Is Haliburton injured? Status of star player after Indiana Pacers force Game 7 in NBA finals against Oklahoma City Thunder
Cheered on by a fervent home crowd and franchise legend Reggie Miller, the Pacers displayed a balanced, energetic effort, refusing to allow the Thunder to clinch the championship on their court.
The resounding victory ensures that the 2025 NBA title will now be decided in Oklahoma City, where the two teams will meet one final time at the Paycom Center.
Balanced Offence Fuels Indiana
Obi Toppin led all Pacers scorers with 20 points off the bench, providing a crucial spark.
Star forward Pascal Siakam added 17 points, while Tyrese Haliburton—despite nursing a calf strain that had him questionable before tipoff—contributed 14 points and five assists in just 23 minutes of action.
Haliburton's short but effective stint was made possible by the Pacers' early dominance, which saw them take a 22-point lead into halftime.
The game was effectively over by the fourth quarter, allowing Indiana to rest key players in anticipation of Sunday's finale.
'We didn't want to see these guys celebrate a championship on our home floor,' Haliburton told ABC postgame. 'Backs against the wall, we just responded. Different guys chip in. Total team effort. Really proud of this group.'
Thunder Falter on the Road
The Thunder, meanwhile, struggled throughout the night. Oklahoma City shot just 24.1% from three-point range and committed numerous unforced errors as frustration mounted.
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates were benched midway through the fourth quarter, signalling an early concession.
Oklahoma City had entered Game 6 needing only one win to secure their first title since the franchise's relocation from Seattle in 2008.
Instead, they now face a tense Game 7 at home, reminiscent of the 2016 NBA Finals—the last time the championship series extended to a final game.
Haliburton Inspires With Grit
Haliburton's decision to play through injury resonated strongly with teammates and fans alike. The All-Star guard downplayed his physical limitations, insisting that participating in the Finals outweighed any personal risk.
'I think I'd beat myself up if I didn't give it a chance,' he said. 'All of us have to give everything we have. I give everything I have for this group.'
With two full days to recover, Haliburton's brief appearance may prove pivotal as the Pacers look to carry momentum into hostile territory.
A Rare Game 7 Looms
Game 7 of the NBA Finals is a rarity, with only four such contests held in the past 30 years. The last occurred in 2016, when LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a historic title over Golden State.
This year's final showdown is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Sunday in Oklahoma City. With both teams now just one win away from glory, the basketball world is poised for a climactic end to an unpredictable and fiercely contested series.
'It's a one-game series now,' said Haliburton. 'We've got a lot of faith in this group. What more can you ask for?'
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