NBA Finals Game 6 results, highlights: Pacers throttle Thunder to force Game 7
With their season on the brink, the Indiana Pacers responded.
They swarmed on defense, harassing the Oklahoma City Thunder along the perimeter. They whipped the ball around the floor and got contributions up and down the rotation. They did not relent and poured it on until the very end.
The Pacers forced a Game 7 with their 108-91 victory Thursday, June 19, dominating the Thunder from midway through the first quarter through the final whistle.
The Thunder opened the game with a 10-2 lead after the Pacers missed their first eight shots. From that moment until the end of the third quarter – when the Thunder pulled their starters – Indiana outscored Oklahoma City 88-50. The Pacers were led by a balanced attack that included six players in double figures in scoring.
Forward Obi Toppin led all Pacers players with 20 points, though guard Andrew Nembhard led the starters with 17.
The Pacers forced the Thunder into 21 turnovers, which led to 19 points. Compare that to the way Indiana protected the ball, as the Pacers turned it over just 10 times.
Indiana also held OKC to a miserable day from 3-point range, with the Thunder hitting just 8-of-30 (26.7%) from beyond the arc. Oklahoma City’s starters combined to go just 1-of-13 (7.7%) from deep.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with just 21 points, but he tied a career-worst in turnovers with eight.
Game 7 will tip off Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
Paste BN Sports had updates, highlights and analysis from the Pacers' Game 6 rout. Here's how it all went down.
Pacers vs. Thunder highlights
NBA Finals score
Final: Pacers 108, Thunder 91
How old is Rick Carlisle?
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle is 65 years old. He's won one NBA championship as a player (Celtics in 1986) and another title as a coach (Mavericks in 2011).
He's been Indiana's head coach since 2021.
Who is winning NBA Finals?
The Pacers are up 90-60 as the fourth quarter begins.
The third quarter was not the paradigm of offense. Both teams combined to miss their first 14 shots, with the first points in the period coming with 8:06 left to play, on a Tyrese Haliburton give-and-go layup.
But the Pacers shook out of it before the Thunder did, and Indy closed the period on a 15-3 run to open a massive 30-point edge – its biggest of the game – heading into the fourth quarter. This all sets up a near-certain winner-take-all Game 7.
The Thunder had a miserable stretch during which they missed 18-of-21 field goals, including their first eight of the third quarter. Oklahoma City went nearly seven minutes of game time without a single point, spanning from 1:46 left in the second quarter until the 6:57 mark.
The Thunder continued to commit turnovers, as Indiana’s defense – perhaps fueled by the urgency of potential elimination – elevated to its most competent level of these NBA Finals; the Pacers limited the Thunder to only four made field goals in the third quarter on 23.5% shooting in the period.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault might opt to pull his starters early in the fourth, planning ahead to Sunday night’s Game 7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Oklahoma City with 21 points, though the Thunder have just six assists on 21 made field goals.
The Pacers have four players with at least 14 points, with Andrew Nembhard leading the team with 17.
Largest margin of victory in NBA Finals game
The Pacers are up by 30 points entering the final quarter. These are the biggest blowouts in NBA Finals history:
- 42 points – Bulls 96, Jazz 54 in Game 3 of 1998 NBA Finals
- 39 points – Celtics 131, Lakers 92 in Game 6 of 2008 NBA Finals
- 38 points – Mavericks 122, Celtics 84 in Game 4 of 2024 NBA Finals
- 36 points – Spurs 113, Heat 77 in Game 3 of 2013 NBA Finals
- 35 points – Bullets 117, SuperSonics 82 in Game 6 of 1978 NBA Finals
Largest comeback in NBA Finals history
The Celtics rallied from a 24-point deficit for a 97-91 win against the Lakers in Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals. According to ESPN, that is the biggest single-game comeback in Finals history.
The Pacers lead the Thunder 66-42, a 24-point lead, with 8:06 left to go in the third quarter.
Indiana Pacers championship history
The Pacers have never won an NBA Finals in team history. This is only the second time since they joined the NBA in 1976 that the Pacers have even made the Finals.
Where is Game 7 being played?
