The 2024 NBA Finals will go the distance for the first time since 2016 after the Indiana Pacers produced a dominant 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6, levelling the series at 3-3.
With their season on the line, the Pacers delivered a spirited all-round performance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Obi Toppin led the charge off the bench with 20 points, while the return of Tyrese Haliburton—who had missed Game 5 with a calf issue—proved crucial. The All-Star guard contributed 14 points, five assists, and two steals in just 22 minutes after passing a late fitness test.
“We just wanted to protect our court,” Haliburton said post-game. “We didn’t want to see those guys celebrate a championship on our home floor. Backs against the wall, we just responded. So many different guys chipped in. It was a whole team effort. I’m really proud of this group.”
The Pacers capitalised on a slow start from the Thunder, who missed their first eight shots and quickly found themselves trailing by eight. Despite 21 points from league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City never fully recovered from their early slump.
“Credit Indiana,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. “They earned the win. They outplayed us for most of the 48 minutes. They went out there and attacked the game.”
Game 7, set for Monday in Oklahoma City, will be the 20th time the NBA Finals have been decided by a winner-takes-all clash. History favours the hosts—home teams have won 15 of the previous 19 Game 7s.
The Thunder will look to claim their first title since 1979, while Indiana are bidding for their first NBA championship in franchise history. With everything on the line, Monday promises to be an unforgettable night in Oklahoma.