Pacers Dominate at Home, NBA Finals Headed to Decisive Game Seven in OKC
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 in Game Six at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Behind Eastern Conference Finals MVP Pascal Siakam’s double-double and the team’s 54 bench points, Indiana dominated after a slow start. Questions about star guard Tyrese Haliburton’s health were quickly answered, showing no signs of discomfort in his right calf, and he spearheaded the Pacers’ electric offense. The Oklahoma City Thunder struggled shooting the entire night, going just 26% from three.
Pacers Fight Back After Slow Start
The Oklahoma City Thunder started Game Six off on a 10–2 run and appeared to have the edge early. However, Indiana responded in their first elimination game of these playoffs. With a 24–7 run over the next five minutes, the Pacers held a 26–17 lead late in the first. After missing their first eight field goals, Indiana made their next six during their massive run. Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard answered the call for Indiana, combining for 15 points in the first quarter. OKC bounced back late in the first, cutting the lead to 28–25 heading into the second. Reserve T.J. McConnell continued his second-quarter spurts, impacting the game on both ends of the floor with eight quick points. After the 9:28 mark, Indiana went on a 19–4 run to extend their lead to 16 points. A Tyrese Haliburton 360-pass, a Pascal Siakam poster dunk, and Siakam buzzer-beater closed out a strong half with a 64–42 lead. OKC had just 11 combined points outside of stars Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander while committing 12 first-half turnovers.
Pacers Slam Door Shut with Second-Half Rout
Both teams opened the second half slowly, with neither scoring a point in the first four minutes. Indiana went on a quick 6–0 run to give them a 70–42 lead before OKC responded with a 15–5 run led by Isaiah Hartenstein’s six points to cut the lead to 18. However, Indiana answered with a 15–3 run of their own to restore a 90–60 lead as they approached the fourth quarter. The Thunder waved the white flag and prepared for Game Seven early, as they began the fourth with all starters on the bench. Indiana’s starters would remain in the game for a few minutes to ensure a safe lead before both teams’ reserves would see out the 108-91 final score.
Indiana Pushes Finals to Win-or-Go-Home Game Seven
The Pacers have forced a Game Seven on Sunday night and have pushed the finals to a seventh game for the first time since 2016. This one is special, considering the fact that both teams have never won an NBA championship in their franchises’ history. Indiana will head into Game Seven confident after their dominant Game Six victory, while Oklahoma City needs the Paycom Center to be electric in order to bounce back. With the final game of the NBA season approaching, Game Seven is the fitting finale for an unforgettable NBA Finals.
