The Indiana Pacers have never won an NBA Championship The NBA Finals will be decided by a winner-takes-all game seven for the first time in nine years after the Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 in game six to level the series. A fine attacking display from the Pacers, which included 20 points for Obi Toppin off the bench, stopped the Thunder from claiming the Championship in Indianapolis. Star player Tyrese Haliburton, who missed game five with a calf injury, passed a late fitness test before tip-off and managed 14 points, five assists and two steals in 22 minutes of play. "We just wanted to protect our court," Haliburton said. "We didn't want to see those guys celebrate a championship on our home floor. Backs against the wall, we just responded. "So many different guys chipped in. It was a whole team effort. I'm really proud of this group." The victory means the NBA finals will go to game seven for the first time since 2016, when the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first Championship with a 4-3 series win against the Golden State Warriors. The Thunder will host game seven on Monday (01:00 BST) but will need a much improved performance to win their first Championship since 1979. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly-crowned Most Valuable Player, top scored for the Thunder with 21 points but his side paid the price for missing their first eight shots of the game, which gave the Pacers an early eight-point lead. "Credit Indiana," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "They earned the win. They outplayed us for most of the 48 minutes. They went out there and attacked the game." Monday's game will mark the 20th time the NBA Finals have gone to game seven, with the home side in the decider triumphing 15 times. Game one:Thunder 110-111 Pacers (Indiana lead 1-0) Game two:Thunder 123-107 Pacers (Series tied 1-1) Game three:Pacers 116-103 Thunder (Indiana lead 2-1) Game four:Pacers 104-111 Thunder (Series tied 2-2) Game five:Thunder 120-109 Pacers (Oklahoma Cit lead 3-2) Game six:Pacers 108-91 Thunder (Series tied 3-3) Game seven:Thunder v Pacers (Monday, 23 June 01:00 BST)
Pacers beat Thunder to force NBA game seven decider
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"Pacers Force Game Seven in NBA Finals with Victory Over Thunder"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The Indiana Pacers achieved a significant victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 108-91 in Game Six of the NBA Finals and forcing a decisive Game Seven. This outcome marks the first time in nine years that the NBA Finals will conclude with a winner-takes-all game. The Pacers' performance was highlighted by Obi Toppin, who contributed 20 points off the bench, showcasing the depth and resilience of the team. Star player Tyrese Haliburton, who had missed Game Five due to a calf injury, successfully passed a late fitness test and played a crucial role, scoring 14 points and adding five assists and two steals in just 22 minutes of action. Haliburton emphasized the team's determination to protect their home court from the Thunder's potential championship celebration, stating, "We just wanted to protect our court. Backs against the wall, we just responded." The Pacers' victory was characterized by a well-rounded team effort, with contributions from various players, demonstrating their collective resolve and teamwork.
The upcoming Game Seven will be hosted by the Thunder, who will seek to secure their first championship since 1979. Despite their loss, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly crowned Most Valuable Player, led the Thunder with 21 points. However, the Thunder struggled early in the game, missing their first eight shots, which allowed the Pacers to establish an early eight-point lead. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the Pacers' superior performance, stating, "Credit Indiana. They earned the win. They outplayed us for most of the 48 minutes." This final game will be a historic event, marking the 20th time the NBA Finals have gone to a Game Seven, with the home team winning 15 of the previous 19 encounters. As fans anticipate this thrilling conclusion, both teams will be vying for glory in a match that is sure to be closely contested and highly charged.
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