• The Indiana Pacers dominated Game 6 of the NBA Finals with resilience, bench depth, and stellar defense, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 to force a Game 7. Now, they face a legacy-defining showdown on Sunday, with a championship and their place in history on the line.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The sound inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday night was deafening. A no-look pass from Tyrese Haliburton to Pascal Siakam, followed by a thunderous dunk, wasn’t just a highlight—it was a statement. With less than a minute left in the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers had seized momentum against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The crowd erupted, and the energy was electric. That play symbolized not only the Pacers’ dominance in their 108-91 win but also the resilience of a team fighting to keep its season alive.

From the opening tip, Indiana had one goal: force a Game 7. Despite a slow start—missing their first eight shots and falling behind 10-2—the Pacers rallied, outworking the Thunder in nearly every facet of the game. They turned the ball over just 11 times to OKC’s 21 and held the Thunder to their lowest point total since April 2022. With contributions from up and down the roster, the Pacers delivered their most complete playoff performance yet, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown on Sunday night in Oklahoma City.

Haliburton’s Resilience Fuels Indiana’s Win

Tyrese Haliburton’s status for Game 6 had been uncertain all week as he dealt with a strained right calf. But when the lights were brightest, the Pacers’ star point guard was on the court, leading his team with grit and determination. Despite limited minutes—just 23—Haliburton finished with 14 points, five assists, and one unforgettable play.

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Haliburton’s steal and sideline save set up Siakam’s emphatic dunk, giving Indiana a 20-point lead that OKC couldn’t overcome. After the game, Haliburton reflected on the moment.

“That’s a special moment,” Haliburton said. “Especially because we are always getting on Pascal for not dunking anymore.”

Haliburton’s presence on the court was critical. Head coach Rick Carlisle praised his star guard for his commitment to the team, noting the extensive treatment Haliburton underwent to prepare for the game, including hyperbaric chambers, massages, and electronic stimulation.

“He’s super important to us,” Carlisle said. “The big thing was just there wasn’t a lot of drama. He was straightforward. He didn’t want a lot of attention. He was doing everything possible to be able to play.”

Bench Depth Shines for Indiana

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While Haliburton’s play was pivotal, Indiana’s depth was the story of the night. Obi Toppin came off the bench to lead the team in scoring with 20 points, providing a spark whenever the Pacers needed it most. Andrew Nembhard added 17 points, while Siakam contributed a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

“We are just super resilient and we’re hungry,” Toppin said. “We all work extremely hard every single day to allow the success that we had, and we’re not done.”

Indiana’s ability to rely on its bench has been a hallmark of its playoff run. Toppin’s energy, combined with Nembhard’s steady play, gave the Pacers the edge they needed to keep the Thunder on their heels.

Defensive Intensity Sets the Tone

The Pacers’ defensive effort in Game 6 was nothing short of masterful. Indiana swarmed OKC’s offense, forcing turnovers and limiting their scoring opportunities. The Thunder, who had averaged 118 points per game in the series, were held to just 91—a testament to Indiana’s physicality and focus.

“So much of these games has come down to who is going to start the fight from a physicality standpoint,” Haliburton said. “We’ve got to control what we can. Take care of the ball better and rebound the ball better. Those are the important things we need to focus on.”

Indiana’s defensive intensity will be critical in Game 7, as the Pacers look to neutralize OKC’s star players once again.

The Road Ahead: A Legacy-Defining Game 7

For the Pacers, Sunday’s Game 7 represents more than just a shot at the championship—it’s a chance to define their legacy. The NBA Finals haven’t seen a Game 7 since 2016, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Haliburton, ever the leader, cautioned his teammates against getting caught up in the narratives surrounding the game.

“The narratives are going to be almost poison,” Haliburton said. “To talk about what this would mean to our city and our organization and legacy talk…we can’t pay attention to that. It’s about executing, staying focused, and controlling what we can.”

Indiana’s ability to block out the noise and channel their home-court momentum into a road victory will determine whether this improbable playoff run ends in triumph or heartbreak.

Final Thoughts

The Pacers’ Game 6 win was a showcase of resilience, depth, and defensive tenacity. But their job isn’t done. As they prepare for Game 7 in hostile territory, the team knows the margin for error is razor-thin. For a franchise that hasn’t won a championship in its NBA history, Sunday night is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative.

Can the Pacers finish the job and bring a title home to Indiana? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you see Game 7 playing out.

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