The Indiana Pacers have done it. Facing elimination in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals, they powered past the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 103-97 win, forcing a decisive Game 7.
Leading the way was Tyrese Haliburton, who played with toughness and leadership. His 14 points, 8 assists, and unselfish play helped Indiana survive the Thunder’s early surge and take control in the second half.
“This wasn’t about stats,” Haliburton said. “It was about keeping our season alive. We’ve come too far to give up now.”
The Game 6 battle inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric. Indiana fed off its home crowd and played with incredible energy. Pascal Siakam scored 22 points and Myles Turner added 19, but it was Haliburton’s leadership that stood out.
He hit a key mid-range jumper with under two minutes to play, extending Indiana’s lead to five. It was a moment that turned the momentum and broke Oklahoma City’s rhythm.
Coach Rick Carlisle praised his point guard afterward: “Ty’s a warrior. He’s the heartbeat of our team. This win starts with him.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder entered Game 6 with a 3-2 lead and a chance to close the series. But after a strong start, their offense slowed down dramatically.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 28 points, but no one else stepped up when it mattered most. Chet Holmgren, the promising rookie, struggled against Indiana’s physical defense and shot just 3-of-11 from the field.
After halftime, the Thunder shot only 38% and committed 16 turnovers. Their bench was outscored 29-18, and their spacing suffered once the Pacers switched to a zone defense.
Game 6 highlighted some of the team’s playoff inexperience, despite their impressive run to the Finals.
With the series now tied 3-3, Game 7 will be played in Oklahoma City. It will decide the 2025 NBA champion in a winner-take-all setting.
Indiana hasn’t reached this point since the year 2000, and this is their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years. One more win, and they’ll lift their first-ever championship trophy.
The Thunder, meanwhile, are chasing their first title since the franchise’s Seattle SuperSonics days in 1979. For a team filled with young talent, this is a defining opportunity.
Throughout the playoffs, Haliburton has proved he’s not just a rising star—he’s a franchise player. His Game 6 performance wasn’t flashy in stats, but it was full of leadership, defense, and timely plays.
Haliburton controlled the tempo, made smart passes, and avoided panic even as the Thunder closed the gap late in the game.
His journey—from being overlooked in the draft to leading a team in the Finals—has inspired fans across the league. According to ESPN’s NBA coverage, Haliburton has been Indiana’s most valuable player this postseason.
The Pacers’ win wasn’t just about the stars. Their bench outplayed Oklahoma City’s. Obi Toppin added 10 points and 7 rebounds, while rookie Ben Sheppard brought defensive energy.
Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith were also excellent on defense, limiting the Thunder’s three-point opportunities and forcing tough shots.
Coach Carlisle’s decision to shift to a zone defense in the fourth quarter paid off. The Thunder shot just 3-of-14 in the final five minutes.
Game 7 in OKC will be a massive test for both teams. The Thunder have home-court advantage, but the Pacers have shown they can win on the road—already stealing a game in Oklahoma City earlier in the series.
For Indiana, Haliburton’s poise and the veteran presence of Siakam will be key. For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will need more help from Holmgren and Jalen Williams.
Expect both teams to bring intensity, knowing that everything is on the line. The NBA Finals 2025 have already delivered drama, and Game 7 might be the most memorable yet.
With the 2025 NBA Finals coming down to the wire, basketball fans around the world are watching closely. This series has had everything—close games, big performances, and young stars rising under pressure.
Now, it’s all about one final game.
Will the Pacers make history with their first-ever NBA title? Or will the Thunder’s youth rise to the occasion and complete their magical playoff run?
We’ll find out soon. One game. One trophy. One unforgettable night.
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