The Pacers dominate the Thunder 108-91 on June 20, 2025, despite 21 from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, forcing a winner-take-all NBA Finals Game 7 in OKC.
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
Well, Thunder Nation, take a deep breath. Friday night was a gut punch. The dream of closing out the NBA Finals in Indianapolis evaporated in a brutal 108-91 loss to the Pacers, tying the series 3-3. It was a game to forget, highlighted by a second-quarter collapse and an early white flag from Coach Daigneault. But here's the bottom line: it's not over. One game, at home, for everything.
One game for the NBA Championship. At home. Historically, the host is 15-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s.
The game slipped away in a disastrous second quarter where the Thunder were outscored 36-17 and never found their footing again. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up a team-high 21 points and Jalen Williams added 16, the offense as a whole was stagnant, shooting just 41.7% from the field. The Pacers, led by Obi Toppin's surprising 20 points, built an insurmountable lead that swelled to 31, prompting Coach Mark Daigneault to pull his starters early in the fourth quarter to preserve them for the final battle.
Forget Game 6. Flush it. The entire season now boils down to a winner-take-all Game 7 at the Paycom Center. This is what home-court advantage is for. History is on the Thunder's side, with home teams boasting a 15-4 record in NBA Finals Game 7s. The team's social media channels are already buzzing with the 'WE'RE GOING TO GAME 7' mantra, and you can bet the Loud City faithful will be ready to shake the building to its foundations on Sunday.
While his 10 points in Game 6 were modest, Chet Holmgren's true value will be tested in Game 7. His defensive presence has been the backbone of this team all postseason. Averaging nearly 10 boards and over a block in the Finals, Holmgren's ability to protect the rim is paramount. He's holding opponents to just 47.3% shooting at the rim, a statistic that will be absolutely critical in slowing down the Pacers' attack when the pressure is at its highest. To win the title, the Thunder will need their defensive anchor to play his biggest game yet.
The sting of a blowout loss in the Finals is real, but so is the opportunity it presents. The Thunder have 48 hours to rest, regroup, and remember the brand of basketball that got them here. Sunday night in Oklahoma City isn't just another game; it's a chance to etch their names in history. One final game, on our court, for the whole thing. See you Sunday.
