In Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers delivered a commanding victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, largely due to a standout performance from TJ McConnell. With Tyrese Haliburton hampered by a calf injury, his backup stepped up to help push the Finals series to a decisive Game 7. Tyrese Haliburton praises teammate after Game 6 as McConnell’s effort proved critical in an intense battle for the 2025 NBA championship.
TJ McConnell’s clutch effort shifts momentum for Pacers in Game 6
The Indiana Pacers, once underestimated on their journey to the NBA Finals, showed remarkable resilience against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. McConnell, coming off the bench for the game’s ailing star Tyrese Haliburton, delivered a near triple-double with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in just 22 minutes. His surprising level of play allowed Haliburton crucial rest during a nearly elimination matchup, helping the Pacers maintain control and earn a 17-point win that forced a Game 7 for the championship.
Haliburton expressed his admiration of McConnell’s impact after the game with heartfelt praise.
“He’s unbelievable. I don’t even have the words. He’s the great White Hope, that’s what we call him,”
Haliburton told reporters, highlighting the confidence and hope McConnell brings to the team.
Haliburton highlights team unity and home court determination
Along with McConnell’s performance, other key contributors such as Obi Toppin and Aaron Nesmith played vital roles in the Pacers’ dominant Game 6 showing. Haliburton emphasized the collective effort behind the victory, explaining the team’s resolve to defend their home court at all costs.
We just wanted to protect the home court. We didn’t want these guys to celebrate a championship on our home floor. Backed against the wall, we just responded (in game 6). So many guys chipped. It was all a team effort and we are proud of this group.
—Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton’s leadership and defensive tenacity energized the Pacers throughout the game. Despite the Thunder entering as favorites and opportunities for them to clinch the title at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Pacers matched their intensity and showed remarkable grit.
Rick Carlisle’s confidence in Haliburton amid injury concerns
Tyrese Haliburton’s participation in Game 6 was uncertain after he sustained a calf injury late in Game 5. Observers noted him limping, raising doubts about whether he could start in such a critical matchup. However, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle remained steadfast, announcing after a pregame assessment that Haliburton would play without a defined minutes limit.
Tyrese will play, he was tested at 5 p.m. He was strength tested at 5 p.m. and did very well. Went through walkthrough. There’s no set minutes limit. We will watch and monitor things very closely from the beginning of the game through the entirety of the game. We’ll go from there.
—Rick Carlisle
Carlisle’s trust in Haliburton paid off as the star guard contributed 12 points and 4 assists in the first half without committing any turnovers, contrasting sharply with the Thunder’s 12 turnovers in the same period. These factors helped establish Indiana’s early lead and contributed significantly to the team’s eventual triumph that sent the series to an away-court Game 7.
Pacers’ collective resilience underscores NBA Finals tension
Throughout the current NBA Playoffs, the Indiana Pacers have relied on contributions from various players stepping up when needed, relieving some of the pressure on Haliburton. McConnell’s Game 6 effort demonstrated how deep the Pacers’ roster runs and how united the team remains under pressure. Each member has found moments to shine, reflecting a determined group ready to overcome adversity in the Finals.
The series now heads to Oklahoma City for Game 7, where the Pacers will look to capitalize on their momentum and resilience to capture the 2025 NBA championship. With performances like McConnell’s and Haliburton’s combined with strong strategic guidance from Rick Carlisle, the Pacers have set the stage for a dramatic and fiercely contested conclusion to this Finals matchup.