In a thrilling turn of events at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday night, the Indiana Pacers showcased their resilience and determination by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. This victory not only tied the series at 3-3 but also set the stage for a dramatic winner-take-all Game 7 scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. The Pacers’ performance was a testament to their grit, overcoming a slow start and a challenging season to force an ultimate showdown for the championship.
Obi Toppin led the charge for Indiana with a standout 20 points, while Andrew Nembhard contributed an impressive 17 points, demonstrating sharp shooting and defensive prowess. Pascal Siakam was a force on both ends of the floor, posting 16 points and pulling down 13 rebounds, anchoring the Pacers' frontcourt. Despite battling a strained right calf, All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton delivered a solid 14 points and five assists, showing his importance to the team’s offensive flow and defensive intensity. Veteran guard T.J. McConnell provided a spark off the bench, finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, further highlighting the depth and collective effort of the Pacers.
Indiana's journey to this pivotal Game 7 has been nothing short of remarkable. The Pacers began their regular season with a rocky 10-15 record, but their playoff run has been defined by resilience, including five comebacks from deficits of 15 points or more. Their ability to claw back and seize control has been a defining characteristic, culminating in this crucial Game 6 victory.
The game itself started off on shaky ground for the Pacers. They missed their first eight shots and found themselves trailing 10-2 early on, silencing the raucous home crowd. The arena, which had been buzzing moments before tip-off, grew quiet as Indiana struggled to find rhythm. Even Hall of Famer Reggie Miller, sitting courtside in a Jalen Rose Pacers jersey, appeared more nervous than he did during his playing days. However, the Pacers quickly turned the tide, embarking on a dominant stretch where they outscored the Thunder 68-32 over the next 24 minutes.
Indiana surged ahead, taking a commanding 28-point lead early in the third quarter. The margin swelled to 31 points, marking Oklahoma City’s second-largest deficit of the season. The Thunder’s worst came earlier in the playoffs when they fell behind by 45 points against Minnesota in the Western Conference finals. Despite their history of comebacks, the Thunder struggled to find answers in this contest.
The Thunder’s offense was stifled throughout the game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led Oklahoma City with 21 points, faced relentless defensive pressure, particularly from Andrew Nembhard, who locked him down effectively without committing fouls. Jalen Williams added 16 points for the Thunder but couldn’t spark a rally. The Thunder’s shooting woes were evident as they made just 6 of 26 three-point attempts and shot 41.2% from the floor overall, managing only 0.86 points per possession.
Indiana’s defense was the cornerstone of their victory. After committing 23 turnovers in Game 5, which led to 32 Thunder points, the Pacers tightened their grip in Game 6, forcing 20 turnovers while committing only nine themselves. In the first half alone, they caused 12 Thunder giveaways and scored 16 points off turnovers, compared to just two points off turnovers for Oklahoma City. This defensive dominance translated into a 64-42 halftime lead, from which the Thunder never recovered.
Haliburton’s performance was particularly noteworthy given his injury. He scored 12 points in the first half on 4-of-9 shooting, including three three-pointers, and added four assists and two steals. His presence on the floor was a significant boost, with the Pacers outscoring the Thunder by 25 points during his 16-plus minutes of play in the first half. Haliburton finished the game with 14 points, five assists, and two steals while maintaining ball security with just one turnover.
Andrew Nembhard also redeemed himself after a tough Game 5, where his turnovers had hurt Indiana’s chances. This time, he was sharp from beyond the arc, hitting three of five three-point attempts, and played lockdown defense on Gilgeous-Alexander. Nembhard’s 17 points came on efficient 5-of-7 shooting, complemented by four assists, three steals, and just one turnover. His all-around performance was a key factor in Indiana’s defensive and offensive success.
Coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s resilience, calling Game 7 “the ultimate game.” He acknowledged the season’s ups and downs, noting how the Pacers have repeatedly defied expectations. “We just wanted to protect home court,” Haliburton said after the game. “We didn’t want to see these guys celebrate a championship on our home floor. Backs against the wall and we just responded. … Total team effort.”
On the other side, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was candid about his team’s struggles. “Credit Indiana,” he said. “They earned the win. They outplayed us for most of the 48 minutes. They went out there and attacked the game.” The Thunder, who pulled their starters after falling behind by 30 going into the fourth quarter, now face the daunting task of bouncing back on their home floor, where history shows home teams have a strong advantage in Game 7s, holding a 15-4 record. However, some of those losses, including Cleveland’s win at Golden State in 2016 and Seattle’s loss in 1978, offer a glimmer of hope for Oklahoma City.
As the series heads to Oklahoma City for the decisive Game 7, both teams carry momentum and pressure. The Pacers have proven their ability to overcome adversity, while the Thunder will rely on their home crowd and previous comeback experience to try and clinch the championship. With history, heart, and a title on the line, Sunday’s game promises to be a classic showdown in the NBA Finals.
