Indiana Pacers Force Deciding Game in NBA Finals with Dominant Win Over Thunder

The Indiana Pacers have brought the NBA Finals series to a tie, claiming a convincing 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6, which took place in Indianapolis. This marks the first time since 2016 that the series will head to a decisive Game 7, scheduled to be played in Oklahoma City on Monday morning (AEST).

Throughout the game, Indiana took control early on, building a lead in the first quarter and maintaining it without looking back. Obi Toppin made a significant impact off the bench, contributing 20 points, while Andrew Nembhard added 17 points and Pascal Siakam recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. This win pushes the Pacers one step closer to achieving their first-ever NBA championship.

On the opposing side, the Thunder's league MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, managed to score 21 points but struggled with eight turnovers, marking the worst performance of his playoff career in this aspect. Jalen Williams, who had a standout game in the previous match with 40 points, found it more challenging this time, finishing with only 16 points. With a significant deficit heading into the final quarter, Oklahoma City’s coach Mark Daigneault decided to rest his starting players, preparing them for the crucial Game 7 showdown.

During Game 6, the Thunder faced difficulties, hitting only 8 of their 30 attempts (26.7 percent) from three-point range, including a disappointing 1 of 11 in the first half. This game represented their lowest scoring total of the season, a stark contrast to their previous low of 92 points against the Denver Nuggets. Among the spectators at the game were several former Indiana stars, including Hall of Famer Reggie Miller, Ron Artest, and Lance Stephenson. The outcome of this game sets the stage for the finals' first decisive match in nearly a decade, reminiscent of the memorable comeback by LeBron James and the Cavaliers against the Warriors.