The Indiana Pacers overwhelmed the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 in Game 6 on Thursday night, forcing the NBA Finals to a decisive seventh game. Tyrese Haliburton played through a strained calf injury while Pascal Siakam delivered a crucial double-double performance.
The victory marked the most lopsided win by either team in the series. Game 7 will be played Sunday night in Oklahoma City, marking the first Finals Game 7 since 2016 when the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors.
Haliburton was cleared to play Thursday afternoon after consulting with team doctors about his calf strain. He missed his first three shots before connecting on a deep three-pointer in the first quarter. Haliburton finished with 14 points despite the injury concerns and was far more aggressive and effective than he was in Game 5.
“I felt like the crowd was really excited for this game and rallied for our group and it was a do-or-die game, and as much as we didn’t want to lose this game and see a celebration on our home floor,” said Haliburton. :Our fans didn’t want to see that, either.”
Siakam recorded 16 points and 13 rebounds in his second double-double of the Finals. Obi Toppin led Indiana’s scoring with 20 points, while Andrew Nembhard added 17 points in the balanced attack. TJ McConnell provided his usual spark off the bench with 12 points, nine rebounds and six assists tilting the game for the Pacers in the second quarter.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander endured a difficult night with 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting and eight turnovers. The eight turnovers tied a career-high and matched the most in a Finals game over the past 40 years.
Jalen Williams contributed 16 points for Oklahoma City, but was a -40 in the game after scoring a remarkable 40 points in Game 5. The Thunder pulled their starters after falling behind by 30 points entering the fourth quarter.
“It’s a one-game series now,” said Haliburton. “And, man, we believe. We have a lot of faith in this group. Game 7 NBA Finals. What more can you ask for?”
Indiana missed its first eight shots and trailed 10-2 early before completely turning the game around. The Pacers outscored the Thunder 68-32 over a crucial 24-minute stretch spanning the first and second quarters.
“The way I see it is, we sucked tonight,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “We can learn our lessons. We have one game for everything, for everything we’ve worked for, and so do they. The better team Sunday will win.”
Home teams hold a 15-4 record in NBA Finals Game 7s, providing Oklahoma City with a historical advantage. The Thunder will need to rebound from their most disjointed playoff performance when they host Game 7 on Sunday.