Udonis Haslem Picks Winner of NBA Finals Without Hesitation
Udonis Haslem Picks Winner of NBA Finals Without Hesitation originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Indiana Pacers picked up a massive 108-91 victory in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals over the Oklahoma City Thunder, forcing the NBA's first Game 7 in the Finals since 2016.
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Indiana's star duo of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam will be looking to cap off one of the greatest postseason runs in NBA history with a championship win.
The Pacers' undying grit and overwhelming determination has pushed the group this far, and they'll now have a chance to take home the franchise's first-ever NBA title.
With plenty in the broader NBA sphere still predicting the Thunder to claim the Larry O'Brien trophy by the conclusion of Game 7, a former Miami Heat legend and 3-time NBA champion has vocalized his decision to back Indiana.
Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) reacts after entering the game during the first quarter at the Kaseya Center.Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
"I think Indiana believe that they can win this championship, regardless of what anybody else thinks," Udonis Haslem shared during a Friday morning appearance on ESPN's Get Up.
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"I've been in locker rooms where we listened to the chatter of the media where they say, 'that team doesn't have a chance,' and, 'this team should be up,' and 'this series should be over.' I've been in those locker rooms. They've been using that as gasoline."
As a former 20-year veteran with plenty of NBA Finals experience, Haslem argued that Indiana's camaraderie and teamwork will push them over the top.
"The power of the brotherhood has brought this team together...The leadership, the coaching, the brotherhood, the connection."
"No, they do not have a superstar, but everybody on that team stars in their role. I believe in this team, I am a believer."
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The Pacers will be facing a Thunder group that won 68 games in the regular season for a Game 7 in front of their raucous fans. As an added kicker, the reigning MVP of the league, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, stands in their path.
Still, Haslem has supreme confidence in the Pacers because of their reputation for silencing doubt while playing fast-paced, team-oriented basketball.
The Heat have taken a trip to the Finals seven different times in the Haslem-era, and he's served as both an integral defensive force and wise veteran presence throughout his career.
With an NBA championship on the line, Haslem is sticking with the underdog Pacers prior to Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
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Related: Potential Heat-Suns Trade News Surfaces Amid Kevin Durant Rumors
Related: NBA Champion Names 'Perfect' Spot for Kevin Durant
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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