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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
For Pacers and Thunder, there's no looking back now. All eyes are only on Game 7 in the NBA Finals
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the second half during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (Kyle Terada/Pool Photo via AP) Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton hugs NBA hall of fame Reggie Miller, left, after Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, stands with teammates during a timeout during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Indiana Pacers, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) attempts a shot against Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (26) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Maddie Meyer/Pool Photo via AP) Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) celebrates with forward James Johnson (16) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) celebrates with forward James Johnson (16) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the second half during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (Kyle Terada/Pool Photo via AP) Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton hugs NBA hall of fame Reggie Miller, left, after Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, stands with teammates during a timeout during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Indiana Pacers, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) attempts a shot against Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (26) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Maddie Meyer/Pool Photo via AP) Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) celebrates with forward James Johnson (16) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Game 6 of the NBA Finals had been over for only about 10 or 15 minutes, and the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder were turning the page. What happened over the previous couple of hours in Indianapolis had already been deemed irrelevant. The only thing on their minds: Game 7. Advertisement 'A privilege,' Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. 'A great privilege,' Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. A back-and-forth title matchup — Indiana led 1-0 and 2-1, Oklahoma City led 3-2 — will end on Sunday night with an ultimate game, the first winner-take-all contest in the NBA Finals since 2016. It'll be Pacers at Thunder, one team getting the Larry O'Brien Trophy when it is over, the other left to head into the offseason wondering how they let the chance slip away. 'We have one game for everything, for everything we've worked for, and so do they,' Thunder guard and reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'The better team Sunday will win.' Advertisement History favors the home team in these moments: 15 of the previous 19 Game 7s in the NBA Finals were won by the club playing on its own court. The Thunder played a Game 7 at home earlier in these playoffs and won by 32, blowing out Denver to reach the Western Conference finals. Indiana's most recent Game 7 was at Madison Square Garden in last season's Eastern Conference semifinals; the Pacers blew out New York by 21 in that game. All-time, home teams are 112-38 in Game 7s (excluding the 2-2 record 'home' teams had in the bubble in the 2020 playoffs, when everything was played in Lake Buena Vista, Florida). But in recent years, home sweet home has been replaced by road sweet road; visiting teams have won nine of the last 14 Game 7s played since 2021. 'It's exciting, man. It's so, so, exciting,' Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said. 'As a basketball fan, there's nothing like a Game 7. There's nothing like a Game 7 in the NBA Finals. Dreamed of being in this situation my whole life. So, to be here is really exciting. Really exciting for our group. What happened in the past doesn't matter. What happened today doesn't matter. It's all about one game and approaching that the right way." Advertisement The fact that Haliburton is playing at all right now is a story in itself. He looked good as new in Game 6 even with a strained right calf, something that he's needed around-the-clock treatment on this week. The Pacers haven't had to coax him into it; Haliburton's own family is offering up constant reminders that he needs to be working on his leg. 'My family has been on me,' Haliburton said. 'If they call me, they are like, 'Are you doing treatment right now?' ... My family has been holding me accountable.' There's a lot of accountability going on among the Thunder right now as well. A different kind, of course. They were massive favorites going into Game 6 — +3000 odds to win the series, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. That means a $100 bet on the Thunder would have returned a whopping $103 or so if they had won the game and clinched the title. A 36-9 run by Indiana turned a one-point lead early in the second quarter into a full-fledged blowout early in the third. And with that, a Thunder team that finished with the best record in the NBA this season now has zero room for error. Advertisement Win on Sunday, and all ends well for Oklahoma City. Lose on Sunday, and they'll go down in history as one of the best regular-season teams that failed to win a title. 'If they had won by one, they would have probably walked out of this game with confidence,' Thunder guard Jalen Williams said of the Pacers before leaving Indy's arena for the final time this season. 'That's what makes them a good team. That's what makes us a good team. ... They're going to go into Game 7 confident, and so are we.' The Thunder flew home after the game on Thursday night. The Pacers were flying to Oklahoma City on Friday afternoon. They'll spend some time looking at film, then go through the final practices — which won't be much more than glorified walk-throughs — of the season on Saturday. And then, Game 7. For everything. 'I think we played to exhaustion,' Pacers guard T.J. McConnell said after Game 6. 'But we have to do it again on Sunday.' ___ AP NBA:
