Unstoppable! Pacers Rout Thunder, Force Decisive Game 7 in NBA Finals

They refused to go quietly into the summer. The Indiana Pacers, defying odds, expectations, and a nagging calf injury to their star, roared past the Oklahoma City Thunder in a dominant 108-91 Game 6 victory Thursday night. The win sets up a winner-take-all Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals, set for Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, in what promises to be an epic conclusion to a captivating series.

For a team that has consistently embraced the role of the underdog, the Pacers' resilience should come as no surprise. "Rallying is what they do," and their Game 6 performance was a testament to that fighting spirit. They now head to Oklahoma City with a legitimate chance to pull off one of the biggest upsets in Finals history against the 68-win Thunder and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

"We've got one game," said a resolute Tyrese Haliburton after the game. "One game. It's nothing that's happened before matters, and nothing that's going to happen after matters." If the Pacers can bottle the energy, effort, and sheer guile shown in their Game 6 rout, a shocking ending to these Finals is well within reach.

Here are five key takeaways from Indiana's statement victory that sends the series to a decisive Game 7:

1. Haliburton's Heroic Return

The biggest question mark entering Game 6 was the health and effectiveness of Tyrese Haliburton. His right calf strain had hampered him significantly in Game 5, but he put those concerns to rest with a solid 14 points and five assists in just 23 minutes of action. Crucially, there were no visible signs of discomfort or limitation, and the blowout allowed him to rest for much of the second half.

"I think I'd beat myself up if I didn't give it a chance," Haliburton explained, highlighting his determination to pursue his championship dream. The fact that he emerged from such a critical game seemingly unscathed and with two full days of rest before Game 7 bodes incredibly well for Indiana's chances.

2. The Signature Play: Hali's No-Look Dime

While blowouts rarely hinge on a single moment, a sequence just before halftime epitomized Haliburton's impact and the Pacers' renewed swagger. With Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams looking to stem the tide, Haliburton intercepted a deflected pass, sprinted downcourt, and—in a dazzling display of court vision—delivered a no-look pass to a trailing Pascal Siakam for a thunderous dunk.

This play not only put an exclamation point on Indiana's dominant first half, sending them into the locker room up 22, but it also showcased Haliburton's mobility and playmaking prowess, proving he was indeed "good to go."

3. Indy's Bench Continues to Deliver

The NBA Finals are often defined by star power, but Indiana's unsung heroes from the bench once again proved instrumental. T.J. McConnell, Obi Toppin, and Ben Sheppard provided the crucial spark, outplaying their Thunder counterparts.

McConnell, a tireless disruptor, continued to cause problems for OKC with his ability to force turnovers and create offense, finishing with a series-best 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Toppin led the Pacers in scoring with 20 points, knocking down four 3-pointers and capitalizing on open looks. Sheppard's buzzer-beating three at the end of the third quarter was the ultimate silencer, pushing Indiana's lead to 30. This bench depth and energy will be vital in the do-or-die Game 7.

4. Thunder's Lack of Killer Instinct

Closing out a Finals series on the road is never easy, but the Thunder's performance in Game 6 suggested a distinct lack of the killer instinct typically seen from a championship contender. They were outhustled on loose balls, outrebounded, and simply couldn't match Indiana's urgency.

This was arguably OKC's worst performance of the series. They committed a staggering 21 turnovers, with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander uncharacteristically contributing eight. They shot poorly from deep (missing 10 of their first 11 threes) and held the lead only once throughout the game. Gilgeous-Alexander's 21 points were his lowest of the Finals, and Jalen Williams, who exploded for 40 in Game 4, was held to just 16. The Thunder will need a complete reset and a far more focused effort to avoid a historic collapse.

5. The Ghost of Game 4

As the dust settles, the "what-if" scenarios from Game 4 loom large. Had the Pacers held onto their lead in that game, they would be celebrating a championship right now. Indiana was up by four points with just over three minutes left before a vintage Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took over, scoring 15 points in the final 4:38.

The Pacers' ability to navigate sticky situations has been a hallmark of their postseason run, earning them signature wins against the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks. But Game 4 slipped away due to a combination of Gilgeous-Alexander's heroics and uncharacteristic mistakes from Indiana. That missed opportunity set the stage for this decisive Game 7, where everything is on the line.

Get ready for Sunday. History favors the home team in Game 7 of the NBA Finals (15-4 all-time), but the Indiana Pacers have relished proving history wrong all season. It's one game, for all the marbles.

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