As the Indiana Pacers prepare for a do-or-die Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, head coach Rick Carlisle made it clear he’s ready for the moment.
“I love pressure,” Carlisle said Saturday during his media availability. “As you go on in your competitive life in sport, what you learn is that these moments are rare.”
The veteran coach, who guided Dallas to an NBA title in 2011, emphasized that high-stakes environments are what competitors strive for. He said the opportunity to participate in a Finals Game 7 isn’t just a challenge — it’s a celebration of the sport.
“Try to duplicate this kind of situation is something that you look to do in everyday life and it’s not easy to do that,” Carlisle added. “I’m very much looking forward to Game 7.”
The Pacers forced the winner-take-all finale with a dominant 108-91 victory in Game 6, riding strong bench play and stifling defense to dismantle the Western Conference champions. Obi Toppin led the way with 20 points off the bench, while Pascal Siakam anchored the frontcourt with a double-double.
Carlisle referenced the historical rarity of the moment, noting that the last NBA Finals Game 7 took place in 2016 — the year Cleveland defeated Golden State on the road.
“These are special moments certainly for both teams,” he said. “But for our league, for the game, for the worldwide interest in the game. It’s a time to celebrate.”
Game 7, scheduled for Sunday night at Paycom Center, pits Carlisle against Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault in a clash of experience versus innovation. While Daigneault is guiding his team through its first Finals appearance, Carlisle’s résumé includes more than 900 career wins and four Conference Finals trips.
Asked whether his experience gives him an edge, Carlisle didn’t boast. Instead, he reiterated his respect for the moment and the responsibility that comes with it.
