Background and Relevance of the Teams
After nine long years, the NBA champion will emerge from a high-stakes seven-game series. The Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder will determine the victor of the NBA Finals 2025 this coming Sunday, June 22nd. The decisive seventh game will take place after a series that began on June 5th.
This will be the first seven-game final since the 2016 playoffs, when the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, defeated the Golden State Warriors, featuring Stephen Curry, in front of nearly 20,000 spectators at the Oracle Arena in Oakland.
The Thunder needed a victory on Thursday at the Pacers’ home, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, to secure their first-ever NBA Finals title. Reminiscing their lone championship in 1979, when they were known as the Seattle Supersonics. Meanwhile, the Pacers aimed to keep their title aspirations alive and secure their first NBA Finals crown.
Game 6 Recap
With 17,274 fans in attendance, the sixth game of the NBA Finals 2025 was dominated by the Pacers, who triumphed 108-91 over the Thunder. This victory ensured their continued presence in the championship chase, which would also mark their first NBA Finals title.
Although Obi Toppin led the scoring with 20 points and Andrew Nembhard followed closely with 17, Tyrese Haliburton stole the show in game six. Despite concerns over his availability due to a right leg injury, Haliburton’s inspiring performance helped the Pacers secure the win.
James Johnson’s ejection for the Pacers early in the fourth quarter did not hinder their team, as they maintained a double-digit lead over the Thunder, who struggled to find comfort despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 21 points.
Game Progression
- The first quarter was neck-and-neck, ending with a 28-25 lead for the Pacers.
- By halftime, the Pacers extended their lead to over 20 points (64-42).
- By the end of the third quarter, the gap widened further to 90-60.
- In the final quarter, despite a Thunder comeback of 18-31, the Pacers’ overall lead remained insurmountable.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder? The Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder are two teams competing in the NBA Finals 2025.
- Why is this NBA Finals significant? This will be the first seven-game final since 2016, with both teams seeking their first NBA championship title.
- What happened in Game 6? The Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91, forcing a decisive Game 7.
- Where and when will Game 7 be played? Game 7 of the NBA Finals 2025 will take place on Sunday, June 22nd, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma.
The Thunder, although disappointed by the Game 6 outcome, will take heart in playing the decisive match at their home arena, Paycom Center, which accommodates over 18,000 spectators. There will be no tomorrow for either team, as one will claim the Larry O’Brien trophy for the first time under the lights of Oklahoma’s home advantage.
This marks only the second time both the Pacers and Thunder have reached the NBA Finals. The Pacers first appeared in 2000 but lost 2-4 to the Los Angeles Lakers, fueled by Shaquille O’Neal. The Thunder’s initial NBA Finals appearance came in 2012, where they were defeated 1-4 by the Miami Heat, who boasted a formidable LeBron James.
After 25 and 13 years respectively, the Pacers and Thunder have returned to the NBA’s grandest stage. One team will finally lift the Larry O’Brien trophy this coming Sunday night, with Oklahoma holding a slight advantage due to home-court.
Notably, the Pacers have already tasted victory at the Paycom Center during these playoffs, having won the first game of the NBA Finals 2025 by a narrow one-point margin (111-110).
