NBA Finals 2025 Game 6: Indiana Pacers Dominate Thunder 108-91, Force Game 7 - Detailed Post-Game Analysis

Detailed Post-Game Analysis: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, Game 6, NBA Finals 2025

On June 19, 2025, the Indiana Pacers delivered a commanding 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, forcing the first Game 7 in an NBA Finals since 2016. This comprehensive analysis dives into the key performances, strategic adjustments, statistical breakdowns, and critical moments that defined the Pacers’ dominant performance, setting the stage for a thrilling series finale in Oklahoma City.

Game Summary and Key Stats

The Pacers took control early and never looked back, building a 22-point lead by halftime and extending it to 31 points in the fourth quarter. Their defensive intensity and bench production overwhelmed the Thunder, who struggled to find offensive rhythm. Here’s a breakdown of the key statistics:

• Final Score: Pacers 108, Thunder 91
• Field Goal Percentage: Pacers 41.3% (38/92), Thunder 41.9% (36/86)
• Three-Point Shooting: Pacers 15/42 (35.7%), Thunder 8/30 (26.7%)
• Turnovers: Pacers 8, Thunder 16 (Pacers +17 in possession battle)
• Points Off Turnovers: Pacers 32, Thunder 12
• Bench Points: Pacers 49, Thunder 18
• Steals: Pacers 16 (led by T.J. McConnell with 5), Thunder 6
• Leading Scorers: 
  • Pacers: Obi Toppin (20 points, 4/7 3PT), Andrew Nembhard (17 points), Pascal Siakam (16 points)
  • Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (21 points, 7/15 FG, 8 turnovers), Jalen Williams (16 points)

The Pacers’ ability to force turnovers, capitalize on transition opportunities, and dominate the bench scoring battle were pivotal in their wire-to-wire victory.

Key Performances

Indiana Pacers

1. Obi Toppin (20 points, 5 rebounds, 4/7 3PT): Toppin was the spark off the bench, igniting the Pacers with his energy and shooting. His four three-pointers, including a contested corner shot in the third quarter, stretched the Thunder’s defense and opened driving lanes for teammates. His athletic dunks in transition further energized the home crowd.
2. T.J. McConnell (12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals): McConnell was a defensive menace, leading the game with five steals and consistently disrupting the Thunder’s ball-handlers. His hustle plays, including a steal on an inbounds pass in the second quarter, led to easy baskets. Offensively, he orchestrated the Pacers’ fast-paced attack, assisting on key three-pointers by Toppin and Aaron Nesmith.
3. Tyrese Haliburton (14 points, 5 assists, 5/12 FG): Despite battling a lingering calf injury, Haliburton played 23 minutes without a minutes restriction and made an impact with three three-pointers. His playmaking kept the offense flowing, and his defensive effort, including two steals, helped set the tone early. His ability to play through pain was crucial in avoiding over-reliance on McConnell.
4. Andrew Nembhard (17 points, 4 assists, 3 steals): Nembhard bounced back from a turnover-heavy Game 5, delivering a stellar two-way performance. His defensive work on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander forced the MVP into a Finals-low 21 points with eight turnovers. Offensively, Nembhard’s mid-range jumpers and timely drives kept the Thunder’s defense honest.
5. Pascal Siakam (16 points, 13 rebounds): Siakam’s versatility shone through, as he attacked mismatches in the post and facilitated from the high post. His rebounding helped the Pacers control the glass, limiting the Thunder’s second-chance opportunities.

Oklahoma City Thunder

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (21 points, 4 rebounds, 8 turnovers): The league MVP struggled under Indiana’s relentless ball pressure, committing a game-high eight turnovers. The Pacers’ strategy of blitzing and doubling SGA in pick-and-rolls disrupted his rhythm, limiting his efficiency despite a respectable 7/15 shooting night. His lack of assists (zero, a season first) underscored the Pacers’ success in isolating him.
2. Jalen Williams (16 points, 3 rebounds): Williams provided a spark with 16 points, but his impact was muted compared to his 40-point Game 5 outburst. The Pacers’ physical defense, particularly from Aaron Nesmith, limited his drives and forced him into tougher shots.
3. Isaiah Hartenstein (10 points, 4 rebounds): Hartenstein showed flashes of effectiveness, but the Thunder’s decision to go small for stretches reduced his playing time. His presence in the paint was missed as the Pacers attacked the rim.
4. Chet Holmgren (2/9 FG, 6 points): Holmgren had a rough night, struggling against Myles Turner’s rim protection and failing to convert open looks. His lack of offensive impact was a significant factor in the Thunder’s stagnant attack.