If the Pacers hold on to win Game 6, the series-deciding Game 7 will take place at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, home to the Thunder. The game will be played Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
Who is winning the NBA Finals?
In the face of potential elimination, the Indiana Pacers are rolling.
After outscoring the Oklahoma City Thunder 36-17 in the second quarter, the Pacers rode their defense and perimeter shooting to head into the locker room at halftime with a 64-42 lead.
The Pacers have unleashed swarming and physical defense, forcing the Thunder into contested shots and 12 turnovers. That has been the difference thus far, with both teams shooting comparably – the Pacers are actually shooting a lower percentage (44.2%) than the Thunder (44.7%). But Oklahoma City’s 12 turnovers, compared to Indiana’s two have led to the Pacers shooting 14 more attempts.
Unsurprisingly, the Pacers are outscoring the Thunder in points off turnovers by a margin of 16-2.
As he has all series long, backup point guard T.J. McConnell provided a massive spark off the bench, scoring eight points, dishing three assists and collecting five rebounds. But the Pacers have six players with at least eight points, with Pascal Siakam leading the way with 13.
Similar to Game 4, when the Thunder went just 3-of-16 (18.8%) from 3, Oklahoma City struggled significantly from beyond the arc, hitting just a single 3-pointer on 11 attempts (9.1%).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams have combined for 31 points. The rest of the Thunder have 11.
Indiana Pacers coaches
Rick Carlisle is the Pacers' head coach. His lead assistant is Lloyd Pierce.
Jim Boylen, Jenny Boucek and Mike Weinar are Indiana's assistant coaches.
How tall is McConnell on the Indiana Pacers?
Pacers veteran point guard T.J. McConnell is 6-1.
Who is winning the NBA Finals?
With 4:16 remaining in the first half, the Indiana Pacers have opened up a 48-35 lead on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What is the Pacers mascot?
The Indiana Pacers mascot is a panther named "Boomer." He was voted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, Indiana in 2019.
Who's winning the NBA Finals?
The Indiana Pacers lead the Oklahoma City Thunder 28-25 at the end of the first quarter.
The Pacers started like a team that was tight, but they finished the first quarter like one that was fighting for its season.
The Thunder, however, responded late.
The Pacers missed their first eight shot attempts before ripping off a 19-3 run to take control early in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, opening up a three-point lead. Indiana relied on 3-point shooting – the Pacers hit five shots from deep – and its defense – the Pacers forced OKC into five turnovers – to spark the run.
The Pacers were aggressive, attacking Oklahoma City in the paint to get high-percentage shots or open looks via kickouts. The Pacers also got to the line, converting 7-of-10 free throw attempts; the Thunder, by comparison, shot only four free throws, making a pair.
Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard and backup forward Obi Toppin lead Indiana with eight points apiece. Tyrese Haliburton, nursing a right calf strain, shot just 1-of-5 in the period, but has four points.
Indiana frustrated NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, swarming him to try to contest his shots. He made just one of his first five shots, but finished the quarter with seven points.
The Thunder struggled from deep, shooting just 1-of-6 from beyond the arc.
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Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder timeline
Maybe the Pacers just needed to warm up a little.
After the Pacers missed their first eight shots and fell into a six-point hole early, they hit six consecutive and 7-of-8 to go on an 19-3 run.
The 3-point shot has been the catalyst. Indiana is shooting 45.5% from beyond the arc, with Andrew Nembhard and Obi Toppin each hitting a pair. Tyrese Haliburton also hit his first field goal attempt, a 3-pointer to give the Pacers a 24-17 lead, leading to an OKC timeout with 4:15 to go in the first quarter.
Lisa Salters mother
ESPN/ABC broadcaster Lisa Salters was present for Game 6 of the NBA Finals in Indiana. Salters missed Game 2 in Oklahoma City on June 8, citing that she was with her mother, who is dealing with a health issue.
Salters' partner, Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White, was not on the sideline for her team’s 79-52 victory against the Chicago Sky at the United Center on June 7.
The Fever had announced Thursday that White was not going to be on the sideline for the game against the Golden State Valkyries in San Francisco on Thursday due to a personal matter.
The news led to speculation about Salter’s availability for Game 6 tonight.
