Facing elimination and with their All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton still hampered by a nagging calf strain, Indiana delivered a statement win in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, overwhelming the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91.

The victory, fueled by a balanced attack and gritty defense, forces a winner-take-all Game 7 for the NBA championship Sunday night in Oklahoma City.

Indiana’s effort overcomes adversity

Indiana’s Game 6 triumph was a showcase of depth and resilience. With Haliburton still clearly not at full strength—he played just 23 minutes but contributed 14 points, five assists, and two steals—the Pacers leaned on their supporting cast.

Obi Toppin provided a massive spark off the bench, leading all scorers with 20 points and energizing the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd. Andrew Nembhard stepped up with 17 points and three steals, while Pascal Siakam delivered a crucial double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds).

The Pacers’ bench outscored Oklahoma City’s reserves 43-24, and Indiana’s defense suffocated the Thunder’s high-powered offense. OKC, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, was held to just 24% shooting from three and trailed by as many as 30 points in the second half.

The Thunder’s starters were pulled early in the fourth quarter, a rare sight for a team that had dominated much of the postseason.

Haliburton’s grit and leadership

Haliburton’s decision to play through his calf injury has become a rallying point for the Pacers. Despite medical advice and visible discomfort, he insisted on suiting up for this must-win game. 

“We didn’t want to see them celebrate a championship on our home floor,” Haliburton told reporters postgame. “With our backs against the wall, we just responded. Different guys stepped up. It was a complete team effort.”

The Pacers’ star guard admitted his calf is still not 100%, but he remains optimistic about his availability for Game 7. “I’ve got a couple days now to take care of it and get it right. We’ve got one game, all the cards on the table. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Haliburton said in his postgame interview.

Winner-take-all showdown awaits

Sunday’s Game 7 will be just the 20th NBA Finals Game 7 in league history and the first since 2016. The Thunder, who won 68 games in the regular season and have looked like title favorites, now face the ultimate pressure test at home.

Meanwhile, the Pacers, riding the momentum of their Game 6 blowout and buoyed by Haliburton’s courage, believe they can complete their improbable run.

Indiana’s resilience, depth, and collective belief have set the stage for a dramatic NBA Finals conclusion. As Haliburton put it, “We have a lot of faith in this group… What more can you ask for?”

On Sunday night, the basketball world will get its answer, with the Larry O’Brien Trophy—and a place in history—hanging in the balance.