Indianapolis, Indiana, 20 June 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The Indiana Pacers on Thursday blew out the favourite Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) to force a Game 7 in the NBA Finals.

The Pacers, who closed the third quarter with a 30-point lead, defeated the Thunder 108-91 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to force a winner-take-all Game 7 in Oklahoma City on Sunday.

OKC's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the top scorer overall with 21 points, accompanied by four rebounds two assists and eight turnovers.

Indiana's top scorer was bench player Obi Toppin with 20 points, one of six Pacers in double figures. Among them was Tyrese Haliburton, whose presence on the court had been in doubt due to a calf strain.

"We just wanted to protect home court," Haliburton said. "We didn't want to see these guys celebrate a championship on our home floor. Backs against the wall and we just responded ... it was a total team effort."

Asked about his injury, Haliburton said: "All of us got to give everything we have.

"I give everything I have for this group and locker room. Just trying to come out here and play the best to my ability. My guys have had my back all year and especially tonight and that means the world to me."

Photo: EPA