Pacers vs Thunder live score: OKC leads 8-2
Both offenses have started slowly, though Indiana’s has particularly so.
The Pacers have missed their first six shot attempts, while the Thunder are 4-of-7 (57.1%) in the early going, to take an 8-2 lead through three minutes.
Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who started despite a right calf strain, did not appear to be hindered by the injury, at least initially. Haliburton moved around the floor and did not appear to favor the leg, though he missed his first three shot attempts.
The good news for Indiana? The Pacers haven’t committed a single turnover yet, after they committed 23 in Game 5.
Thunder forward Jalen Williams, fresh off of his 40-point masterpiece in Game 5, is 2-for-4 with four points.
OKC preaching consistency with Finals
Just because the Thunder are one win away from their first NBA championship since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, doesn’t mean that the team is looking to change – not now.
When asked if his team would alter its approach, given the magnitude of the game, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault preached consistency.
"The same habits that we've bet on over time are what's relevant in these situations," Daigneault said during his pregame news conference. "There's no new material. Same fundamentals on offense and defense are going to matter tonight in the game. Same preparation over the last couple days. Same psychological habits such as that are going to be relevant.
"That's why we emphasize them so continuously, so when we're in these high-stakes situations, we're in a mode of familiarity, which I think gives us confidence."
What time is Thunder vs Pacers game today?
The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers for Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.
Watch the NBA Finals with Fubo
Where is Game 6 between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder?
The Indiana Pacers host the Oklahoma City Thunder for a potential closeout Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Thunder vs Pacers odds: Game 6
The Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites to win the series vs. the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals, according to BetMGM (odds as of Thursday, June 19):
- Spread: Thunder (-5.5)
- Moneyline: Thunder (-225); Pacers (+185)
- Over/under: 222.5
NBA Championship odds
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Game 6 as the favorite to win the 2025 NBA Finals over the Indiana Pacers, according to BetMGM (odds as of Thursday, June 19)
- Series winner: Thunder (-3000); Pacers (+1250)
Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals picks: USA Today staff predictions
Paste BN: Every expert picks the Thunder
Ahead of the series opener, all of the NBA experts at USA Today Sports picked the Oklahoma City Thunder to beat the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals
- Scooby Axson: Thunder in five
- Jordan Mendoza: Thunder in six
- Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder in six
- James Williams: Thunder in six
- Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder in five
Thunder vs Pacers predictions, expert picks for NBA Finals Game 6
Paste BN: Most pick Thunder in Game 6
- Scooby Axson: Thunder 111, Pacers 102
- Jordan Mendoza: Thunder 113, Pacers 103
- James Williams: Pacers 111, Thunder 106
- Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder 116, Pacers 103
Tyrese Haliburton injury update: Will Pacers star play tonight?
According to Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, Tyrese Haliburton (calf strain) will play tonight vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“Tyrese will play," Carlisle said in a pregame press conference. "He was tested at 5 p.m. He was strength tested at 5 p.m. and did very well. Went through walkthrough. There's no set minutes limit. We will watch and monitor things very closely from the beginning of the game through the entirety of the game. We'll go from there.”
Paste BN Sports staff has more on Tyrese Haliburton's injury.
Thunder-Pacers Game 5 starting lineups
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Jalen Williams
- Chet Holmgren
- Isaiah Hartenstein
- Lu Dort
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Indiana Pacers
- Aaron Nesmith
- Pascal Siakam
- Myles Turner
- Andrew Nembhard
- Tyrese Haliburton
Thunder vs Pacers Game 6 TV channel
The Indiana Pacers host the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8:30 p.m. ET with coverage on ABC.
How to stream NBA Finals Game 6: Thunder vs Pacers
Game 3 between the Thunder and Pacers is available on ABC. Fans can also stream the action with Sling TV and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.
NBA Finals schedule: Thunder vs Pacers
- Game 1, June 5: Pacers 111, Thunder 110
- Game 2, June 8: Thunder 123, Pacers 107
- Game 3, June 11: Pacers 116, Thunder 107
- Game 4, June 13: Thunder 111, Pacers 104
- Game 5, June 16: 120, Pacers 109
- Game 6, June 19: Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.
