NBA Finals history: Game 7 matchups and stats since 1951 - ESPN

One of the most exciting events in sports is a Game 7 in a championship series, which is a rare occasion. Tonight, the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder face off in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The milestone marks the 20th Game 7 in league history, the first addition to the category since 2016.

Ahead of the finale, here's a look at Game 7s in NBA Finals throughout the years.

2016: Cleveland Cavaliers defeat Golden State Warriors (MVP: LeBron James)

Cavaliers won 93-89 over the Warriors. James finished Game 7 with 27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and 3 blocks. The Cavaliers became the first team to win a finals series down three games to one. Draymond Green (Warriors) had 32 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists in a losing effort.

2013: Miami Heat defeat San Antonio Spurs (MVP: LeBron James)

Heat won 95-88 over the Spurs. James finished Game 7 with 37 points and 12 rebounds. Dwayne Wade also had 23 points and 10 rebounds for the championship-winning Heat.

2010: Los Angeles Lakers defeat Boston Celtics (MVP: Kobe Bryant)

Lakers won 83-79 over the Celtics. Bryant (23 points and 15 rebounds) and Pau Gasol (19 points and 15 rebounds) led the Lakers in the Game 7 victory.

2005: San Antonio Spurs defeat Detroit Pistons (MVP: Tim Duncan)

Spurs won 81-74 over the Pistons. Duncan had 25 points and 11 rebounds in Game 7. Manu Ginobili had 11 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter to help the Spurs win the championship.

1994: Houston Rockets defeat New York Knicks (MVP: Hakeem Olajuwon)

Rockets won 90-84 over the Knicks. Olajuwon finished Game 7 with 25 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks to help the Rockets win the title. The win marked Houston's first NBA championship.

1988: Los Angeles Lakers defeat Detroit