Just three minutes into the pivotal Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers’ head coach Rick Carlisle made a decisive move by calling a timeout. With the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams having just delivered a powerful dunk, the Pacers found themselves trailing, 8-2.
Initially, it appeared as though the Thunder were on the verge of securing their long-awaited championship, despite the raucous atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers struggled, missing their first six shots, a trend that would eventually extend to eight misses.
However, a turning point arrived when Pascal Siakam connected on a jumper from the free-throw line and followed it up with a spectacular and-one layup. Andrew Nembhard then electrified the crowd with consecutive three-pointers. Just like that, the Pacers not only erased the Thunder’s lead but surged ahead, showcasing a commanding performance rather than a back-and-forth matchup.
Instead of Oklahoma City reveling in a potential championship, the night transformed into a celebration of the Pacers’ resilience, as they once again defied all odds in this postseason.
Employing their trademark team effort, the Pacers thrived as they had throughout the playoffs. Tyrese Haliburton, despite battling a calf strain, was one of six players scoring in double figures after a previous miss during Game 5. Indiana saw seven players nail at least one three-pointer and made history by being the first team ever to have eight players score over 200 points in a single postseason, emphasizing their multifaceted offense that makes them hard to beat.
The Thunder, on the other hand, faced a dismal performance in their first Finals closeout game. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled with eight turnovers, as only three players exceeded double digits in scoring. The Pacers outmaneuvered the Thunder in shot attempts, culminating in an impressive 18-shot advantage.
This series will now head back to Oklahoma City for the first NBA Finals Game 7 since 2016, reminiscent of the epic clash between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors at Oakland’s Oracle Arena.
That memorable game cemented LeBron James’ legacy, delivering Cleveland its first championship after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit. As the 48 minutes of Sunday’s matchup loom, either the Thunder or Pacers will finally hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time. — Tim Bontemps
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2:32
Pacers overwhelm Thunder, setting up Game 7 showdown
Indiana’s commanding 108-91 victory forces a decisive Game 7 in the NBA Finals.
Haliburton and McConnell Rise to the Occasion
Facing elimination, the Pacers executed near perfection across the board. They controlled the turnover battle, dictated tempo, and forced the Thunder’s offense into isolation plays, thriving at the three-point line. Haliburton shone despite a calf strain, tallying 14 points, five assists, and two steals, while T.J. McConnell energised the team with 12 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Dismissing the Pacers as underdogs has proven perilous, marking their 10th win as such in this postseason, tied for the most in the last 35 years.
— Jamal Collier
Turnovers Plague Thunder’s Night
From poor decision-making to missed opportunities, the Thunder were outmatched on several fronts. With a chance to clinch the title, they lost control in almost every area. By the start of the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City’s starting lineup was already resting, reflecting their subpar performance. A shocking highlight of this loss was their turnover ratio; the Pacers led 12-2 at halftime, drastically reversing the Thunder’s previous playoff dominance in that statistic.
— Tim MacMahon
Anticipating Game 7
It’s a cliché that resonates: “Game 7” conjures excitement, especially in the NBA Finals, where only three such games have occurred in the past 20 years, all dramatic contests filled with anxiety and suspense. Indiana hopes to replicate the thrilling upset from 2016, where a Central Division underdog claimed victory against a historically strong Western Conference team on the road. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City aspires for consistency after an emotionally taxing series against Denver, looking to rewrite their narrative after overcoming hurdles and seizing back control at home.
While the Thunder have a solid home playoff record, the Pacers bring their own steady performance on the road. As pressure mounts, only time will tell what drama Sunday’s game will unfold. Expect fireworks in this decisive clash.
— Zach Kram
0:23
Jalen Williams Breaks 40-point Barrier
Jalen Williams surpasses 40 points with this stunning shot from mid-range.
It felt like déjà vu for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Just a week prior, they found themselves in a similar position during Game 1 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center, nearly losing after dominating the majority of the game, only to be thwarted by another clutch moment from Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton.
As they faced the chance to move within one win of their first NBA championship, the Thunder held a double-digit lead again in Game 5, leading by as many as 18 points. Yet, they only led by two points as the game drew near its climactic finale after a significant three-pointer from the Pacers’ Pascal Siakam.
