It was a game to forget for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who came into Thursday’s Game 6 needing one more win to bring home the Larry O’Brien trophy to middle America.
The Indiana Pacers played like a team with everything to lose after a blow out 108-91 win at an electric Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to force a Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
The Indiana home faithful, in their last time seeing the team in person this season, were treated to a masterful performance.
Obi Toppin led the way with 20 points off the bench with Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton adding 17 and 14 points respectively.
Haliburton was questionable to play in the lead up to the game with a calf strain but looked like a man on the mission all game. And to make matters better for the hobbled star, he only had to play 23 minutes heading into Sunday’s decisive Game 7 in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder struggled in almost every facet, including shooting a measly 24.1% from 3-point range.
Haliburton said the Pacers wanted to “protect home court” when asked about the team’s dominant performance.
“We didn’t want to see these guys celebrate a championship on our home floor,” Haliburton told the ABC broadcast. “Backs against the wall, we just responded. Different guys chip in. Total team effort. Really proud of this group.”
Haliburton added his injured calf felt OK and that he played because it’s the “NBA Finals.”
“All of us got to give everything we have. I give everything I have for this group and locker room. Just trying to come out here and play the best to my ability. My guys have had my back all year and especially tonight and that means the world to me.”
Hali called it a “one game series now” and that the team “believes.”
“We got a lot of faith in this group,” Haliburton said. “Take care of our bodies and get ready and Game 7 of NBA Finals. … What more can you ask for?”
