In a stunning display of determination, the Indiana Pacers crushed the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 on Thursday, evening the NBA Finals series at 3-3 and forcing a decisive Game 7 this Sunday.
The Pacers, known for their never-say-die attitude, put on a near-perfect performance when their backs were against the wall. Led by a gutsy display from the injured Tyrese Haliburton, who played through a right calf issue, Indiana dominated from start to finish, building a massive 31-point lead in the final quarter.
Haliburton’s Heroics
Haliburton, a doubt until the last minute, proved to be the catalyst for the Pacers’ success, contributing 14 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals. His leadership and playmaking were instrumental in orchestrating Indiana’s offensive onslaught.
Balanced Scoring Attack
The Pacers showcased their depth, with six players scoring in double figures. Pascal Siakam (16 points, 13 rebounds), Obi Toppin (20 points, 4 three-pointers), T.J. McConnell (12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals), Andrew Nembhard (17 points), and Aaron Nesmith (10 points) all made significant contributions to the victory.
Thunder Struggle to Find Rhythm
In contrast, the Thunder struggled to find their rhythm, committing 21 turnovers and shooting a dismal 26.7% from beyond the arc (8-for-30). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 21 points, but was plagued by 8 turnovers, while Jalen Williams added 16 points.
The Thunder’s defensive prowess, which has been a hallmark of their playoff run, was nowhere to be found as the Pacers carved them up with ease.
Winner-Take-All Showdown
The series will now be decided in a winner-take-all Game 7 this Sunday, June 22, at 8:00 PM EST. The game will be broadcast exclusively on Disney+, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 NBA Finals.
With the Pacers’ resilience and the Thunder’s home-court advantage, the stage is set for an epic clash that will determine the next NBA champion. Fans around the world will be tuning in to witness which team will emerge victorious and cement their legacy.
