The NBA Finals are always intense, but this Game 7 is extra special. It's been nearly two decades since two teams, neither of which have ever won the championship, faced off in the finals. The last time this happened was in 2006, when the Miami Heat beat the Dallas Mavericks in six games. But if you're looking for the last Game 7 between two teams without a championship, you'd have to go back to 1978. The Washington Bullets beat the Seattle SuperSonics that year.

The Larry O'Brien Trophy is a big deal for both the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. For Indiana, the memory of 2000 still lingers. Larry Bird's team, a mix of young talent and experienced players, never led in the series and lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers won their first of three consecutive championships that year.  The Pacers have not been back to the finals since.

The Thunder are playing in their second finals, having lost to the Miami Heat in 2012. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook faced off against LeBron James and Dwayne Wade. Durant had a standout performance in Game 1, scoring 36 points. But the Heat won three close games and a blowout in Game 5, sending the Thunder home with regrets. This Game 7 is their chance to redeem themselves.

The stakes are high for both teams. Winning the championship would mean everything to these cities. The Pacers and the Thunder are both hungry for that first title. The pressure is on, and the excitement is real. Fans are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see who will come out on top. It's a battle of determination and skill, and only one team will emerge victorious.

The NBA Finals have a way of bringing out the best in players. This Game 7 is no exception. Both teams have shown incredible talent and resilience throughout the series. The Pacers and the Thunder have pushed each other to their limits, making this finals one to remember. As the final buzzer approaches, the tension is palpable. Who will take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy? Only time will tell.

Two Teams, One Dream: The NBA Finals Showdown

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