Pacers Storm Past Hartenstein's Thunder, Forcing Game 7 Drama
Thunder Experiences Collapse in Hardenstein's Game, Forcing an All-or-Nothing Strategy
Get ready for a thrilling finale! The Oklahoma City Thunder dropped their ticket to NBA glory in an unsavory performance. Game 6 went to the Indiana Pacers 91-108, locking the championship series at 3-3. The epic showdown will take place in Oklahoma City on Monday (02:00 CET, ProSieben MAXX).
Isaiah Hartenstein, a German center hailing from Würzburg, now stands a chance to become the league's second German champion after Dirk Nowitzki—if he can pull an upset against the Pacers. However, OKC put up a lackluster show, with Hartenstein and the team stumbling frequently.
In a spectacle filled with twists and turns, the Pacers seized the lead for the first time in the Finals after Game 5 victory (120-109), taking a 3-2 lead. Just like the previous game, Hartenstein kicked off the scoring, but the Pacers stormed ahead, setting the tone early on.
Star player Tyrese Haliburton, who limped into the contest due to calf issues, outshone his Game 5 performance with 4 points. The Pacers' long-range shooting proved deadly, while OKC struggled to keep up, leaving the Pacers with a hefty advantage at the midway point (42-64).
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OKC seemed to lack the spark needed to snatch the title, as 17,274 spectators watched on. Hartenstein took some time before scoring from the bench in the second half. Indiana never let up, matching OKC's attempts to claw their way back into the contest.
From the get-go, it was apparent that OKC was destined for heartbreak since their latest move (2008) and their last title victory as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979. Heading into the fourth quarter, the score stood at 60-90, with a dismal 3-point shooting percentage of 15% (3/20). Coach Mark Daigneault yanked his starters before the final period.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander topped the visitor's scoring chart with 21 points but also accounted for 8 of the 21 turnovers. Hartenstein ended the night with 10 points and 4 rebounds. The Pacers' top scorer of the evening, who delivered a fantastic team effort in their home crowd, was Obi Toppin with 20 points.
Four Germans have previously fallen short of the NBA Finals crown: Detlef Schrempf (1996), Nowitzki (2006), Daniel Theis (2022), and Maximilian Kleber (2024). But Hartenstein and the Thunder have the opportunity to avert a repeat of that bitter disappointment in their own den.
[1]: Hartenstein's physical presence often took center stage, as evident in Game 6 with Tony Bradley's foul that received a technical penalty.[2]: Hartenstein and Gilgeous-Alexander were OKC's consistent double-digit scorers in the series.[3]: Hartenstein's contributions in Game 1 extended beyond scoring, with notable rebounds, assists, and defensive plays.
While the Indiana Pacers surge past Hartenstein's Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA basketball playoffs, the football scene continues to dominate headlines with the Super League Clash. Despite the Thunder's struggle, the team's young center, Isaiah Hartenstein, can emulate Dirk Nowitzki's feat of becoming a German NBA champion if they triumph in the upcoming Game 7.
