young legend if he caps off his extraordinary regular & postseasons with a championship. Barring an historic night outta him, I just think it’s Indiana’s time.
More often than not, someone has stepped up for them when it matters most - in a close game, expect the Pacers to cement themselves in history. More specifically, someone out of Indy’s underrated shot-makers (Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin or Obi Toppin) will make a huge difference for them to come out on top.
PROJECTED NBA CHAMPION: INDIANA PACERS
“Take Note”
(IND): Myles Turner v. Chet Holmgren • T. Haliburton explosion?
(IND): Score at the half, FG% at the half; Won boards battle?
(IND): Bench pts, No. of players in double figures; Dimes v. TOs
(OKC): Game 7 SGA • Game 7 JDub • Game 7 LU DORT
(OKC): Who steps up off the bench? • A. Caruso performance
(OKC): FB pts • TOs, Blocks + Steals