The Indiana Pacers delivered a resounding 108–91 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, forcing a dramatic Game 7—the first in NBA Finals play since 2016. With the series tied at 3–3, the championship will now be decided in a winner-take-all showdown on Sunday in Oklahoma City.
Haliburton Shines Despite Calf Woes
Despite battling a sore right calf, Tyrese Haliburton was instrumental for the Pacers, contributing 14 points, five assists, and two steals. His most impactful stretch came late in the second quarter, when Indiana initiated a staggering 30–9 run, turning a tight contest into a commanding 64–42 halftime lead.
Highlighting the stretch was a signature sequence before the break: Haliburton deflected a pass from Jalen Williams, reclaimed the ball, and drove coast‑to‑coast before delivering a no-look assist to Pascal Siakam, who finished with an emphatic dunk—defining a turning point that shifted momentum decisively.
Team Balance and Defensive Excellence
Indiana’s dominance was built on balanced contributions across the roster:
- Obi Toppin led the bench unit with 20 points, draining four of seven from deep.
- Andrew Nembhard scored 17 points, Pascal Siakam logged a solid 16 points and 13 rebounds, while T.J. McConnell recorded 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals.
Defensively, the Pacers forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 32 points, and held the Thunder to a dismal 26.7% from beyond the arc. This defensive pressure disrupted Oklahoma City’s rhythm and flattened their offensive output.
Thunder Struggle Amid SGA and Williams Stifled
Oklahoma City’s stars were restrained:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander managed just 21 points with a playoff-career-high eight turnovers—his lowest scoring output in the Finals.
- Jalen Williams, fresh off his Game 5 explosion, was held to only 16 points.
The Thunder’s offense sputtered, failing to mount a sustained comeback, and coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged his team’s weak showing across both ends of the floor.
Historical Context: Why Game 6 Matters
By forcing Game 7, Indiana joins an elite group—historically, teams that battle back in Game 6 have strong odds in the decider. The 2010 Lakers, 2013 Heat, and 2016 Cavaliers all secured the title after clinching Game 7. Notably, only the 2016 Cavaliers had won a Game 7 on the road—a test Indiana must face this Sunday in Oklahoma City, where odds are daunting but not insurmountable.
What Lies Ahead: Game 7 Showdown
- Home Court Edge: The Thunder are a formidable 10–2 at Paycom Center this postseason—a challenging backdrop for Indiana.
- Pacers Momentum: Indiana has already completed remarkable comebacks and asserted dominance over two games at home, building a belief that anything is possible .
- Impact Players: Haliburton’s grit, Siakam’s physicality, and McConnell’s intensity will be vital. Meanwhile, the Thunder need SGA to regain form and the offense to shake off shooting woes.
Final Word: Sets the Stage for a Classic
Game 6 turned the Finals into a thrilling finale—Potent offense, switch in momentum, and all still on the line. For the Pacers, victory would memorialize a franchise-defining run and their first NBA title. For the Thunder, Game 7 is a chance to finish what they started, elevate MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and bring the crown to Oklahoma City.
History, stakes, and intensity converge—basketball fans worldwide now have one final showdown to savor.
