Going into Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, it seemed like the Indiana Pacers were about to go six feet under. But they responded in a resounding way, and they're now very much alive and kicking.
Facing elimination, they mauled the Oklahoma City Thunder, 108-91, and the contest wasn't even as close as the final score may suggest. They had six players score in double figures, and they held the Thunder, one of the league's most productive offensive teams, to just 41.9% shooting from the field.
Tyrese Haiburton, who shook off a calf injury to help lead the way, embraced Pacers legend Reggie Miller following the victory. The two teams will now battle in Game 7 on Sunday for the world championship.
Fans reacted on X.
"One more game," one user wrote.
"PACERS ROYALTY ð," another user wrote.
"Pacers winning the Championship ð¥," another fan wrote.
"Legends are part of the history ð¥," wrote a fourth user.
"Suit up Reggie," a fifth user wrote.
"There it is! Cinderella story!" another fan wrote.
Coming into this series, the Thunder were heavily favored. But the Pacers entered following a string of improbable victories over seemingly more talented teams.
They upset the Cleveland Cavaliers, who finished first in the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 record, in the second round of the playoffs. Indiana stole the first two games of that series on the road and made a mockery of the Cavs in five games.
It then yanked Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals from the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden and took that series in six contests.
Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
On Thursday, the team got back to its running game, which produced 22 fast-break points and forced 21 Thunder turnovers. Turnovers have been a significant story for both teams in this series, and both teams have played very impressive defense while maintaining a brisk pace.
All throughout the playoffs, Indiana has overcome sizable deficits late in games to score surprising wins, including in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. It has shown tremendous resolve and grit, and now it has the opportunity to win it all.