NBA Finals: Indiana Pacers dominate Oklahoma City Thunder to force first Game 7 finale since 2016

Indiana Pacers Dominate Thunder in Game 6 Blowout to Force Decisive Game 7 in 2025 NBA Finals

The Indiana Pacers delivered a commanding performance in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals, crushing the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 to extend the series to a decisive Game 7. With their backs against the wall, the Pacers rose to the occasion in front of a raucous home crowd, refusing to let the Thunder celebrate a championship on their floor. Now, for the first time since 2016, the NBA Finals will be decided in a thrilling Game 7, scheduled for Sunday night in Oklahoma City.

Obi Toppin led the way with 20 points off the bench, energizing the team with his athleticism and hustle. Andrew Nembhard added 17 points, continuing his breakout postseason run, while Tyrese Haliburton battled through a strained calf to contribute 14 points and provide key leadership on both ends of the court. It was a total team effort, as Indiana overwhelmed Oklahoma City with relentless pace, smart ball movement, and stifling defense.

“We just wanted to protect our home court,” Haliburton said after the game. “There was no way we were going to watch them celebrate a title here. With our season on the line, everybody stepped up. It was all about heart, effort, and trust.”

Game 6 was a reflection of Indiana’s roller-coaster season. The Pacers opened the year with 15 losses in their first 25 games and were largely counted out by critics. But they steadily found their rhythm, grinding through adversity and building resilience that has carried them through the postseason. Indiana has now come back from double-digit deficits five times during these playoffs—testament to the team’s grit and belief in one another.

On Thursday night, they took control with a dominant 64-42 run after halftime and never let the Thunder back into the contest. Oklahoma City, which had previously staged an epic comeback in the Western Conference Finals after a 45-point loss to Minnesota, now finds itself needing to summon that same resilience again.

The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams throughout the series, struggled to find offensive rhythm in Game 6 and were unable to match Indiana’s energy. It marked their second-largest defeat of the season—both occurring during the playoffs.

As the basketball world turns its eyes to Game 7, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Indiana, it’s a chance to complete an improbable journey from early-season underdogs to NBA champions. For Oklahoma City, it’s an opportunity to prove they can respond under pressure and finish what they started. One game, one winner, one champion—Sunday night promises to be an epic finale to a memorable NBA Finals.