Strategic Adjustments and Tactical Breakdown

Pacers’ Game Plan

1. Aggressive Defense on SGA: Indiana employed a high-pressure defensive scheme, using Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell to hound Gilgeous-Alexander. By blitzing pick-and-rolls and sending help early, they forced SGA into uncharacteristic mistakes (eight turnovers). This strategy mirrored their approach against Jalen Brunson in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they similarly disrupted a star guard’s rhythm.
2. Bench Dominance: Coach Rick Carlisle leaned heavily on his bench, with Toppin, McConnell, and Bennedict Mathurin combining for 43 points. The Pacers’ second unit outscored the Thunder’s bench 49-18, a stark contrast to Game 5, where Oklahoma City’s reserves had the edge. Carlisle’s decision to stagger Haliburton’s minutes with McConnell ensured constant pressure on both ends.
3. Transition Offense: Indiana capitalized on their 16 steals to generate 32 points off turnovers, many in transition. Their fast-paced style, which had been stifled by the Thunder in Oklahoma City, thrived in the open court at home, with Toppin and Mathurin finishing emphatically at the rim.
4. Three-Point Volume: Despite shooting 35.7% from deep, the Pacers attempted 42 three-pointers, staying true to their identity as a high-volume shooting team. This approach kept the Thunder’s defense stretched, creating driving lanes and open looks for role players like Toppin and Nesmith.

Thunder’s Struggles

1. Turnover Woes: The Thunder’s 16 turnovers, including eight from SGA, were a season-high in the playoffs. Indiana’s aggressive trapping and full-court pressure exposed Oklahoma City’s reliance on SGA as the primary ball-handler, with little relief from secondary creators like Jalen Williams or Cason Wallace.
2. Poor Three-Point Shooting: The Thunder’s 8/30 (26.7%) performance from beyond the arc was a continuation of their series-long struggles (33.6% in the playoffs). Unlike Game 5, where they hit 14 threes, Oklahoma City couldn’t find a rhythm, with key shooters like Lu Dort and Alex Caruso going cold.
3. Lack of Offensive Flow: The Thunder’s offense, typically fluid with SGA orchestrating, stagnated in Game 6. They recorded a season-low zero assists from SGA, and their overall ball movement was poor, with only 18 assists compared to the Pacers’ 26. Indiana’s defense forced the Thunder into isolation-heavy sets, reducing their efficiency.
4. Small-Ball Limitations: Coach Mark Daigneault’s decision to go small, benching Hartenstein for stretches, backfired as the Pacers attacked the paint and outrebounded the Thunder 46-38. The absence of a consistent rim protector allowed Indiana to score 44 points in the paint.

Critical Moments

1. Early 10-2 Run: The Pacers opened the game with a 10-2 run, fueled by McConnell’s steal and a Toppin three-pointer. This set the tone, putting the Thunder on their heels and energizing the home crowd.
2. Second-Quarter Surge: Indiana outscored Oklahoma City 40-28 in the second quarter, with McConnell and Mathurin leading a 15-4 run. The Pacers’ bench outscored the Thunder’s 19-0 in this period, flipping the momentum decisively.
3. Haliburton’s Third-Quarter Spark: Despite his injury, Haliburton hit two three-pointers in the third quarter, including a 27-footer assisted by Toppin, pushing the lead to 25 points. His ability to stretch the floor prevented any Thunder comeback attempts.
4. Thunder’s Fourth-Quarter Collapse: Trailing by 22 entering the fourth, the Thunder couldn’t muster a rally. A sequence of three turnovers in two minutes, including a SGA travel violation, allowed Indiana to extend the lead to 31, effectively ending the game.

What Went Right for the Pacers

1. Defensive Intensity: The Pacers’ 16 steals and 32 points off turnovers were the highest in the series, showcasing their ability to disrupt the Thunder’s offense. McConnell and Nembhard’s pressure on SGA was particularly effective.
2. Bench Production: The Pacers’ second unit, led by Toppin and McConnell, provided a massive spark, outscoring the Thunder’s bench by 31 points. This depth has been a hallmark of Indiana’s playoff run.
3. Resilience Despite Injuries: Haliburton’s ability to contribute despite calf tightness, combined with the absence of Jarace Walker and Isaiah Jackson, highlighted the Pacers’ depth and determination.
4. Home-Court Advantage: The energy at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, amplified by the presence of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark and Pacers legends, fueled the team’s intensity. The crowd’s support was a factor in Indiana’s 10-0 record in games following a loss since mid-March.

