Thunder Outclassed in Game 6: Final Score Pacers 108, Thunder 91
The Indiana Pacers clinched a hard-fought victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals, securing a 108-91 win. The decisive Game 7 will take place on Sunday at 8 pm ET, broadcast on ABC.
The Pacers' win was driven by several key factors. Tyrese Haliburton, despite playing through a strained right calf, contributed 14 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals in just 23 minutes. His momentum-shifting plays helped spark runs that put the Pacers firmly in control before he sat out the final stretch.
The team's balanced performance was crucial to their offensive dominance. Alongside Haliburton, Pascal Siakam recorded a double-double, and Obi Toppin led the Pacers' bench with 20 points, including 4 three-pointers and 6 rebounds.
The Pacers' bench notably outshone OKC's reserves. Toppin's 20 points and efficient shooting were a major factor. Historically in the series, Indiana's secondary unit, including players like TJ McConnell and Toppin, has provided energy, spacing, and scoring that the Thunder's bench failed to match.
In the first quarter, the Pacers led 28-25, but struggled with execution. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a contested shot, but the Pacers' bench, with contributions from Toppin and Andrew Nembhard, helped turn the tide. Haliburton's steal and Toppin's subsequent 3-pointer were particularly impactful.
The Pacers' bench outscored the Thunder's bench, 48-37. However, it was a slow offensive start for the Pacers, forcing them to play from behind early in the game. Jalen Williams made a spin move, and OKC executed better in the early stages.
The Pacers' fortunes changed in the second quarter, as they outscored the Thunder, 36-17, to take control of the game. McConnell scored back-to-back baskets, including a spinning lay-up and a pull-up in the key, while Nembhard made two consecutive 3-pointers to ignite an 8-0 run and give the Pacers the lead.
All of the Pacers' starters scored in double-figures, except for Myles Turner. Nembhard had a starter-high 17 points. Despite Isaiah Hartenstein being called for an away from the ball foul, the Pacers failed to capitalise on the opportunity. Coach Carlisle successfully challenged a foul call on Turner, and the call was reversed in favour of the Pacers.
The Pacers made 15-of-42 3-pointers, while OKC made 8-of-30. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams combined for 37 points for the Thunder.
The Pacers' victory in Game 6 sets up a thrilling Game 7, which will determine the champions of the 2025 NBA Finals.
- Tyrese Haliburton, despite a strained right calf, offered significant contributions with 14 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals, spurring runs that put the Pacers ahead in Game 6.
- Indiana's balanced performance, particularly Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Obi Toppin's efforts, fostered their offensive dominance against the Thunder.
- Toppin's efficient shooting and 20 points led the Pacers' bench, outshining OKC's reserves in the series thus far.
- The Pacers' bench outscored OKC's reserves, 48-37, and played a pivotal role in turning the tide of Game 6, with Toppin and Andrew Nembhard's contributions being particularly impactful.
- The second quarter was instrumental in the Pacers' victory, as they outscored the Thunder, 36-17, to establish a substantial lead, courtesy of TJ McConnell’s back-to-back baskets and Nembhard's consecutive 3-pointers.
- With both teams' starters scoring in double-figures and Toppin leading the Pacers' bench, they clinched a hard-fought 108-91 win over the Thunder in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals, setting up a thrilling Game 7 to determine the champions.
