Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
The Indiana Pacers staved off elimination Thursday night with a commanding 108-91 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Behind a full-team effort and a roaring home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Pacers forced a decisive Game 7 on Sunday in Oklahoma City.
Obi Toppin led the way off the bench with 20 points, one of six Pacers in double figures. Indiana’s second unit overwhelmed OKC, outscoring them 31-6 through three quarters. T.J. McConnell added 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals to fuel the charge.
After falling behind 10-2 early, the Pacers outscored the Thunder 62-32 the rest of the half, building their first 20-point lead of the series. Tyrese Haliburton, returning from a calf strain, posted 14 points and 5 assists in just 23 minutes, finishing with a game-high +25.
The Pacers played with urgency but not recklessness, committing only 10 turnovers while holding OKC to its lowest point total of the season. Indiana’s defensive pressure and balanced attack helped avoid elimination for the first time this postseason.
“We didn’t want to see these guys celebrate a championship on our home floor … It’s a one-game series now,” Haliburton said postgame.
This marks the 20th Game 7 in NBA Finals history and the first since 2016. The Pacers will now head to OKC with one shot at the franchise’s first title.