Just as Goodwin had expected, after successfully taking Game 5, the Indiana Pacers rode their momentum and pressed their advantage.
They then smoothly claimed the sixth game of the series.
With that, they eliminated the formidable Chicago Bulls by a commanding 4-2 overall score and strode into the grand stage of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Next, they would challenge the powerful Boston Celtics.
At this moment, three of the four intense series had already concluded, with their final winners decided.
However, the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers series remained full of suspense and uncertainty.
Through the first six games, the two sides had traded blows without giving an inch, each winning three games to reach a striking 3-3 tie.
As a result, the two teams had to determine who would advance through the brutal Game 7.
At exactly 7 p.m. on May 17, Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, a venue brimming with passion and energy, was packed with roaring excitement.
The spectators, filled with boundless anticipation, witnessed this crucial do-or-die seventh matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers.
The referee's whistle rang out sharply. "Beep beep!" The game officially tipped off!
In an instant, the entire arena seemed to ignite, and the atmosphere surged to a fever pitch.
Yet, to everyone's surprise, the home team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, ran into enormous trouble right from the opening.
Team leader Kevin Durant had ice-cold shooting touch. Of his first seven attempts, he made only one, scoring a mere three points.
At the same time, another key player, James Harden, fared no better. He missed all four of his shot attempts and remained scoreless.
With both star players shooting so poorly, the Oklahoma City Thunder trailed the Los Angeles Clippers 16:30 at the end of