The Indiana Pacers refused to go down without a fight. Facing elimination in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, they delivered a dominant 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, June 19, forcing a winner-takes-all Game 7.
This series has been a rollercoaster—defined by turnovers, three-point shooting, and star performances, with neither team able to sustain momentum from game to game. Now, history is on the line: The Pacers are chasing their first-ever NBA championship, while the Thunder seek their first title since relocating from Seattle in 2008.
Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from Game 6, setting the stage for an epic finale.
WINNERS
1. Pacers’ Swarming Defense Mirrors Thunder’s Identity
The Thunder built their success this season on elite defense, leading the NBA in defensive efficiency. But in Game 6, the Pacers flipped the script, adopting a similar disruptive approach.
- Forced 21 turnovers (leading to 19 Pacers points)
- 16 steals (compared to OKC’s 4)
- More steals than Thunder assists (14)
Indiana dialed back its full-court pressure, instead smothering OKC in the half-court, cutting off driving lanes and forcing rushed passes. The result? A disjointed Thunder offense that never found its rhythm.
2. T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin Lead Bench Domination
The Pacers’ bench outscored OKC’s reserves 48-37, marking the fifth time in six Finals games Indiana’s second unit has won this battle.
- T.J. McConnell was phenomenal: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals
- First bench player in NBA Finals history (since 1970-71) with those stats.
- Obi Toppin added 20 points (8-12 FG) and 6 rebounds, continuing his strong series.
Indiana’s depth has been a difference-maker, providing energy and scoring when starters rest.
3. Balanced Scoring: Six Pacers in Double Figures
The Pacers thrive on team basketball, and Game 6 was no exception:
- Six players scored 10+ points
- Eight Pacers have now scored 200+ points this postseason—an NBA playoff record.
This unselfishness makes Indiana hard to defend, as OKC struggled to contain multiple threats.
LOSERS
1. Thunder’s Turnover Disaster
Oklahoma City’s 21 turnovers were a death sentence.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) had a career-high 8 TOs (more than his 7 made field goals).
- 25 turnovers in Game 1, 21 in Game 6—both losses.
SGA admitted:
“They didn’t pressure full-court like before, which led to more turnovers. I didn’t expect that. Some were carelessness—just not being focused enough.”
2. Thunder’s Offense Falls Apart
OKC’s offense was stagnant and inefficient:
- 41.9% FG, 26.7% from three
- Starters shot 1-13 from deep
- Chet Holmgren: 4 points (2-9 FG), Alex Caruso: 0 points
This was only the second time in 22 playoff games the Thunder scored under 100 points.
3. Thunder Bench Outplayed (Again)
While OKC’s deep reserves made the score look respectable in garbage time, the rotation bench struggled:
- Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, Kenrich Williams: 10 points combined (3-12 FG)
- Pacers’ main reserves (McConnell, Toppin, etc.): 41 points
Indiana’s depth continues to be a major advantage.
4. Fans Who Aren’t Watching
This has been a thrilling, unpredictable series:
- Star power (SGA, Haliburton, Siakam)
- Elite coaching adjustments
- Physical, fast-paced basketball
Now, with Game 7 looming, this is must-watch basketball.
What’s Next? Game 7 for All the Marbles
The 2024 NBA Finals will be decided in one final game.
- Can the Thunder bounce back from their worst performance of the playoffs?
- Will the Pacers complete their Cinderella run with a historic first title?