The Indiana Pacers are currently one win away from pulling off something that frankly, the entire sports world did not think would be done. They are tied 3-3 and have been underdogs in every game of the NBA Finals.
Game 7 will be in Oklahoma City on Sunday night, and the Oklahoma City Thunder fans, who are already some of the rowdiest fan bases in the game, will be amped up even more to welcome in the Pacers.
How do the Pacers pull the upset off? How do they ensure that they take home the team's first NBA championship? Two of these three players have to show up for them to have a chance.
TJ McConnell
TJ McConnell has been the spark plug for this team in these NBA Finals. He has 68 points, 19 rebounds, 28 assists, and 14 steals off the bench in these NBA Finals. He has provided a spark of energy and hope for this team in their most crucial moments. His motor is absolutely unmatched. The Thunder have absolutely no answer for McConnell.
His ability to penetrate into the paint, as well as find the open man because of the focus that is paid to him when he does has made him a pivotal piece for them to win the title.
Tyrese Haliburton spoke about how everyone is giving everything they have for everyone on the court, and even called McConnell their "little hope". His passion has made him a formidable force off of the bench.
Obi Toppin
How amazing has Obi Toppin been off of the bench when Indiana has needed him the most? Last game, with Haliburton struggling with the calf strain, everyone in the sports media was asking where his production was going to come from.
Toppin answered to the tune of 20 points, six rebounds, and two steals in 23 minutes of play. He shot a scorching 57.1 percent from three in that pivotal Game 6 to lead the team in scoring.
Toppin has come a long way from playing four minutes a game for the New York Knicks, and even being the topic of several trade scenarios for his current Pacers team. He has proven that he can contribute in a big way, and he must if they are going to have a chance of pulling off a second win in Oklahoma City this series.
Bennedict Mathurin
There was so much hype surrounding Bennedict Mathurin when he was drafted in 2022. He had a swagger about him and shot the ball with confidence. He is absolutely going to need to have the same in this crucial winner-take-all Game 7.
In Game 4, Mathurin lit up the scoreboard with an impressive 27 points. He shot a blistering 66.7 percent from 3 and 75 percent from the floor. He also competed ferociously on the defensive end.
Two of these three players have to show up in a big way if Indiana hopes to pull off the win on Sunday. Both teams have starters that are outstanding; however, it has been the bench play of the Pacers for the most part that has kept them in this series.