First NBA Finals Game 7 since 2016
Fueled by a raucous home crowd and a brilliant team performance, the Indiana Pacers crushed the Oklahoma City Thunder 108–91 on Thursday night to even the 2025 NBA Finals at 3-3. The win sends the series to a winner-take-all Game 7 in Oklahoma City on Sunday — the first NBA Finals to go the distance since 2016.
That year, the Cleveland Cavaliers made history by coming back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the 73-win Golden State Warriors. This time, it’s Indiana refusing to back down.
Slow start
And yet, Game 6 started in the worst possible way for the Pacers. They missed their first eight shots and quickly fell behind 10-2. But then they turned up the intensity, cranked up the pace, and took control with a 24-7 run. The Thunder never recovered.
Indiana outscored OKC 36–17 in the second quarter and led by 22 at halftime. The gap ballooned to 31 points in the third. The fourth? It was a party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The starters rested, the crowd roared, and the Pacers celebrated one last time at home this season.
Haliburton
“We didn’t want to see them celebrate a championship on our court,” said Tyrese Haliburton, who returned from a calf injury to contribute 14 points and 5 assists in just 22 minutes.
“We stayed locked in. This was our last chance at home, and we took it. Game 7 won’t be pretty — it’s going to be a war.”
McConnell, the Heart of the Fight
The emotional spark and unsung hero of Game 6? T.J. McConnell, the backup point guard with a huge heart. His hustle, intensity, and composure once again set the tone for Indiana.
“We would’ve gone home if we hadn’t left it all out there,” McConnell told VSport.
“Now we’ve got another chance on Sunday. Game 7 — the last day of the season — that’s every kid’s dream. We have to be ready.”
Beyond his on-court impact, McConnell has become a symbol of resilience.
“People will tell you that you’re not good enough, too small, not fast enough. You have to ignore that, work hard, and let your game speak for itself.”
While proud of his team’s performance, McConnell was already focused on what’s next:
“I’m very proud. Very happy. But we have to look ahead — this next one is the biggest game of our careers.”
He also made sure to credit the fans:
“Our crowd is incredible. I love them. We all do. But on Sunday, it’ll be just us. We’ve got to block out the noise and stay together.”
Miles Turner: “This Is Why I Stayed”
Veteran big man Miles Turner spoke openly about the mental grind of this playoff run — and why it’s been worth every sleepless night.
“It’s exhausting, mentally. It’s been a 19-day process. There are nights you can’t sleep. I’m trying to grow my hair out — stress is making it fall out,” he joked.
Turner stayed in Indiana because he believed this team could win it all.
“I took the hardest possible road, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Now we’re one win away from a title. There’s no need for extra motivation.”
His message to young players chasing the dream?
“What it took to get here? That’s a whole book. Patience. Discipline. Staying true to yourself. And taking care of your body — yoga, meditation, cold baths, but above all: sleep. Sleep is key.”
One Game. One Champion.
Game 7 is set for Sunday at 8 PM ET in Oklahoma City. It will be the 20th Game 7 in NBA Finals history.
The Pacers have already won once in OKC, back in Game 1. Can they do it again, when everything is on the line?
It’s the greatest moment in basketball: Game 7 of the Finals. And this year, we’re lucky enough to witness one.
