INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time in nine years, the NBA Finals has reached a Game 7, setting the stage for the Indiana Pacers to potentially pull off one of the greatest upsets in championship history.
Pascal Siakam delivered a crucial double-double in a performance that underscored the stakes, while Tyrese Haliburton fought through a strained calf to lead the Pacers to a commanding 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6.
“This is what it’s all about,” said Rick Carlisle, head coach of the Pacers, who is seeking his second championship after leading the Dallas Mavericks to victory in 2011 as an underdog.
“To have the opportunity to play in a game like this is a great honor and privilege,” Carlisle continued, acknowledging the difficult atmosphere they will face in Oklahoma City for the decisive Game 7.
Typically, the Pacers are known for overcoming significant deficits, yet this time they were looking to climb out of a 3-2 series hole after dropping the previous two games.
With a win on Sunday, the Pacers would not only secure their first NBA championship but also become just the third team in history to win the title after entering the playoffs as a seed lower than No. 3.
Indiana was seeded fourth in the Eastern Conference when the playoffs commenced.
The two previous champions in similar positions were the 1969 Celtics (fourth seed) and the 1995 Rockets (sixth seed).
Going into the series, the Pacers had been labeled as the heaviest underdog in the Finals since 2004.
Game 7 is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern on Sunday in Oklahoma City, marking the first time the Finals have gone to a seventh game since the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in 2016.
Haliburton, who grew up as a fan of the Cavaliers and LeBron James, expressed excitement about reaching this pivotal moment.
“This opportunity is really exciting for me and our group,” Haliburton stated. “What’s happened in the past doesn’t matter, it’s all about one game. We’ve got to take care of our bodies and prepare well.”
Thursday’s Game 6 saw multiple players stepping up for the Pacers, showcasing a team effort.
Obi Toppin led the team with 20 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Andrew Nembhard contributed 17 points, along with four assists and three steals.
Siakam recorded 16 points and 13 rebounds, and his influence could potentially earn him the Finals MVP should the Pacers triumph on Sunday.
The Pacers’ bench outperformed their Thunder counterparts, with T.J. McConnell also making a noteworthy impact with 12 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
Toppin highlighted the team’s resilience and excitement about competing in a Game 7.
“There’s not a lot of Game 7s that happen,” Toppin remarked. “It’s a blessing to have this opportunity to play in one with this team.”
Haliburton rebounded from a lackluster Game 5 and an injury to score 14 points, compiling five assists and two steals in his 23 minutes on the court.
His shooting improved significantly, hitting 5 of 13 shots after an 0-of-6 outing in Game 5.
Haliburton was crucial to the Pacers, displaying determination to play despite the injury concerns.
“Haliburton is super important to our team,” Carlisle noted. “The drama surrounding his injury was more of a press concern than anything else. He didn’t seek attention, just focused on playing.”
In contrast, the Thunder had a disappointing performance when they had a chance to clinch their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 21 points but struggled with eight turnovers, indicating the team’s poor execution.
Despite Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein contributing with 16 and 10 points respectively, the Thunder could not find their rhythm, finishing with 21 turnovers compared to just 14 assists.
After falling behind by 30 points entering the fourth quarter, none of the Oklahoma City starters took the court in the final period.
“That was hard tonight; Indiana was great, and we were not,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault admitted.
Daigneault attempted to put a positive spin on the situation ahead of Game 7, recognizing it as an opportunity for both teams, stating, “Score will be 0-0 when the ball goes up in the air.”
Haliburton started Game 6 despite concerns regarding his calf. He not only played effectively but showcased his ability to contribute to the team’s momentum.
The Indiana crowd erupted as Haliburton sank a deep three-pointer from well beyond the arc, which solidified the Pacers’ lead.
His subsequent assist led to a dunk by Siakam, further extending Indiana’s dominance in the game.
The Pacers closed the first half in high spirits, leading 64-42, thanks to a stunning 36-17 blitz in the second quarter.
Throughout the first half, only Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams were consistent contributors for the Thunder.
The disparity became evident as Indiana capitalized on every opportunity while keeping their opponent at bay.
Speaking candidly about his team’s struggles, Holmgren stated, “There is no explanation, no excuse. We have to be better, top to bottom.”
Oklahoma City tried making adjustments by substituting Alex Caruso for Hartenstein in hopes of reviving their offensive output.
Their luck did not improve; the Thunder endured a long stretch without scoring early in the second half, amplifying the frustrations that plagued their night.
As the third quarter concluded, Indiana led 90-60, setting the stage for a final quarter of relief for both teams.
Historically, home teams have performed well in Game 7 situations, boasting a record of 15-4.
With the game location being Paycom Center, Oklahoma City has the advantage — they finished the season with 68 wins and secured the best overall record in the league.
However, a concerning statistic remains: the last home team to lose in a Game 7 of the Finals was the 1969 Lakers.
“You learn from tough nights like this,” Gilgeous-Alexander remarked. “We have one game left for everything we’ve worked for.”
Backup guards had significant impacts on Thursday night’s outcome.
McConnell, showing tenacity reminiscent of his undrafted days at Arizona, played with an unwavering intensity crucial to the Pacers’ success.
His defensive efforts helped ignite runs for Indiana, including a notable steal that directly led to a Toppin three-pointer.
Finishing with 12 points, six assists, and nine rebounds, McConnell once again proved why he is one of the most vital components of the Pacers’ rotation.
Nembhard, with a bounce-back performance, turned the tide for Indiana after facing criticism post Game 5.
He averaged 17 points on 5-of-7 shooting, alongside effective defensive plays against Oklahoma City’s MVP.
The matchup between the two teams for the upcoming Game 7 marks an exciting chapter in Pacers history.
Having emerged victorious in their last Game 7 during the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, the Pacers carry both optimistic energy and historical weight into Sunday.
Despite being 4-6 all-time in Game 7 performances, the franchise is poised to rewrite its history against the formidable Thunder.
Siakam, while not the leading scorer in Game 6, delivered in moments that mattered most, securing a double-double at a crucial time.
With experience from his time as a champion with the Raptors, Siakam’s leadership will be instrumental in the next game.
He reflected on the potential to cement his legacy by helping the Pacers achieve the unimaginable.
As both teams prepare to clash for the championship, fans are left eagerly anticipating a showdown that promises to be thrilling on every level.
The Pacers, with their underdog spirit and drive, are determined to seize the moment and make history in Game 7, while the Thunder are out to reclaim the momentum and fulfill their championship aspirations.
image source from：nytimes