- Game 7, June 22: Pacers at Thunder | ABC, Fubo | 8 p.m.*
All times Eastern; *-if necessary
Updated NBA Finals MVP odds
Odds via BetMGM on Saturday, June 16.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-650)
- Jalen Williams (+650)
- Pascal Siakam (+1500)
- Tyrese Haliburton (+9000)
- 6 players tied (+50000)
How many Finals have the Thunder won?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have one NBA championship. However, it came in 1979 when the team was the Seattle SuperSonics. They have not won a title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008.
How many Finals have the Pacers won?
The Indiana Pacers have not won an NBA championship. They have two Eastern Conference titles (2000, 2025).
Full OKC Thunder roster for NBA Finals
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Chet Holmgren
- Jalen Williams
- Luguentz Dort
- Alex Caruso
- Isaiah Joe
- Cason Wallace
- Jaylin Williams
- Aaron Wiggins
- Kenrich Williams
- Isaiah Hartenstein
- Ousmane Diang
- Nikola Topic
- Ajay Mitchell
- Dillon Jones
Full Indiana Pacers roster for NBA Finals
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Pascal Siakam
- Myles Turner
- Benedict Mathurin
- Obi Toppin
- Andrew Nebhard
- Aaron Nesmith
- T.J. McConnell
- Isaiah Jackson
- Jarace Walker
- Ben Sheppard
- Johnny Furphy
- James Johnson
- Thomas Bryant
Who are the referees for Thunder vs Pacers NBA Finals Game 6?
Game 6 assignments:
- Crew Chief: Zach Zarba (12th Finals; officiated Game 2)
- Referee: Tony Brothers (14th Finals; officiated Game 3)
- Umpire: David Guthrie (Eighth Finals; officiated Game 1)
- Alternate: Tyler Ford
Official assignments are announced at 9 a.m. on the day of the game. Here are the referees assigned to the 2025 NBA Finals.
- Tony Brothers (14th Finals)
- David Guthrie (8th Finals)
- James Capers (13th Finals)
- Ben Taylor (1st Finals)
- Marc Davis (14th Finals)
- Josh Tiven (6th Finals)
- Tyler Ford (1st Finals)
- James Williams (5th Finals)
- Scott Foster (18th Finals)
- Sean Wright (2nd Finals)
- John Goble (9th Finals)
- Zach Zarba (12th Finals)
NBA Finals ratings: Thunder vs Pacers
The NBA Finals TV ratings discussion is a classic struggle between the optimist and the pessimist.
One headline: "NBA Finals have been most-watched programs since first week of May.”
Another headline: “NBA Finals ratings down 24%.”
Two things can be true in this season’s Finals between “small-market” Indiana and Oklahoma City.
Yes, ratings are down from last season’s Finals between Boston and Dallas, and yes, the Thunder-Pacers Finals have brought in millions of viewers, including a peak of 11.54 million at 11 p.m. ET of Game 3 on Wednesday, June 11.
Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the TV ratings for the NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder.
NBA playoff bracket
Eastern Conference finals
- No. 4 Indiana Pacers def. No. 3 New York Knicks, 4-2
Western Conference finals
- No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder def. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves, 4-1
NBA Finals
- No. 4 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder (Thunder lead series 3-2)
NBA champions by year
Winners over the last 20 years. For a full list of champions, visit NBA.com.
- 2023-24 — Boston Celtics
- 2022-23 — Denver Nuggets
- 2021-22 — Golden State Warriors
- 2020-21 — Milwaukee Bucks
- 2019-20 — Los Angeles Lakers
- 2018-19 — Toronto Raptors
- 2017-18 — Golden State Warriors
- 2016-17 — Golden State Warriors
- 2015-16 — Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2014-15 — Golden State Warriors
- 2013-14 — San Antonio Spurs
- 2012-13 — Miami Heat
- 2011-12 — Miami Heat
- 2010-11 — Dallas Mavericks
- 2009-10 — Los Angeles Lakers
- 2008-09 — Los Angeles Lakers
- 2007-08 — Boston Celtics
- 2006-07 — San Antonio Spurs
- 2005-06 — Miami Heat
- 2004-05 — San Antonio Spurs