INDIANAPOLIS — Facing elimination and potentially an early summer vacation, the Indiana Pacers delivered a resounding statement performance on Thursday night, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This dominant victory evens the dramatic 2025 NBA Finals at three games apiece, sending the series to a winner-take-all Game 7 on Sunday (8 ET, ABC) in Oklahoma City.
For the Pacers, a team that has made a habit of navigating postseason challenges, the night was about salvation. They shrugged off the pressure, defied the odds, and rallied behind their star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, who bravely played through a strained calf. The result was not just a win, but a rout that injected maximum suspense into a compelling series.
“We’ve got one game,” said Haliburton, emphasizing the singular focus required for the decisive matchup. “One game. It’s nothing that’s happened before matters, and nothing that’s going to happen after matters.”
Here are five key takeaways from the Pacers’ decisive Game 6 performance that pushed the NBA Finals to its limit:
Key Takeaways from Indiana’s Resilient Victory
1. Haliburton Delivers Amidst Injury Concerns
All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton’s status was the primary question entering Game 6 after a strained right calf limited him in Game 5. Despite the discomfort and potential risks, Haliburton was determined to play, prioritizing the chance to compete for a championship. Following successful pre-game tests and a walkthrough, Coach Rick Carlisle simply stated, “He’s going to play and that’s it.”
Haliburton’s decision paid dividends. While he missed his first four shots and played a managed 23 minutes, he showed encouraging signs of mobility and impact, finishing with 14 points and 5 assists. Crucially, he exhibited no obvious discomfort or limping and was able to rest extensively in the second half due to the large lead. This limited workload, combined with two days of rest before Game 7, bodes well for his availability. Haliburton’s courage to play through pain, a departure from how he’d handle such an injury in the regular season, underscored his competitive fire and leadership in a must-win scenario. His history of hitting clutch shots throughout this playoff run further highlights his importance in high-pressure situations.
2. The Pacers’ Dominant Run & Bench Depth Shine
Game 6 began disastrously for Indiana, as they missed their first eight shots and quickly trailed 10-2 just three minutes in, forcing an early timeout. However, this timeout sparked a dramatic shift. Following a blocked shot, Pascal Siakam’s mid-range jumper initiated a stunning 22-7 run over the next few minutes. Andrew Nembhard contributed eight consecutive points, and Obi Toppin knocked down two quick threes, showcasing the team’s offensive depth. This surge resulted in a 24-17 Pacers lead they would never relinquish.
This initial run expanded into a prolonged, back-breaking stretch for the Thunder. Over roughly 12 minutes spanning the late second and early third quarters, the Pacers outscored OKC a devastating 36-9. This pushed the score from a tight 34-33 Indiana lead to a commanding 70-42 advantage by the middle of the third quarter. The Pacers’ depth was a major factor throughout the game. Their bench, led by T.J. McConnell, Obi Toppin, and Ben Sheppard, significantly outplayed OKC’s reserves, holding a decisive 31-6 advantage by the end of the third quarter. McConnell delivered his best game of the series (12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals), Toppin led the team with 20 points including four threes, and Sheppard hit a demoralizing buzzer-beating three to end the third quarter with a 30-point lead. This collective effort from the deep roster proved overwhelming for Oklahoma City.
3. Thunder’s Game 6 Collapse Marked by Turnovers and Lack of Urgency
Facing their first opportunity to clinch the championship on the road, the Oklahoma City Thunder delivered what Coach Mark Daigneault frankly called a “very poor performance.” The Thunder looked like the less desperate team, getting outhustled on loose balls and rebounds from the outset. Their offense sputtered, missing 10 of their first 11 three-point attempts and only holding the lead once early in the game.
Compounding their struggles was an uncharacteristic lack of ball security, committing 21 turnovers as a team. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been brilliant in the series, had an unusually mistake-prone night with 8 turnovers and his lowest point total (21). Jalen Williams, who exploded for 40 points in Game 5, managed just 16 in Game 6. OKC forward Chet Holmgren acknowledged the need for more physicality and hustle, stating, “You have to make it happen. It’s not going to happen by accident.” Guard Alex Caruso noted that the team “played into their hands” by resorting to excessive 1-on-1 play. Failing to match Indiana’s urgency and sharpness proved disastrous for the Thunder in their initial closing opportunity.
4. Hindsight: The Significance of Game 4 Looms Large
While the focus shifts to Game 7, there’s an unavoidable look back at Game 4. The Pacers had a golden opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 series lead but let the game slip away at home. Indiana held a four-point lead with just over three minutes remaining and were only down by one with two minutes left. This was a scenario where the Pacers, known for their resilience and clutch performances against earlier playoff opponents, typically found a way to win.
However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game heroics (15 points in the final 4:38) combined with crucial Pacers mistakes allowed the Thunder to steal Game 4 and tie the series 2-2. In hindsight, had Indiana closed that game out, they would be celebrating a championship instead of preparing for a winner-take-all scenario on the road. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in the NBA Finals and how one missed opportunity can lead to the ultimate test.
5. All Eyes on a Historic NBA Finals Game 7
By reaching the limit, the Thunder and Pacers have solidified their place in Finals history, setting up the 20th Game 7 in the championship series. This marks the first time the NBA Finals has gone the distance since 2016, a series famously won by the Cavaliers on the road. The series between the Thunder and Pacers, described as a matchup of “perfect foils,” has delivered dramatic back-and-forth basketball, earning its decisive conclusion.
Game 7 presents the ultimate “Best of 1” scenario. History shows a significant home-court advantage in Finals Game 7s, with home teams holding a 15-4 record. While the Thunder boast a strong 10-2 home record this postseason and the league MVP, the Pacers are a formidable 7-4 on the road and have recent experience winning a road Game 7 (vs. Knicks in 2024). Final Game 7s are typically tightly contested affairs, with none decided by double digits since 1974. The stakes could not be higher as both teams vie to cap their season with an NBA championship.
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The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion. The Indiana Pacers, fueled by a dominant Game 6 performance and the return of their leader, head into hostile territory aiming to complete a historic run. The Oklahoma City Thunder must quickly regroup from their worst performance of the series, relying on their home crowd and MVP to rise to the occasion. Sunday night promises a high-stakes battle where everything is on the line.