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Is Haliburton injured? Status of star player after Indiana Pacers force Game 7 in NBA finals against Oklahoma City Thunder
The Indiana Pacers delivered a dominant performance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, dismantling the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 and setting the stage for a dramatic winner-take-all Game 7 on June 22. Cheered on by a fervent home crowd and franchise legend Reggie Miller, the Pacers displayed a balanced, energetic effort, refusing to allow the Thunder to clinch the championship on their court. The resounding victory ensures that the 2025 NBA title will now be decided in Oklahoma City, where the two teams will meet one final time at the Paycom Center. Balanced Offence Fuels Indiana Obi Toppin led all Pacers scorers with 20 points off the bench, providing a crucial spark. Star forward Pascal Siakam added 17 points, while Tyrese Haliburton—despite nursing a calf strain that had him questionable before tipoff—contributed 14 points and five assists in just 23 minutes of action. Haliburton's short but effective stint was made possible by the Pacers' early dominance, which saw them take a 22-point lead into halftime. The game was effectively over by the fourth quarter, allowing Indiana to rest key players in anticipation of Sunday's finale. 'We didn't want to see these guys celebrate a championship on our home floor,' Haliburton told ABC postgame. 'Backs against the wall, we just responded. Different guys chip in. Total team effort. Really proud of this group.' Thunder Falter on the Road The Thunder, meanwhile, struggled throughout the night. Oklahoma City shot just 24.1% from three-point range and committed numerous unforced errors as frustration mounted. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates were benched midway through the fourth quarter, signalling an early concession. Oklahoma City had entered Game 6 needing only one win to secure their first title since the franchise's relocation from Seattle in 2008. Instead, they now face a tense Game 7 at home, reminiscent of the 2016 NBA Finals—the last time the championship series extended to a final game. Haliburton Inspires With Grit Haliburton's decision to play through injury resonated strongly with teammates and fans alike. The All-Star guard downplayed his physical limitations, insisting that participating in the Finals outweighed any personal risk. 'I think I'd beat myself up if I didn't give it a chance,' he said. 'All of us have to give everything we have. I give everything I have for this group.' With two full days to recover, Haliburton's brief appearance may prove pivotal as the Pacers look to carry momentum into hostile territory. A Rare Game 7 Looms Game 7 of the NBA Finals is a rarity, with only four such contests held in the past 30 years. The last occurred in 2016, when LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a historic title over Golden State. This year's final showdown is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Sunday in Oklahoma City. With both teams now just one win away from glory, the basketball world is poised for a climactic end to an unpredictable and fiercely contested series. 'It's a one-game series now,' said Haliburton. 'We've got a lot of faith in this group. What more can you ask for?'
ABC News
9 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Indiana Pacers beat OKC Thunder in NBA Finals to force Game 7
The Indiana Pacers have evened the NBA Finals with a 108-91 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 in Indianapolis. The series will go to a winner-take-all seventh game for the first time since 2016, with Game Seven in Oklahoma City on Monday morning (AEST). There was little drama on Thursday, with Indiana jumping ahead in the first quarter and never relinquishing the lead, aided largely by Obi Toppin's 20 points off the bench. Andrew Nembhard added 17 points while Pascal Siakam had 16 points and 13 rebounds to move the Pacers within one win of their first NBA title. League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 21 points, but had a play-off career-worst eight turnovers and just two assists. Jalen Williams, who scored 40 points in Game 5, finished with just 16 points. Trailing by 30 entering the final quarter, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault pulled his starters, opting to save them for Game 7. Oklahoma City shot just 8/30 (26.7 per cent) from beyond the arc — 1/11 in the first half. The Thunder put up their lowest point total of the regular season or post-season. Their previous low was 92 in a second-round Game 4 over the Denver Nuggets. A number of former Indiana stars were in the stands to watch, including Hall of Famer Reggie Miller, Ron Artest and Lance Stephenson. The victory sends the finals to a decider for the first time in nine years, when LeBron James's Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a stunning comeback from 3-1 down to beat the 73-win Golden State Warriors. Reuters
