When it comes to the National Basketball Association, there’s nothing like Game Seven of the Finals. One match for all the marbles, with legacy on the line. Everything the Thunder and Pacers have worked for all season comes down to today’s affair. No more excuses, no more “next game.” Today’s game IS the game, when pressure goes through the roof and every single possession matters. Every shot feels like a momentum changer. Fans at the Paycom Center or in the comfort of their homes will be holding their breath with each bounce of the ball.
Avid followers of the pro scene know the feeling only too well, never mind that they’ve experienced it just thrice in the last one and a half decades. After all, Game Sevens have invariably met — even exceeded — expectations. Who doesn’t remember LeBron James’ block in 2016? Or Ray Allen’s three in 2013? Or Kobe Bryant’s redemption through his struggles in 2010? Game Sevens don’t merely have highlights; they’re made from — and made up of — defining moments. Players either rise to the occasion or fade under the klieg lights. They either bask in glory or wallow in disappointment.
Needless to say, the same holds true for today’s Game Seven. It’s been a back-and-forth battle between the Thunder and Pacers, with each delivering swings and surprises even though they know the other inside and out by now. There are no tricks left; execution is key. Stars have shone brightly, role players have stepped up, and coaches have pulled out all the stops. When the ball is thrown for tipoff, however, none of what has already happened matters. It’s about who wants everything more in the here and now.
Simply put, Game Sevens are different. They test everything — skill, stamina, focus, even nerves. The biggest plays often come from the most unexpected heroes, with the margin between distinction and distress razor-thin at best. And there are no safety nets; one side walks away with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the other with nothing but What Could Have Beens. Which is to say fans are the real winners — blessed to see the best and the brightest thrive in rarefied air.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
