With their backs against the wall, the Indiana Pacers turned to their leader—and Tyrese Haliburton delivered in the biggest moment of his career. The 24-year-old point guard put on a masterclass in poise and playmaking, finishing with a clutch double-double in Game 6 to keep Indiana’s title hopes alive. Behind Haliburton’s heroics, the Pacers edged out the Oklahoma City Thunder in an instant classic, 113–110 in overtime, forcing the first Game 7 in an NBA Finals since 2016.
Let that sink in: this is historic. The last time the Finals went the distance, LeBron James completed a 3–1 comeback to bring a title to Cleveland. Now, nearly a decade later, the basketball world gets another Game 7—and it’s all thanks to the grit, resilience, and brilliance of Haliburton and the Pacers.
From the opening tip, it was clear Indiana wasn’t ready to go home. Haliburton played like a man possessed, controlling the tempo, attacking off the dribble, and setting the tone for his team with every possession. He finished the game with 21 points, 12 assists, and 6 rebounds, orchestrating Indiana’s offense like a maestro. But beyond the stats, it was the timing of his plays that made the difference.
Midway through the fourth quarter, with OKC threatening to pull away, Haliburton calmly drilled a deep three to stop the bleeding. Moments later, he threaded a no-look pass to Pascal Siakam for a powerful dunk that ignited the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. And in the closing seconds of regulation, with the Pacers down by two, Haliburton slipped a bounce pass between two defenders to find Myles Turner for a game-tying layup.
Clutch. Composed. Cold-blooded.
This is the version of Haliburton that Pacers fans had dreamed of when the franchise made him their centerpiece. And on the biggest stage, in the biggest game of his life so far, he was everything they needed and more.
Of course, it wasn’t a one-man show. Siakam chipped in 26 points and 9 rebounds, while Andrew Nembhard had another strong performance, scoring 17 and playing stifling defense on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Myles Turner controlled the paint with 4 blocks and some timely putbacks, including a massive tip-in during overtime. Indiana played like a team on a mission.
The Thunder didn’t go quietly. Shai once again dazzled with 29 points and 7 assists, and Jalen Williams added 23, hitting clutch shots down the stretch. But OKC struggled to find rhythm in overtime, going cold from deep and missing crucial free throws. Their youth showed in flashes, especially in those final, high-pressure possessions.
But this game was less about mistakes and more about execution—and Indiana executed when it mattered most.
Coach Rick Carlisle deserves major credit, too. He made key adjustments on both ends of the floor. Defensively, the Pacers mixed up coverages to throw off SGA’s rhythm. Offensively, he trusted his guards to make quick decisions, running more motion sets to take pressure off Haliburton and allow Nembhard and Nesmith to create. The result was a balanced, flowing offense that kept OKC guessing.
And now? We’re headed to Game 7.
This series has been nothing short of spectacular. The young Thunder entered the Finals as slight favorites, boasting the league’s best regular season record and a fearless core. But Indiana’s postseason run has been magical—full of grit, big moments, and underdog energy. They’ve gone toe-to-toe with every powerhouse they’ve faced, and now they’re 48 minutes away from their first NBA championship in franchise history.
For Haliburton, it’s a defining moment. Critics questioned whether he had the toughness to lead a team deep into June. He’s answered that question loudly and emphatically. After battling through a hamstring injury earlier in the playoffs, he’s now authoring a career-defining stretch. And if he can deliver again in Game 7, his place in NBA lore will be undeniable.
The atmosphere Sunday night in Oklahoma City will be electric. Paycom Center will be rocking, with Thunder fans desperate to see their young team complete their magical run. But Indiana doesn’t fear the road. They’ve won in Boston. They’ve won in New York. And they’ve already proven they can beat the Thunder on their home floor.
What happens next is anyone’s guess. That’s the beauty of Game 7. It’s raw, unscripted, and full of nerves. Every possession matters. Every mistake is magnified. And every big play becomes a piece of history.
But one thing is certain: Tyrese Haliburton has arrived. With the season hanging in the balance, he delivered a signature performance in Game 6, showing the poise of a veteran and the heart of a champion. And now, the basketball world will be watching as he takes the floor one more time—with a title on the line.
The Pacers live to fight another day. And thanks to their All-Star point guard, they’re now just one win away from making history.
The NBA Finals are going to Game 7. Buckle up.
