The Indiana Pacers were no match for the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, dominating from start to finish in a 108-91 victory that has forced a decisive Game 7.
Playing in front of a raucous home crowd in Indianapolis, the Pacers defied the odds, responding to their Game 5 loss with a fierce all-around performance.
Tyrese Haliburton, who had been limited by a calf injury earlier in the series, looked more mobile and engaged, even if his scoring output remained modest.
Instead, it was Indiana’s team effort that powered them. The Pacers overcame a rough start-missing their first eight shots-to take control with a 24-7 run in the first quarter. That momentum carried them through the rest of the game.
Pascal Siakam provided the spark and the style. With 16 points and 13 rebounds, he led a second-quarter surge that ballooned Indiana’s lead. He capped off the half with a highlight reel dunk, followed by a buzzer-beating midrange jumper. By the break, the Pacers led 64-42, their largest halftime advantage of the Finals.
Pacers force Game 7 – but history isn’t on their side
Indiana’s defense was suffocating, holding the Thunder without a field goal for the first five minutes of the third quarter. By the end of that period, the Pacers were up 90-60, marking the lowest scoring output by Oklahoma City through three quarters all season.
Bench players like Obi Toppin stepped up, with Toppin contributing 20 points and helping maintain pressure even when starters rested.
This win not only avoided elimination for Indiana but also ended any hopes of a Thunder championship celebration on their home court. Now, both teams head back to Oklahoma City for a winner-take-all Game 7, the 20th in NBA Finals history.
Historically, the home team holds a 15-4 edge in such matchups, which will give the Thunder confidence as they return to their fortress at Paycom Center. However, never count out the Pacers, as they’ve shown time and time again that they have what it takes to defy the odds.
The Thunder, led by young stars and elite defense, will be looking to capture the franchise’s first title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008. But the Pacers, playing in their first Finals since 2000, have already rewritten expectations. With Haliburton running the offense and Siakam leading by example, Indiana has shown it’s more than capable of stealing a win on the road.
Game 7 promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an already unforgettable series. The Pacers and Thunder are now one win away from glory, and while h istory favors the home team, Indiana isn’t done defying history just yet.
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