This time, however, Oklahoma City snapped into action. The Thunder executed a defensive clampdown that has become their signature, paralleled by remarkable plays from Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder ultimately broke free, achieving a 120-109 victory over the Pacers to take a 3-2 series lead.
This decisive victory was characterized by the intense defensive efforts that have solidified the Thunder as one of the great teams this season. They turned the Pacers’ offense into chaos, forcing multiple turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities. Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander shone again, each making vital shots in the game’s closing stages.
In contrast, Haliburton faced frustration; burdened by a calf injury, he was unable to capitalize, contributing to Indiana’s staggering total of 22 turnovers that generated 32 points for Oklahoma City. Even at the three-point line, the Thunder found success, outpacing the Pacers with 14 successful attempts compared to Indiana’s 11.
Over the first three matchups contested in Oklahoma City, the Thunder asserted their control, cumulatively leading for 141 of 144 minutes. This dominance seemed predestined, reflecting the advantages expected from a team that came in as heavy favorites. However, the tides could turn as the series continued in Indiana for Game 6. Haliburton’s health will be critical, and if Oklahoma City can continue their Game 5 performance, a trophy victory could be within reach.
— Tim Bontemps
Williams’ Stellar Performance Eclipses Expectations
Game 5 may be recalled as the moment Williams truly emerged as a superstar. Gaining third-team All-NBA and second-team All-Defense accolades in only his third season, questions about his status as a second scoring option for a championship team were definitively answered. Williams exploded for a playoff-career-high 40 points, including a critical 3-pointer that cemented a temporary Thunder lead as the game wound down. He posted an impressive shooting line of 14-for-25 from the field and added six rebounds, four assists, and a steal, showcasing his all-around talent.
Over three consecutive outings against the Pacers, Williams has recorded at least 25 points and five rebounds, a feat not accomplished by a player under 25 since Shaquille O’Neal in 1995, according to ESPN Research.
Alongside him, Gilgeous-Alexander racked up 31 points, 10 assists, and four blocks, solidifying his MVP credentials. Yet, on this night, it was Williams who shined brightly, helping the Thunder inch closer to their championship dream. — Tim MacMahon
Haliburton’s Struggles Stymie Pacers’ Attack
The Pacers desperately needed more from Haliburton, who re-entered the game in the second quarter wearing a leg wrap. He finished with a mere four points, tying his postseason low, failing to convert on six field-goal attempts. While he totaled six assists and seven rebounds, his inability to find scoring rhythm put Indiana at a distinct disadvantage. To overcome the Thunder, the Pacers will need their star player to rediscover his form in the pivotal upcoming games. — Jamal Collier
1:44
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander discusses the Thunder’s performance after Game 4.
SGA reflects on the Thunder’s strategies and adjustments following their Game 4 victory.
The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder have faced near elimination not once, but twice, in these playoffs. The first instance occurred during the Western Conference semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets when the Thunder rallied from an eight-point deficit to even the series. Now, they found themselves again in precarious waters, down by seven to the Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Yet, they showcased their determination, refusing to let this opportunity slip away.
Despite shooting poorly, with a dismal three-point record and more turnovers than assists, the Thunder managed to claw their way to victory once more. The frenetic plays and intensity that defined their season came into play, leading to another critical win, this time by a score of 120-109, ensuring they took a 3-2 lead in the Finals.
The four quarters revealed stark contrasts, with the Thunder managing to thrive on their ability to force turnovers and create scoring opportunities, a far cry from the Pacers, who struggled with missed shots and fouls.
As the series shifts to Indiana for Game 6, all eyes will be on the health of Haliburton and whether or not the cloud of turnovers and missed shots can subside for the Pacers. The stakes couldn’t be higher—every game brings them closer to their first championship.
— Tim Bontemps
Dynamic Duo: Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander Lead Thunder
Game 5 may evolve into a defining moment, establishing Williams as a true superstar. Amidst previous doubts surrounding his capability as a secondary scoring option, Williams rose to the occasion with a playoff-best 40 points. Coupled with Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance, the duo led the Thunder closer to their championship aspirations.
— Tim MacMahon
Pacers Must Rely on Haliburton’s Return to Form
For Indiana to continue its playoff surge, a formidable return from Haliburton is essential. After struggling on the court with limited scoring options in Game 5, Haliburton’s productivity will prove key to the Pacers’ hopes as they aim to reclaim control in Game 6.
— Jamal Collier
