The Indiana Pacers extended their season with authority Thursday night, dismantling the Oklahoma City Thunder, 108-91, in Game 6 to force the first NBA Finals Game 7 since 2016.
Facing elimination and questions about Tyrese Haliburton’s health, Indiana stormed back behind balanced scoring, suffocating defense, and an explosive second quarter that flipped the game — and the series — on its head.
Haliburton, playing through a calf injury, delivered 14 points in 23 minutes as the Pacers outscored the Thunder by 24 when he was on the floor. Obi Toppin led all Pacers scorers with 20 points off the bench, and Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam sparked a 22-point swing late in the first half that sent Gainbridge Fieldhouse into a frenzy.
BILLS GAME WEEK: Buffalo heads to Los Angeles for Monday Night Football matchup with Rams (preview) The Thunder, who committed 22 turnovers and shot 1-of-16 from three early, never recovered. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 21 points and eight turnovers in a frustrating night for Oklahoma City.
History favors the hosts — road teams are just 4-15 all-time in NBA Finals Game 7s.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.