Hamilton Spectator
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Pacers avoid 2nd straight home-court playoff exit, routing Thunder to force Game 7
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers did not let another home-court opportunity slip away Thursday night. Not with a raucous crowd on its feet almost from start to finish, not with Reggie Miller and nearly a dozen former Pacers cheering them on and certainly not with the first NBA title in franchise just two wins away. So the Pacers dug down, fought through injuries and finally played their way. They knocked down 3-pointers, forced turnovers and had the heavily gold-clad crowd doing high-fives between the third and fourth quarters as Indiana extended its season with a 108-91 victory over the the Oklahoma City Thunder. The winner-take-all Game 7 is Sunday night in Oklahoma City This wasn't just a win-or-go-home scenario for the Pacers. They've been motivated all season by the bitter memories of losing their last two home games by three points each in the 2024 Eastern Conference finals as the injured Tyrese Haliburton watched helplessly from the sideline. Boston used that four-game sweep to fuel its record 18th title run. And they blew a seven-point lead in the final 11 minutes of Game 3, giving away the home-court advantage they stole on Haliburton's last-second winner in Game 1. This time, it wasn't even close. Indiana took control midway through the second quarter and spent the rest of the night pulling away as a smattering of Oklahoma City fans watched glumly. Sure, one difference was Haliburton's ability to overcome the strained right calf that made him so ineffective in the Game 5 loss that put Indiana on the cusp of elimination. But after convincing team trainers he could play and still be effective, the Pacers rebounded from missing their first eight shots to make 8 of the next 10. Then, as usual, it was off to the races. Indiana forced 12 first-half turnovers, outscoring the Thunder 16-3 on fast break and 19-3 in bench points while using 11-0 and 6-0 to extend the margin to 64-42 at halftime. Defensively, they were even better in the second half. Though they didn't force as many turnovers, they held the Thunder scoreless more than five minutes while forcing seven straight misses to start the third quarter — working the crowd into a frenzy as they rolled to a 70-42 lead. Miller flailed his arms in the air in a Jalen Rose jersey. Metta World Peace waved a towel and Lance Stephenson repeatedly pumped his fists. Even John Haliburton, Tyrese's father, cherished the moment. But finishing their home season with a win is only the first part of the equation. Now they must go on the road and replicate what they just did if they are to achieve their ultimate goal — winning a title. ___ AP NBA:
10 hours ago
- Sport
Pacers avoid 2nd straight home-court playoff exit, routing Thunder to force Game 7
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers did not let another home-court opportunity slip away Thursday night. Not with a raucous crowd on its feet almost from start to finish, not with Reggie Miller and nearly a dozen former Pacers cheering them on and certainly not with the first NBA title in franchise just two wins away. So the Pacers dug down, fought through injuries and finally played their way. They knocked down 3-pointers, forced turnovers and had the heavily gold-clad crowd doing high-fives between the third and fourth quarters as Indiana extended its season with a 108-91 victory over the the Oklahoma City Thunder. The winner-take-all Game 7 is Sunday night in Oklahoma City This wasn't just a win-or-go-home scenario for the Pacers. They've been motivated all season by the bitter memories of losing their last two home games by three points each in the 2024 Eastern Conference finals as the injured Tyrese Haliburton watched helplessly from the sideline. Boston used that four-game sweep to fuel its record 18th title run. And they blew a seven-point lead in the final 11 minutes of Game 3, giving away the home-court advantage they stole on Haliburton's last-second winner in Game 1. This time, it wasn't even close. Indiana took control midway through the second quarter and spent the rest of the night pulling away as a smattering of Oklahoma City fans watched glumly. Sure, one difference was Haliburton's ability to overcome the strained right calf that made him so ineffective in the Game 5 loss that put Indiana on the cusp of elimination. But after convincing team trainers he could play and still be effective, the Pacers rebounded from missing their first eight shots to make 8 of the next 10. Then, as usual, it was off to the races. Indiana forced 12 first-half turnovers, outscoring the Thunder 16-3 on fast break and 19-3 in bench points while using 11-0 and 6-0 to extend the margin to 64-42 at halftime. Defensively, they were even better in the second half. Though they didn't force as many turnovers, they held the Thunder scoreless more than five minutes while forcing seven straight misses to start the third quarter — working the crowd into a frenzy as they rolled to a 70-42 lead. Miller flailed his arms in the air in a Jalen Rose jersey. Metta World Peace waved a towel and Lance Stephenson repeatedly pumped his fists. Even John Haliburton, Tyrese's father, cherished the moment. But finishing their home season with a win is only the first part of the equation. Now they must go on the road and replicate what they just did if they are to achieve their ultimate goal — winning a title. ___
