MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did what to make the Pacers crush the Thunder in game 6?

Indiana Pacers refused to let Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate on their floor. In a commanding performance, the Eastern Conference champions defeated the Thunder 108-91 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, forcing a dramatic Game 7 showdown in Oklahoma City on Sunday.

With Tyrese Haliburton overcoming injury to make a surprise appearance, and Indiana’s bench delivering a decisive blow, the Pacers extended their title hopes and set the stage for one of the most anticipated final games in recent NBA history.

Tyrese Haliburton Shocks Fans by Starting Game 6

In a bold pregame twist, Tyrese Haliburton, listed as questionable due to a nagging right calf injury, was cleared to play just hours before tipoff. Fans braced for a limited appearance, but the All-Star guard delivered far more.

Haliburton scored 14 points, added five assists, grabbed two steals, and even hit a key three-pointer during Indiana’s explosive second-quarter run. He looked confident, mobile, and mentally locked in, despite clearly not being at 100%.

“We just wanted to protect home court,” Haliburton told reporters after the game. “Backs against the wall, we just responded. So many different guys chipped in, total team effort. I’m really proud of this group.”

Obi Toppin and the Indiana Bench Dominate

While Haliburton’s return was the headline, it was the Pacers’ bench that turned Game 6 into a blowout.

Obi Toppin led all Indiana scorers with 20 points, hitting from deep and attacking the paint with energy. The Pacers’ bench outscored Oklahoma City’s reserves 48-37, delivering a momentum shift the Thunder never recovered from.

Andrew Nembhard was again spectacular, scoring 17 points while orchestrating Indiana’s offense. Pascal Siakam, the veteran forward acquired midseason, delivered a monster double-double: 16 points and 13 rebounds, including a stunning turnaround jumper to close out the first half.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Struggles in MVP Performance

After carrying the Thunder throughout the postseason, NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finally had an off night.

Though he scored 21 points, Gilgeous-Alexander was plagued by eight turnovers and hit zero three-pointers. His frustration showed throughout the second half, as Indiana’s defense forced him into difficult looks and double teams.

“He looked rushed and fatigued,” one analyst said during the broadcast. “Indiana’s pressure clearly got to him.”

Jalen Williams, who dropped 40 points in Game 5, missed all four of his three-point attempts and ended with just 16 points. The Thunder’s offensive engine sputtered early and never recovered.

Thunder Bench Falls Silent, Starters Pulled Early

By the end of the third quarter, it was clear this was not Oklahoma City’s night.

Down 30 points, head coach Mark Daigneault pulled his starters to preserve energy for Game 7. It marked a rare early concession in a Finals matchup—an acknowledgment that Game 6 was firmly out of reach.

The Thunder, who won an NBA-best 68 regular season games, suddenly face the pressure of hosting a do-or-die game on home court—something they haven’t done since the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook era.

The First NBA Finals Game 7 Since 2016

With Indiana’s victory, NBA fans now await the first Finals Game 7 since the legendary 2016 showdown between the Cavaliers and Warriors.

For the Thunder, it’s a shot at their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. Their last title came in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics.

For the Pacers, the stakes are even greater. This franchise has never won an NBA title. Their last championships came in the ABA days (1970, 1972, 1973) before the ABA-NBA merger.

The tension couldn’t be higher.

How Game 6 Played Out: A Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Early Thunder Spark Fizzles

Oklahoma City jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead as Indiana missed their first eight shots. Fans held their breath, expecting a blowout.

Then, everything changed.

A Nembhard three-pointer gave Indiana the lead midway through the quarter, and the Pacers closed on a 21-10 run. They ended the first quarter up 26-23 and never looked back.

Second Quarter: Pacers Flip the Switch

The second quarter was pure domination. Indiana outscored the Thunder 38-19, with Haliburton’s steal and no-look pass to Siakam providing a highlight-reel moment. Haliburton’s lone three-pointer also came in this stretch, as Indiana’s energy, execution, and confidence soared.

At halftime, the Pacers led 64-42.

Third Quarter: Thunder Collapse

The third quarter saw Indiana’s lead balloon to 31 points, fueled by relentless defense and fast-break points. Siakam continued to bully OKC’s frontcourt, and Toppin lit up the arena with high-flying dunks.

OKC committed 21 total turnovers, many in this period, sealing their fate.

Fourth Quarter: Garbage Time and Reflection

With starters benched, the fourth quarter became a countdown. The Thunder’s crowd in attendance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse fell silent. Indiana’s fans roared, sensing a Game 7 was inevitable.

Haliburton’s Courage Inspires

Haliburton had limped through Game 5 and was barely able to move postgame. Most assumed he would be unavailable or heavily restricted for Game 6.

Instead, he played 31 minutes, controlled the tempo, and inspired his team.

“I wasn’t going to let pain stop me tonight,” he said. “This city, this team—they deserve everything I’ve got.”

His emotional leadership and resilience might have changed the narrative of the Finals.

Game 7: Everything on the Line

Sunday’s Game 7 in Oklahoma City promises fireworks. Both teams are evenly matched, but momentum now belongs to Indiana.

“You know, we’ve got one game,” Haliburton said postgame. “All cards on the table. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Keys to watch:

• Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bounce back under pressure?

• Will Haliburton’s calf hold up after an intense Game 6?

• Can Indiana’s bench continue its dominance on the road?

Legacy at Stake

For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a title would cement his MVP season as one of the great modern playoff runs.

For Tyrese Haliburton, a win would be a career-defining moment—an underdog star leading a title-less franchise to the mountaintop while playing through pain.

For both franchises, it would mark a new era. The Thunder’s young core looks ready for sustained greatness, while the Pacers’ unexpected Finals journey could shift the balance of power in the East.

Final Thoughts

Game 6 was more than a victory—it was a declaration. The Indiana Pacers are not going quietly. With heart, hustle, and belief, they’ve turned the 2025 NBA Finals into a series for the ages.

And now, with one game left, everything is on the line.