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Back at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 6 (8:30 ET, ABC).
The Indiana supporters could help propel their Pacers into a decisive Game 7.
Meanwhile, the Thunder might clinch the championship.
Larry’s legacy is on the line tonight.
5 STORIES TO FOLLOW IN TODAY’S EDITION 🏀
June 19, 2025
Game 6 Synopsis: Key details you need before tonight’s showdown.
United in Strength: The shared journey and connection of OKC’s star pair.
Facing the Test: The Pacers are prepared to confront elimination back in front of their home crowd.
On Location in Indy: Insight into Game 6 preparations with Shai and Hali, including thoughts from Hartenstein.
Memorable Moment: “Blocked by James,” – a moment from nine years ago today.
1. GAME 6: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW IN 2 MINUTES
Tonight, when the Pacers take on the Thunder in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals (8:30 ET, ABC), something significant will occur.
The implications of this matchup are straightforward.
This evening, Gainbridge Fieldhouse is the venue for the most crucial 48 minutes of the ongoing NBA Finals.
Both franchises are driven by All-Star talents – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams from OKC, alongside Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam – who have each left their mark on this championship series.
Key contributors have emerged from both teams’ rosters, highlighting their depth and the synergy often described as “the power of friendship.”
Will the Thunder seal the deal? They are 3-1 in potential closeout games this postseason.
Can the Pacers stage yet another comeback? They are facing elimination for the first time this playoff season.
2. UNITED IN STRENGTH: THE CONNECTION BETWEEN OKC’S STAR DUO
Only three pairs in NBA history have managed to score 30 or more points in three consecutive Finals games.
That’s an exclusive group. Zooming in on the last game for SGA and Williams further tightens that circle.
Against Convention: Unlike most dynamic duos who’ve illuminated the Finals before them, SGA and Williams traveled an unconventional path to superstardom.
Built on Relationship: What distinguishes them from others is their joint evolution throughout this journey.
Before they made history as a duo in the Finals, JDub was merely a rookie responsible for driving Shai to the airport for away games.
An innocent ritual that has flourished into an unbreakable connection — a tradition they maintain to this day.
This relationship translates seamlessly onto the court. One excels at weaving through defenders; the other thrives on direct attacks. Both excel on the defensive end. Collectively, they energize OKC on both sides of the ball.
This mentality has the Thunder just one victory away from becoming the second-youngest franchise in NBA history to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
But being close doesn’t count.
“The edge of triumph isn’t the same as triumph,” SGA remarked on Wednesday. “In my perspective, winning is all that holds significance… we haven’t achieved anything yet.”
3. PACERS EMBRACE THE ELIMINATION CHALLENGE
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The Pacers find themselves in a familiar position from a year ago.
Facing a 3-2 deficit against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, they had their Game 6 at home, determined to push for a decisive Game 7 back in New York.
And that’s precisely what they accomplished.
Fast forward 13 months, Indiana is set to host another elimination showdown – but this time on the grandest stage, the NBA Finals.
Tonight will mark the final game of the season at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, irrespective of the outcome.
Tyrese Haliburton’s calf strain has been a major topic leading up to Game 6, with his availability to be decided at game time, as stated by Carlisle.
Regardless of Haliburton’s status – whether he plays, is limited, or sits out altogether – the Pacers’ mindset remains unchanged. They have faith in the depth of their roster, even under the immense pressure of this key moment in the season.
A recurring theme throughout Indiana’s journey to tonight’s showdown has been their ability to rally back.
Now trailing 3-2 in the Finals, they aim to rise again – with the stakes at their peak and facing elimination for the first time this postseason.
This is a challenge they are ready to tackle, not dread.
4. ON SITE IN INDY: CALM BEFORE THE STORM
Nathaniel S. Butler + Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images
Finals stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton have spent years honing their training routines, long before reaching the NBA.
They understand how to effectively prepare for the challenges of top-tier competition.
Both practiced on Wednesday afternoon, focusing on their skills before this critical Game 6.
Brian Choi/NBAE via Getty Images
Isaiah Hartenstein took a moment during practice to share insights with us about various topics, including his journey beyond OKC.
Shared Roots: Luguentz Dort and Bennedict Mathurin reminisced about their lasting friendship, originating from their shared upbringing in a Montreal neighborhood.
Several Pacers also sent early birthday greetings to Bennedict Mathurin, who celebrates his 23rd birthday today.
5. UNFORGETTABLE: BLOCKED BY JAMES – 9 YEARS AGO TODAY
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In 2014, LeBron James returned to Cleveland with a single aspiration – to secure the city’s inaugural NBA title.
Facing a 3-1 deficit – a scenario no team had surmounted in Finals history – Cleveland forced a Game 7 at Oracle Arena, with the score knotted at 89 and less than two minutes remaining.
At that moment, Andre Iguodala snagged a defensive rebound and pushed up the court. With Steph Curry advancing to his left, the Warriors had a 2-on-1 chance against a retreating J.R. Smith.
Or so they presumed.
Out of nowhere came a swift blur, a 250-pound force that even announcer Mike Breen failed to anticipate.
A minute later, Kyrie Irving sunk the game-winning three-pointer, eternalizing the Cavs’ comeback.
LeBron James made his triumphant return. Back to Cleveland. Rallying from a 3-1 deficit. And back 94 feet to thwart Iguodala’s shot – fulfilling his promise of an NBA championship.
In the moments following the final buzzer, with the drought ended and the trophy secured, James reflected on the significance of the moment and the heart required to reach it.
“I set out to achieve a goal—two years ago when I returned—to bring a championship to this city.
“I gave everything I had. I poured my heart, my blood, my sweat, and my tears into this game and – against all odds. Against all odds…
“I’m not sure why we chose the most challenging path. I can’t explain why the man above presented me with the most arduous road. Yet, there’s nothing that the man above puts you in that you can’t handle…
“And I maintained that positive outlook. Rather than asking, ‘Why me?’ I asked, ‘What does he want me to do?’ And… CLEVELAND! THIS IS FOR YOU!!”
Revisit the Iconic Showdown: 2016 Finals Game 7 Mini-Movie