What Went Wrong for the Thunder

1. SGA’s Turnovers: Gilgeous-Alexander’s eight turnovers were a career-high in the playoffs, reflecting Indiana’s success in disrupting his rhythm. The Pacers’ double-teams and traps exposed the Thunder’s lack of secondary playmaking.
2. Supporting Cast Struggles: Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren combined for just 22 points on 10/24 shooting, failing to provide the complementary scoring needed to alleviate pressure on SGA.
3. Defensive Lapses: The Thunder’s usually elite defense (best in the regular season and playoffs) allowed 108 points and failed to contain Indiana’s bench. Their inability to force turnovers (only 8 from the Pacers) was a stark departure from their series average of 18.0 per game.
4. Lack of Urgency: As noted on X, the Thunder played with “no urgency or effort,” appearing flat in a potential closeout game. This lack of intensity allowed the Pacers to dictate the tempo and build an insurmountable lead.

Looking Ahead to Game 7

The series shifts to Oklahoma City for Game 7 on June 22, 2025, with the Thunder holding home-court advantage. Historically, home teams in Game 7 of the NBA Finals have a strong edge, but the Pacers’ resilience and ability to win under pressure make them a dangerous underdog.

Keys for the Pacers

• Protect the Ball: Indiana must maintain their low turnover rate (8 in Game 6) to limit the Thunder’s transition opportunities. Haliburton’s turnover-averse style will be critical.
• Sustain Bench Production: The Pacers’ bench has been a difference-maker, and players like Toppin and McConnell must continue to outshine Oklahoma City’s reserves.
• Haliburton’s Health: With two days of rest, Haliburton’s calf injury could improve, allowing him to take on a larger role. Carlisle may also consider increasing McConnell’s minutes if Haliburton is limited.
• Three-Point Shooting: Indiana’s 40.1% three-point shooting in the playoffs is a weapon. They must continue to take and make high-volume threes to counter the Thunder’s defense.

Keys for the Thunder

• Reduce Turnovers: SGA and the Thunder must handle Indiana’s pressure better, as their 16 turnovers in Game 6 were catastrophic. Secondary ball-handlers like Williams and Wallace need to step up.
• Improve Three-Point Shooting: The Thunder’s 33.6% three-point shooting in the playoffs is a weakness. A hot shooting night from Dort, Caruso, or Isaiah Joe could swing the game.
• Holmgren and Williams’ Impact: The Thunder need more from their secondary stars. Holmgren must attack the rim, and Williams needs to rediscover his Game 5 form to alleviate pressure on SGA.
• Defensive Recovery: Oklahoma City’s defense must return to its regular-season form, forcing turnovers and limiting Indiana’s transition game. Containing McConnell’s hustle plays will be crucial.

Broader Context and Series Implications

The Pacers’ Game 6 rout was their most lopsided victory of the series, underscoring their ability to adapt and exploit the Thunder’s weaknesses. Their defensive strategy against SGA, combined with their bench depth, has kept them competitive against a historically dominant No. 1 seed with a +12.9 point differential in the regular season.

For the Thunder, Game 6 exposed vulnerabilities that were less apparent earlier in the series. Their reliance on SGA, coupled with inconsistent contributions from Holmgren and Williams, could prove costly in a high-stakes Game 7. However, their 68-win regular season and home-court advantage make them favorites to close out the series.

The Pacers’ performance also challenges the narrative that regular-season dominance predicts playoff success. With lower seeds advancing frequently in recent postseasons, an Indiana upset would be a historic moment for a franchise seeking its first NBA title.

Conclusion

Game 6 was a masterclass by the Indiana Pacers, who leveraged their depth, defensive intensity, and home-court energy to rout the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91. Obi Toppin’s scoring, T.J. McConnell’s hustle, and Andrew Nembhard’s two-way play overwhelmed a Thunder team that struggled with turnovers and poor shooting. As the series heads to a decisive Game 7, both teams face critical adjustments, with the Pacers aiming to shock the world and the Thunder looking to reclaim their dominance. Basketball fans are in for a thrilling finale on June 22, 2025.

Sources: ESPN, The Athletic, NBA.com, USA Today, posts on X