The Indiana Pacers have forced a Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals after a commanding 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6. Facing elimination on their home court, the Pacers delivered a performance fueled by resilience and determination, sending the series back to Oklahoma City for a winner-take-all showdown.

The Pacers' victory was a comprehensive team effort, with Obi Toppin leading the charge with 20 points. Andrew Nembhard contributed 17 points, while the entire team displayed a defensive intensity that stifled the Thunder's high-powered offense. After Tyrese Haliburton went down in game 5, T.J. McConnell stepped up to score 18 points. Haliburton, despite battling a strained calf that visibly hampered him in Game 5, was cleared to play before Game 6, providing a significant boost to the Pacers' morale and offensive firepower, scoring 12 points in the first half.

The Thunder, who entered the game with a 3-2 series lead and the opportunity to clinch their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City, struggled to find their rhythm. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a favorite to win the NBA Finals MVP award, was limited compared to his usual output, and the Thunder's supporting cast failed to provide the necessary offensive contributions. Jalen Williams, who had a playoff career-high of 40 points in Game 5, was also contained by the Pacers' defense.

The Pacers established their dominance early, taking a commanding lead in the first half. Their defensive pressure disrupted the Thunder's offensive sets, forcing turnovers and contested shots. On the offensive end, the Pacers moved the ball effectively, finding open looks and capitalizing on their scoring opportunities. The second quarter was particularly decisive, as the Pacers outscored the Thunder by a significant margin, setting the tone for the rest of the game. At one point the Pacers led by as much as 22 points.

The Thunder attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, but the Pacers responded to every challenge. Each time the Thunder seemed poised to cut into the lead, the Pacers would answer with a timely basket or a defensive stop, maintaining their comfortable margin. The Pacers' resilience and composure were evident as they closed out the game, securing the victory and extending the series to a decisive Game 7.

This marks the first time in this series that either side has had the chance to end it. This is also the first time that the Pacers have avoided losing consecutive games this post season.

Now, the series shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 7, where the Thunder will have home-court advantage. Gilgeous-Alexander will be looking to become the first player since Stephen Curry in 2015 to win both the regular season MVP award and the NBA championship in the same season. The Thunder are aiming for their first championship since 1979, when they were known as the Seattle SuperSonics. For the Pacers, they have never won an NBA championship, though they secured three ABA titles in the 1970s.

The stage is set for an epic conclusion to the 2025 NBA Finals, with both teams battling for their place in history.