INDIANAPOLIS — The 2025 NBA Finals are headed to a decisive Game 7.
The Indiana Pacers, facing elimination, turned in their most dominant performance of the series Friday night, steamrolling the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 in Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The win ties the series 3-3 and sets up a winner-take-all showdown for the championship Sunday night at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Indiana’s energy, urgency, and depth overwhelmed the Thunder early — and never relented. A 36-17 second-quarter blitz turned a tight contest into a rout, and the Pacers led by as many as 30 points in a wire-to-wire statement win.
“We knew our backs were against the wall,” said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. “This group responded like they have all year — with toughness, with belief, and with each other.”
Balanced Attack Lifts Indiana
Obi Toppin led the scoring with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting, while Andrew Nembhard added 17 points and a steady hand at point guard. Pascal Siakam delivered a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Tyrese Haliburton, battling through a sore right calf, chipped in 14 points in just 23 minutes.
T.J. McConnell was the engine off the bench, filling the stat sheet with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals — a vintage performance that swung momentum in Indiana’s favor.
The Pacers hit 15 three-pointers, spreading the floor and shredding Oklahoma City’s defense with precise ball movement and shot-making.
Haliburton’s Gutsy Effort
Listed as a game-time decision due to a lingering calf injury, Haliburton suited up and delivered when it mattered most. He knocked down 3-of-7 from deep, recorded five assists, and helped set the tone in Indiana’s massive second quarter.
“He told me this morning he was playing no matter what,” Carlisle said. “That’s who Tyrese is. He’s our leader, and the team feeds off his presence.”
Thunder Struggle From Deep
Oklahoma City couldn’t find their offensive rhythm, especially from beyond the arc, where they shot a dismal 8-of-30 (26.7%). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with a team-high 21 points, but was largely contained, and Jalen Williams added 16 in a game where the Thunder never fully recovered from their second-quarter collapse.
“They punched us early and we didn’t respond,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “We’ll regroup and be ready for Game 7. Everything we’ve worked for is right in front of us.”
Game 7 Awaits
The 2025 NBA Finals now head back to Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will host Game 7 Sunday night — a fitting end to a series defined by dramatic swings and rising stars.
This marks the first Game 7 in the Finals since 2016, and for the Pacers, a chance at their first NBA championship in franchise history. For the Thunder, it’s an opportunity to complete their climb back to the league’s summit for the first time since 1979.
Get ready — history awaits in OKC.
