As the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers prepare for their historic Game 7 showdown in the 2025 NBA Finals, all eyes are on the superstars — but sometimes, it’s the underdogs or unexpected playmakers who change everything.
Here’s a look at 5 players who could become legends tonight and swing the outcome of this championship decider.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
Position: Point Guard | Finals Avg: 29.7 PPG, 6.3 APG, 1.9 SPG
This is SGA’s moment. Already leading the Finals MVP race, he has carried OKC on both ends with elite shot creation, poise under pressure, and clutch scoring. If Thunder win tonight, it’s hard to imagine it happening without a 30+ point game from their superstar.
🔥 Why He Could Be the Hero: His pace control and ability to draw fouls will be key in slowing the game down and controlling tempo.
2. Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)
Position: Point Guard | Finals Avg: 18.1 PPG, 9.4 APG, 42.3% 3PT
Despite a nagging calf injury, Haliburton continues to dazzle with his passing vision and calm leadership. He’s the orchestrator of Indiana’s offense — and if he catches fire from deep or picks apart OKC’s perimeter defense, the Pacers could shock the world.
⚠️ Watch for: Transition play and corner kick-outs. Haliburton thrives when the game speeds up.
3. Lu Dort (Thunder)
Position: Shooting Guard | Role: Defensive Anchor, 3-and-D Threat
Known for locking down opposing guards, Lu Dort’s energy is unmatched. But it’s his corner 3-point shooting that might tilt the game in Game 7. In high-pressure games, hustle and second-chance plays matter — and Dort is built for those moments.
✅ Stat to know: Averaging 2.3 made 3s per game at home during these playoffs.
4. T.J. McConnell (Pacers)
Position: Guard | Finals Role: Bench Engine, X-Factor
No one expected T.J. McConnell to be a standout this postseason, but he’s proven to be Indiana’s emotional spark. His ball pressure, mid-range shooting, and second-unit leadership could flip the script late in quarters — especially if Haliburton’s minutes are limited.
🚨 Breakout Alert: 19 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals in Game 6. Don’t be surprised if he replicates that tonight.
5. Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
Position: Center | Rookie Year: Yes | Finals Avg: 14.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.5 BPG
The 7-footer has been OKC’s rim protector and floor spacer. If Holmgren controls the paint, closes out on shooters, and hits a couple threes, he could become the first rookie in years to swing a Finals Game 7.
🧊 Cool stat: 15+ rebounds and 4 blocks in Game 3 — a performance Thunder fans would love again tonight.
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