The NBA Finals have reached Game 7, with the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder vying for their first NBA championship. Here are seven crucial numbers to keep in mind ahead of the decisive game on Sunday.
Home Court Advantage
Home teams have historically dominated Game 7s in the Finals, winning 15 out of 19 games. However, recent trends show that road teams have been more successful, winning 14 out of the last 26 Game 7s in the playoffs.
- 21-point win for the Pacers in last year's Eastern Conference semifinals
- Thunder's 32-point victory in this year's Western Conference semis
Game 7 Trends
Historically, Finals Game 7s have been lower-scoring and slower-paced than the rest of the series. The last eight Game 7s have all been decided by single digits, indicating a close contest ahead.
Offensive Efficiency
The Thunder have shown a significant difference in offensive performance in wins versus losses, emphasizing the importance of their defense. Role players like Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins, and Cason Wallace have been key contributors in their wins.
Three-Point Shooting
The Thunder have reduced their reliance on three-pointers in the Finals, which has impacted their scoring. They have been outscored from beyond the arc in the series, highlighting an area of improvement for Game 7.
Ball Movement
The Pacers have excelled in ball movement, throwing more passes than the Thunder in the series. This has led to better offensive flow and scoring opportunities for Indiana.
Free Throw Discrepancy
The Thunder have outscored the Pacers at the free-throw line in all six games, showcasing their ability to draw fouls and convert from the charity stripe. This has been a significant factor in their success.
Key Matchup
Andrew Nembhard's defense on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been crucial in the series, with the Pacers focusing on containing the Thunder guard. The outcome of Game 7 may hinge on this key matchup.
Ultimately, Game 7 will come down to execution on both ends of the floor, with the championship hanging in the balance.
Source: NBA