We're going seven. Of course we are.

This series has been too good, too compelling, too exciting for it not to be going the distance. And make no mistake, the Pacers have more than a puncher's chance.

Of course it’s going seven. It had to go seven games, this epic series between the Pacers and the Thunder. This series deserved an ultimate showdown in manic Oklahoma City to reveal the NBA champion. (And can you believe I’m writing these words? That the Pacers, the humble, small-market Pacers, are 48 minutes – or maybe more – from winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy?)

This series might not have been all that compelling on paper when America initially tuned in, but once Tyrese Haliburton hit that pullup wing jumper to win Game 1, the viewing public has come to understand this is going to be a memorable matchup, much like the Cavs and Golden State in 2016, the last time an NBA Finals went seven. And you remember how that one ended? With the Cavs on the road and Kyrie Irving hitting a bloodless 3 and LeBron James chasing down an apparent lay-in with a ridiculous block off the backboard. Cleveland got its first championship that night. However it plays out, this series has snuck up on America and stands as the best NBA Finals since that 2016 epic.

What? You’re going to bet against them? After all they’ve done, after all the times they’ve gotten back up off the deck this season, coming back from 10-15, coming back in all those regular- and post-season games.

On radio Thursday, I told JMV of 107.5 The Fan that the Pacers were going to win Game 6 easily, holding serve in front of a fan base that has risen to the moment during this remarkable run of championship basketball. Of course they were going to win. Have you not been paying attention? This is the most resilient group I’ve ever seen. When you think they’re down and out, they’re just getting warmed up.

Now comes Game 7.

“The ultimate experience,” Rick Carlisle called it. “The ultimate privilege.”