Thunder One Win Away from NBA Championship as Pacers Fight to Force Game 7

Oklahoma City Thunder Looks to Close Out NBA Finals 2025 in Game 6

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The Oklahoma City Thunder are just one win away from capturing their first NBA championship, leading the Indiana Pacers 3-2 heading into Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The pivotal matchup will take place Thursday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where head coach Mark Daigneault is preaching focus and preparation.

“We’re not introducing anything new,” Daigneault said. “We’re just relying on the psychological habits we’ve built over time.”

Pacers Face Elimination – Haliburton’s Status Uncertain

For the Indiana Pacers, the challenge is steep. Not only must they win two straight games, but they may have to do it without a fully healthy Tyrese Haliburton, who is dealing with a calf strain and a lingering ankle injury.

Head coach Rick Carlisle said Haliburton’s game-time status would be determined on Thursday afternoon.

“I’m a competitor. I want to play,” Haliburton stated. “I’ll do everything in my power to be out there.”

Since Indiana’s Game 3 win—when Haliburton nearly posted a triple-double—he has struggled, scoring just 22 points over the last two games while shooting 1-for-11 from three-point range.

OKC’s Dynamic Duo Shines: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams

While Haliburton battles injury, the Thunder’s stars are peaking at the right time. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has racked up 66 points in Games 4 and 5, while Jalen Williams erupted for 67 points over the same stretch, including a 40-point explosion in Game 5.

“Focusing on Game 6,” SGA said. “Whatever it takes – however many games or possessions – I’m locked in.”

Pacers Rely on Depth and Experience

Indiana won Game 6 and Game 7 against the Knicks in the 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals, a comeback that Pascal Siakam and the Pacers are using for motivation. Siakam, who scored 28 points in Game 5, emphasized the need for a collective team effort.

“It’s going to be a team thing,” Siakam said. “No one player can do it alone.”

Bench players like Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell were key in Game 3, while Andrew Nembhard is prepared to step up again if Haliburton can’t go.

Thunder Aim to Finish Strong, Avoid Past Mistakes

Oklahoma City was in a similar spot during the Western Conference Semifinals, leading Denver 3-2 before losing Game 6. Jalen Williams admitted the team didn’t come ready then, a lesson they plan to apply this time.

“We’ve done a really good job of focusing on us,” said Williams. “That’s all we need right now.”

Coach Daigneault continues to push a “stack mindset”—focusing on one possession at a time rather than looking ahead to a potential celebration.

“Win today. Focus on the next possession. That’s the only thing that matters,” he added.

Game 6 Details – NBA Finals 2025

• Matchup: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers
• Series: Thunder lead 3-2
• Date: Thursday, June 20, 2025
• Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
• Watch: ABC / ESPN

The NBA Finals 2025 could reach a historic conclusion Thursday night, but the Pacers aren’t going down without a fight. Expect Indiana’s best punch, and an all-out effort from both sides as the Thunder chase their first-ever championship.