In a tense Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-91, with many fans blaming the

“Pascal Siakam limited minutes controversy in Game 7”

for the loss. The Pacers appeared poised to claim their first NBA championship, but critical coaching decisions, particularly from head coach Rick Carlisle, shook their chances on their home court.

Pacers Lose Key Player Early but Keep Fighting

The Pacers dominated Game 6 against the Thunder, fueled by the leadership of Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton. Heading into the decisive Game 7, the team carried momentum and a determined game plan to secure their inaugural NBA title. However, in the first quarter, disaster struck when star player Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles and had to leave the game, dealing a harsh blow to the Pacers’ hopes.

Despite this setback, Indiana kept pace with the Thunder and even led at halftime. But the dynamics shifted dramatically in the third quarter, when Oklahoma City mounted a strong offensive push to seize control of the game. Although TJ McConnell sparked a late run for the Pacers, scoring ten consecutive points and narrowing the gap, the team’s offense soon stalled while key players, most notably Pascal Siakam, were sidelined.

Benching of Pascal Siakam Sparks Fan Outcry

Fans and analysts quickly pointed to Rick Carlisle’s rotation choices as a turning point in the game. After nearly eight and a half minutes without scoring from the Pacers’ lineup on the court — aside from McConnell — Carlisle opted to keep defensive specialists on the floor rather than bring in Siakam to provide much-needed scoring punch. When Siakam finally returned, the Thunder maintained a commanding 21-point lead.

Supporters of the Pacers expressed deep frustration over the extended time Siakam spent on the bench. Many believed his absence contributed significantly to the offense’s faltering momentum during the crucial third quarter. Critics argued that Carlisle’s conservative rotation ultimately cost the Pacers their best chance at an NBA championship.

Intense Fan Reactions to Carlisle’s Coaching Decisions

Social media and basketball forums erupted with harsh criticism aimed at Rick Carlisle’s handling of Siakam’s minutes in Game 7. Several fans accused Carlisle of poor judgment and questioned why Siakam was not given more than 40 minutes in the season’s most critical game. The widespread sentiment was that the coach should have trusted Siakam’s offensive ability to help push the Pacers over the finish line.

Typical fan comments included:

“Rick Carlise is a good coach but sometimes he is unbelievably braindead.”

—Unattributed

“Rick Carlisle didn’t have any good reason for not making Pascal Siakam play 40+ minutes tonight Unreal bad coaching tonight.”

—Unattributed

“Carlise threw it all away in the 3rd. brilliant coach with some of the worst rotations you’ll ever see.”

—Unattributed

“Pacers cut it to 4 and they subbed in Ben Sheppard over Pascal Siakam.”

—Unattributed

“rick carlise not playing siakam 40+ minutes & resting him in a game 7 of a nba finals game is wild.”

—Unattributed

“Pascal Siakam sat for WAY too long in the third quarter. I don’t understand the logic behind that at all.”

—Unattributed

“What the hell is Rick Carlise doing lmao does he know this is Game 7, where the hell is Siakam?”

—Unattributed

Observers speculated that Carlisle may have overestimated his players’ ability to rally without Siakam’s scoring presence and that his cautious rotations failed to capitalize on crucial moments when the game could have been swayed.

Pascal Siakam Steps Up to Lead After Haliburton’s Injury

Following Haliburton’s early injury, which left the Pacers devastated, Pascal Siakam took on the mantle of leadership. He was seen rallying his teammates, emphasizing the significance of their goal to make history with the franchise’s first NBA championship. That leadership was captured by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who tweeted,

“Pascal Siakam is leading the huddles, and encouraging his teammates and showing leadership. The emotional challenge for Indiana is enormous and their champion is leading. #NBAFinals” —@WindhorstESPN

Siakam’s visible determination underscored his role as the team’s driving force, yet the decision to limit his minutes in the most important game cast doubt on the coaching strategy. With the Eastern Conference’s competitive landscape, the Pacers may find it difficult to replicate this season’s achievements, partly due to the loss and its aftermath.

Implications of the Game 7 Outcome for the Pacers

The Pacers’ defeat signals a tough offseason ahead, as they adjust to the loss of their key player Tyrese Haliburton and contemplate the impact of Rick Carlisle’s rotation choices. Fans and analysts will likely continue debating whether the coaching decisions or the injury were more decisive in sealing their fate.

Oklahoma City’s victory marks their crowning as NBA champions and highlights their resilience and ability to capitalize on the Pacers’ weaknesses during Game 7. Indiana’s missed opportunity, compounded by the limited role given to Siakam, will be a pivotal point of reflection as the team looks to rebuild and return stronger in future seasons.