INDIANAPOLIS — In a thrilling contest that showcased the grit and determination of the Indiana Pacers, guard Tyrese Haliburton played a pivotal role in denying the Oklahoma City Thunder their first opportunity to secure the NBA Championship. Battling through a right calf strain that severely limited his mobility, Haliburton led the Pacers to a decisive 108-91 victory over the Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday night. This win pushes the NBA Finals to a Game 7 for the first time since 2016, with the Thunder set to host the crucial winner-take-all finale on Sunday night.
Haliburton entered Game 6 after a disappointing performance in Game 5, where he managed only four points and failed to make a single shot. The stakes were high, and the pressure was palpable as the Pacers struggled early, missing their first eight attempts and quickly falling into a 10-2 deficit. However, after an early timeout, the Pacers regrouped, erasing the Thunder’s lead in a matter of minutes.
Despite his injury, Haliburton showcased his resilience, finishing the game with 14 points and five assists in just 23 minutes of play. He ignited the Pacers' offense in the second quarter, contributing significantly to a commanding 64-42 halftime lead. His electrifying plays included a steal that set up a three-pointer for Aaron Nesmith, followed by a three-pointer of his own and a crafty left-handed runner in the paint. Just before halftime, Haliburton snatched another steal and executed a no-look pass to Pascal Siakam for a transition dunk.
“Energy plays are important in the game of basketball,” Haliburton stated after the game. “That’s a special moment, especially because we are always getting on Pascal for not dunking anymore. If we are fortunate enough to win this thing, I think that play will be remembered for a long time.” Siakam had a notable performance as well, contributing 16 points and 13 rebounds, capping off the Pacers' impressive second-quarter run with a turnaround jumper at the halftime buzzer.
On the other side, the Thunder struggled offensively, with stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams combining for 31 points in the first half, while the rest of the team mustered only 11 points on a dismal 5-for-18 shooting. Gilgeous-Alexander's performance was hampered by an uncharacteristic eight turnovers, a playoff career-high, which he acknowledged was a critical factor in the Thunder's defeat.
“The thought of winning a championship was definitely in the back of our minds,” Gilgeous-Alexander said post-game. “Now, we didn’t play like it at all. We got exactly what we deserved and what we earned. We have to own that.” The Thunder's inability to score in the first five minutes of the third quarter further sealed their fate, allowing the Pacers to extend their lead to 31 points. Coach Mark Daigneault ultimately opted to rest his starters in the fourth quarter, recognizing that the game was beyond recovery.
Haliburton's courageous performance came amid uncertainty regarding his availability, with Coach Rick Carlisle initially noncommittal about his status. In the days leading up to the game, Haliburton underwent comprehensive treatment that included an MRI and various recovery techniques. Despite advice from commentators suggesting he should sit out, Haliburton insisted on playing, pledging that he would take the court as long as he could walk.
“I have a lot of trust in our medical staff and our organization to make the right decision,” Haliburton expressed. “I’m trying to do my best to make the right choice for my body.” His determination to compete resonated with his teammates, particularly forward Obi Toppin, who praised Haliburton's leadership and resilience, stating, “He’s a soldier. He’s not going to let a little injury hold him back from playing in the Finals.”
Looking ahead, the Thunder will return to Paycom Center, where they boasted a league-best record of 39-6 during the regular season and a solid 10-2 in the postseason. Despite the disappointing loss in Game 6, the Thunder has historically bounced back well after defeats, entering Game 7 with an impressive 18-2 record following a loss.
“As disappointing as tonight was, we’re grateful for the opportunity,” Coach Daigneault remarked. “We put in a lot of work this season to be able to play that game at home.” With everything on the line, the stakes for Game 7 are monumental. “One game,” Carlisle reiterated. “This is what you dream about growing up. We have to play at such a high level to have a chance. This will be a monumental challenge.”
