Indiana Pacers push past Oklahoma City Thunder to send NBA Finals to Game 7
Indiana Pacers push past OKC Thunder. Image via: Abbie Parr/ AP
The battle for the Championship has only intensified. The Indiana Pacers are still alive and now just one win away from a stunning NBA championship. With their backs against the wall, the Pacers dominated the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night.
The victory, driven by a gutsy effort from an injured Tyrese Haliburton and a well-balanced team performance, sends the series to a winner-take-all Game 7 on Sunday, June 22 at 8 PM ET on ABC. As the NBA wrote on Instagram: 'WE'RE GOING TO GAME 7.'
Tyrese Haliburton defies odds to lead Indiana Pacers to Game 6 victory
Playing through a strained right calf that had fans fearing the worst, Tyrese Haliburton proved he wasn't ready to let the season end. The All-Star guard suited up despite the injury, limiting him to just four points in Game 5.
In Game 6, he made plays that sparked momentum-shifting runs. Haliburton finished with 14 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals in just 23 minutes before sitting out the final stretch with the game well in hand.
Haliburton's highlight moment came late in the second quarter when he picked off a pass, tiptoed along the sideline, and delivered a no-look dime to Pascal Siakam for a two-handed dunk over two Thunder defenders. The play ignited Gainbridge Fieldhouse and helped extend Indiana's halftime lead to a commanding 22 points.
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'I have to be as smart as I want to be,' Haliburton said a day earlier. 'I have a lot of trust in our medical staff. They trust me to make the right decision on my body.' His decision to play—and play well—shifted the series.
Pascal Siakam backed up his floor general with a steady 16-point, 13-rebound double-double, anchoring Indiana's interior attack. Off the bench, Obi Toppin exploded for a team-high 20 points, while T.J.
McConnell continued his postseason brilliance with 12 points, 9 boards, 6 assists, and 4 steals.
Andrew Nembhard added 17 points on 71.4% shooting, keeping the Thunder defense off balance throughout. As a team, Indiana forced 21 turnovers and completely outpaced Oklahoma City in transition and hustle plays.
Also Read:
'Next level fashion' — Tyrese Haliburton's dad John Haliburton's outfit for Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Game 6 sparks intense fan reaction
Despite a combined 37 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, the Thunder were overwhelmed by Indiana's second-quarter 36-17 run and never recovered. Coach Mark Daigneault pulled his starters early in the fourth as the Pacers' lead ballooned to 31. Now, with their home crowd behind them, the Thunder must regroup quickly or watch Indiana complete an improbable run to a championship on their floor.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
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