INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals Thursday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to stay alive in the best-of-seven series.
The game started at a breakneck pace as Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard set the tone early on by finishing the first quarter with eight points each. The Pacers managed to take better care of the ball during each possession as they finished the first quarter with 0 turnovers, while Oklahoma City gave the ball away on five occasions.
This trend continued well into the second quarter as Oklahoma City reached a total of 10 turnovers while Indiana recorded two of their own.
This swung the momentum in Indiana’s favor as Aaron Nesmith scored multiple shots from beyond the arc, as the Pacers led 48-35 to reach their largest lead of the series. The Pacers kept attacking as the second quarter came to a close, leading 64-42.
The Pacers continued their dominance as the game stretched into the second half. This was highlighted by the fact that Oklahoma City failed to score five minutes into the third quarter.
Tyrese Haliburton, who was a major doubt before Thursday’s game as he nursed a right calf strain, ended the game with 14 points, five assists and two steals.
T.J. McConnell picked up where he left off in Game 5 by continuing to provide a spark for Indiana on both ends of the court. He recorded 12 points, six assists and nine rebounds in 24 minutes.
Indiana managed to prevent league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams from being able to get going offensively, as the duo came into the game averaging a combined 58.2 points in the series.
Williams finished the game with 16 points while Gilgeous-Alexander posted 21 points on 7-15 shooting.
Heading into Thursday’s game, Indiana knew it was win or go home as Oklahoma City led the best-of-seven series 3-2. The Pacers and Thunder will head to Oklahoma City for Game 7 on Sunday, June 22. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. at Paycom Center.