Indiana Turns the Tables with Big Game 6 Win
You probably wouldn’t have guessed the Indiana Pacers would turn the 2025 NBA Finals on its head. They walked into Game 6 staring down elimination—and left the court with a thumping 108-91 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, forcing everything to hinge on one wild Game 7. The Pacers were all energy, all night.
Indiana came out swinging from tip-off, suffocating the Thunder’s scorers and jumping to a fast double-digit lead. It started with relentless pressure on Oklahoma City’s guards. T.J. McConnell, always overlooked, was everywhere. He hounded the ball, created extra possessions, and hit timely buckets whenever the Thunder tried to claw back. Tyrese Haliburton turned sharpshooter, nailing deep threes and stretching OKC’s defense thin.
On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—usually the Thunder’s go-to answer—simply couldn’t get his groove. The Pacers sent help every time SGA crossed halfcourt, forcing tough passes and awkward jumpers. It seemed like every time the Thunder tried to hit their stride, Indiana would poke the ball loose or force a rushed shot.
Bench Steps Up, Thunder’s Offense Fizzles
Indiana’s depth became their biggest asset. With the crowd roaring, it wasn’t just the starters doing damage. Guys like Daniel Theis and Oshae Brissett gave Oklahoma City fits off the bench. Jalen Smith and Isaiah Joe snatched rebounds and got hands in passing lanes, playing like the moment was theirs. It turned a close game into a rout well before the final buzzer.
The Thunder’s issues ran deeper than just missed shots. Their defense looked flat—nobody rotated out to shooters, and drives to the rim went unchallenged. Pacers wings zipped around screens with nearly no resistance. The Thunder tried going smaller at times, hoping for a scoring burst, but it never came. Indiana’s bench just kept adding fuel to the fire.
Come the third and fourth quarters, Oklahoma City’s body language said it all. They struggled in half-court sets, turned the ball over in key spots, and couldn’t muster the intensity needed with a championship on the line. SGA did what he could, but Indiana’s swarming hands always seemed to show up in his peripheral.
Game 7 is now the only thing that stands between both teams and a ring. Pacers fans smell blood in the water after this stunning Game 6. It’s been a rollercoaster, and if you’re a basketball fan, you couldn't ask for a better finish.
Vusumuzi Moyo
I am a journalist specializing in daily news coverage with a keen focus on developments across Africa. My work involves analyzing political, economic, and cultural trends to bring insightful stories to my readers. I strive to present news in a concise and accessible manner, aiming to inform and educate through my articles.
9 Comments
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Rucha Patel
June 27, 2025 AT 07:53Honestly the Thunder deserved this loss; they never had a chance once the Pacers got going.
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Kajal Deokar
July 3, 2025 AT 19:26What a remarkable turnaround for Indiana, illustrating the profound impact of collective resolve and strategic execution.
From the opening tip, the Pacers demonstrated a disciplined defensive philosophy, applying relentless pressure that forced the Thunder into uncharacteristic errors.
Their transition game was a masterclass in spacing and ball movement, allowing sharpshooters like Haliburton to exploit open lanes.
Equally impressive was the depth of their bench, where contributors such as Theis and Brissett provided both scoring bursts and defensive stability.
Such contributions underscore the importance of roster versatility in a championship series.
The Thunder, by contrast, seemed to lack cohesion, with their defensive rotations appearing fragmented and their offensive sets stagnating.
SGA’s usual brilliance was muted, a testament to the Pacers’ suffocating schemes that limited his preferred routes.
The psychological momentum shift cannot be overstated; the Pacers entered Game 7 with palpable confidence, while the Thunder faced an existential question of resilience.
Statistics corroborate this narrative, as Indiana’s effective field‑goal percentage surged above 55 % while Oklahoma City fell below 40 % in the latter stages.
Moreover, the turnover differential swung dramatically, granting the Pacers additional possessions that translated into easy buckets.
Coach Hawkins’ adjustments at halftime, particularly the emphasis on aggressive closeouts, proved pivotal in maintaining the lead.
The crowd’s energy amplified the home‑court advantage, fostering an environment where every defensive stop was celebrated.
In the broader context of NBA history, this performance aligns with classic comeback victories that redefine series trajectories.
It also serves as a reminder that in elite competition, depth, discipline, and adaptability often outweigh singular star power.
Looking ahead to Game 7, the Pacers will aim to replicate this intensity, while the Thunder must rediscover their offensive rhythm to stay alive. -
Dr Chytra V Anand
July 10, 2025 AT 07:00The way Indiana leveraged its bench depth really showcases the value of having multiple playmakers who can adapt on the fly. Their rotations kept the pressure constant and forced Oklahoma City into uncomfortable positions.
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Deepak Mittal
July 16, 2025 AT 18:33It’s clear the officiating crew had a hidden agenda; the calls in the third quarter were suspiciously one‑sided, almost as if the league wanted to push a narrative of an underdog triumph.
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Neetu Neetu
July 23, 2025 AT 06:06Wow, the Pacers just turned the series into a meme 😂
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Jitendra Singh
July 29, 2025 AT 17:40Indeed, the statistical anomalies observed-particularly the unexpected spike in fast‑break points-underscore a paradigm shift, a clear indicator that traditional defensive metrics may need recalibration, especially in high‑stakes finals contexts.
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priya sharma
August 5, 2025 AT 05:13The Pacers’ defensive efficiency rating surged past 115, highlighting a strategic emphasis on perimetric pressure and contested three‑point attempts, thereby limiting the Thunder’s spacing efficiency dramatically.
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Ankit Maurya
August 11, 2025 AT 16:46India’s basketball fans will be cheering louder than ever now-maybe one day we’ll see an Indian team win the NBA Finals!
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Ashwin Ramteke
June 20, 2025 AT 20:03That run by the Pacers was insane, love the hustle!