On the eve of the first NBA Finals Game 7 in nearly a decade, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is embracing the moment.
Speaking Saturday at the team’s media availability in Oklahoma City, Haliburton reflected on the gravity of the opportunity ahead of him and his teammates.
“This is going to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, games most of us ever play in our lives,” Haliburton said. “And for our organization, from a historical standpoint as well. That’s something that you don’t take for granted.”
The All-Star guard, who has battled through a calf injury this series, confirmed he’s physically ready for Sunday night.
“I’m pretty much in the same standpoint I was before Game 6,” he said. “Still a little stiff, a little sore… but I’ll be ready to go for Game 7.”
Haliburton also spoke about how the Pacers have continued to outperform expectations throughout their playoff run.
“The expectations for this group from an external viewpoint… they weren’t very high,” he said. “I think we’ve just done a great job of staying together. There’s not a group of guys I’d rather go to war with.”
Indiana’s win in Game 6 marked another step in its unlikely postseason surge. Down 10-2 early, the Pacers flipped the game with a dominant 68-32 run across the second and third quarters, eventually defeating the Thunder 108-91.
Haliburton credited Indiana’s defense as a major factor behind the turnaround.
“Jim and Jenny, who run our defense, have done a great job of establishing our blueprint,” he said. “Last year, we could score the ball really well, but we couldn’t stop anybody. I feel like we’ve done a good job of buying in on that end.”
On the opposing side, Oklahoma City’s home-court advantage remains a factor. The Thunder went 39-2 at Paycom Center this season.
Haliburton acknowledged the energy in the building but emphasized the need to focus on controllables.
“You’ve got to be able to weather the storm with those momentum-swinging plays,” he explained. “Try to create momentum-stopping plays when you’re on the road. That’s important.”
Asked about the historical significance of potentially joining names like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as a Game 7 Finals winner, Haliburton kept the focus on the team.
“I think the important part about winning a championship is you got your name in history as a group,” he said. “I’m just fully focused on Game 7.”
Game 7 tips off Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET. The winner will hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time since 2016’s Cavs-Warriors showdown—an iconic contest that Haliburton recalled watching with friends.
“That’s probably one of the greatest games I’ve ever been able to watch,” he said. “I’m excited to add to the storied history of Game 7.”
