The Indiana Pacers have once again defied expectations, extending the NBA Finals to a decisive Game 7 after a commanding 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. The win sets up a winner-take-all showdown for the championship on Sunday in Oklahoma City.
Fueled by a resilient team effort and the determined play of star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who played through a calf injury, the Pacers protected their home court and denied the Thunder the opportunity to celebrate a championship in Indianapolis. Haliburton, cleared to play just hours before tipoff, contributed 14 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals, showing little sign of his ailment.
The Pacers' depth proved crucial in Game 6, with Obi Toppin leading the scoring charge off the bench with 20 points. Indiana's reserves outscored Oklahoma City's bench 48-37, a testament to their collective strength. Andrew Nembhard added 17 points, while Pascal Siakam delivered a strong performance with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Even Myles Turner, despite a quiet scoring night, contributed significantly on the defensive end with 2 blocks.
"We just wanted to protect home court," Haliburton stated after the game. "We didn't want to see these guys celebrate a championship on our home floor. Backs against the wall, we just responded. So many different guys chipped in, total team effort. I'm really proud of this group."
For the Thunder, NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his team with 21 points but also committed 8 turnovers. Jalen Williams, coming off a 40-point outing in Game 5, was held to 16 points and missed all four of his three-point attempts.
The Pacers' journey to this point has been marked by resilience. After a slow start to the regular season, they battled their way to the Eastern Conference Finals and have now pushed the top-seeded Thunder to the brink in the NBA Finals. This will be the Pacers' first Game 7 in the NBA Finals, a historic moment for the franchise.
Looking Ahead to Game 7:
All eyes will now turn to Oklahoma City for Game 7 on Sunday, June 22nd, at 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT). The series has been a back-and-forth affair, with the Pacers winning Game 1 (111-110), Game 3 (116-107), and Game 6 (108-91). The Thunder secured victories in Game 2 (123-107), Game 4 (111-104), and Game 5 (120-109).
Offseason Outlook (Prior to Finals):
Regardless of the Finals outcome, the Pacers have been active in securing their core. They re-signed Pascal Siakam to a maximum contract and Obi Toppin to a four-year, $58 million deal. Andrew Nembhard also inked a three-year extension. While the team aims to avoid the luxury tax, they have demonstrated a commitment to their current roster, with key players like Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner already on favorable contracts. The Pacers also acquired draft rights to Johnny Furphy in a pre-draft trade, sending a 2025 first-round pick to the Pelicans.
The Pacers' strong showing this season, fueled by their fast-paced offense and improving defense, positions them as a formidable force for years to come in the Eastern Conference.
