Pacers chase historic upset: Can No. 4 seed topple Thunder’s dominant record Sunday?

The Indiana Pacers are on the brink of making NBA history by potentially becoming the lowest-seeded team to win the championship since 1984, overcoming an 18-game regular-season gap against the record-setting Thunder. With standout performances from T.J. McConnell and Pascal Siakam, this Finals Game 7 promises a dramatic showdown that could rewrite playoff upset records.

Sources:
Pittsburgh Post-GazetteDailyhive+1
Updated 36m ago
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Sources: Pittsburgh Post-GazetteDailyhive
The Indiana Pacers, seeded No. 4, are on the brink of a historic upset as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 this Sunday.

The Thunder have been dominant at home, scoring at least 110 points in all 12 playoff games this season, setting an NBA record. Their +247 point differential at home in the postseason is on pace to break the all-time record, with no team ever finishing above +200.

Despite the Thunder's dominance, the Pacers have defied expectations. They won 18 fewer regular-season games than the Thunder, and a victory would mark the largest win differential upset in Finals history.

Key to the Pacers' success is backup point guard T.J. McConnell, who has been a revelation off the bench. Averaging 11.3 points, 2.3 steals, and 4.5 assists per game, McConnell has been praised for his impact beyond stats. "He doesn’t look the part, he is not super athletic, he can’t shoot the 3 really well, but when [Haliburton] comes out of the game, you think you can relax but you can’t because TJ changes the game," said James.

The Pacers' rise is also fueled by recent trades acquiring All-Stars Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton. Siakam, who averaged 19.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in the Finals, was traded from Toronto after the Raptors declined to extend his contract.

If the Pacers win, they will be the first No. 4 seed to claim the NBA championship since seeding began in 1984 and the lowest-seeded champion since the No. 6 seed won in 1995.

This matchup pits a historically dominant Thunder team against a scrappy, well-constructed Pacers squad seeking franchise history.

"I thought I was going to spend the rest of my career there [in Toronto]," Siakam said at his end-of-season availability, underscoring the unexpected nature of Indiana's title run.

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the NBA Finals, with the Pacers chasing a landmark upset over the Thunder's record-breaking home dominance.
Sources: Pittsburgh Post-GazetteDailyhive
The No. 4 seeded Indiana Pacers aim for a historic upset against the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 Sunday. The Thunder boast record-setting home playoff stats, but the Pacers, led by standout T.J. McConnell and recent trades for Siakam and Haliburton, seek their first NBA title.
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The Headline

Pacers chase historic upset against Thunder in Game 7

Key Facts
  • Pascal Siakam has averaged 19.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in six NBA Finals games, establishing himself as the star for the Pacers.Dailyhive
  • T.J. McConnell has emerged as a key player for the Pacers, averaging 11.3 points, 2.3 steals, and 4.5 assists per game in the NBA Finals.Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
  • The Thunder have scored at least 110 points in all 12 home playoff games, the most in NBA playoff history, and hold a +247 point differential at home in the postseason.1
  • The Pacers aim to be the first No. 4 seed to win the NBA championship since 1984 and would be the lowest-seeded champion since the No. 6 seed won in 1995.1
  • If the Pacers win on Sunday, they will break the largest Finals upset record by overcoming an 18-game regular-season win deficit against the Thunder.1
But all everyone seems to want to talk about as the series heads to Game 7 between Indiana and Oklahoma City on Sunday is T.J. McConnell, the Pacers backup point guard.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Pacers won 18 fewer regular-season games than the Thunder, and if they win Sunday, it will break the record set by the 2016 for largest win differential upset in Finals history.
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The Pacers were never seen as a model for NBA success until a series of savvy trades for Siakam and fellow All-Star Tyrese Haliburton have suddenly catapulted them into a chance for a first-ever title in franchise history.
Dailyhive
Dailyhive
Key Stats at a Glance
Pacers as first No. 4 seed to win NBA championship since 1984
No. 4 seed
1
Thunder scoring at least 110 points in 12 home playoff games
110 points
1

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Other Updates

Key player insights and Pacers' rise

Key Facts
  • T.J. McConnell, undrafted and initially a roster long shot, has become a pivotal player by working hardest in every workout and practice.Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
  • LeBron James praised McConnell’s impact, noting he changes the game despite not fitting the typical athletic or shooting profile.Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
  • The Pacers were not traditionally seen as NBA contenders until acquiring Siakam and All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, which propelled them to their first title opportunity.Dailyhive
  • Many consider T.J. McConnell a candidate for NBA Finals MVP due to his crucial role off the bench.Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Key Stats at a Glance
T.J. McConnell points per game
11.3 points
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
T.J. McConnell steals per game
2.3 steals
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
T.J. McConnell assists per game
4.5 assists
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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Background Context

Siakam trade sets stage for Pacers' Finals run

Key Facts
  • The Raptors traded Pascal Siakam to the Pacers after declining to offer him a multi-year contract extension during a 25-win season.Dailyhive
  • Siakam was surprised by the trade and had expected to spend the rest of his career with the Raptors.Dailyhive
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