Pacers vs Thunder Game 6 Halftime Highlights
Pacers vs Thunder Game 6 Halftime Highlights deliver a clear message — Indiana isn’t ready to end its season. In a high-stakes matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Pacers exploded to a 64-42 lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder by halftime, energizing the home crowd and keeping their 2025 NBA Finals hopes alive.
This improbable Game 6 could determine the course of the 2025 NBA Finals, and the Pacers are showing no sign of yielding.
A Sluggish Start Turned Into a Statement Run
Indiana was out of sync early, missing their first eight attempts from the field and falling in arrears 10-2 to start. But experienced forward Pascal Siakam jump-started the offense with a jumper from the mid-range, followed by a three-point play that revitalized the team.
Andrew Nembhard caught the Pacers’ rhythm there, going on to make back-to-back threes and adding a transition layup. That 13-3 burst changed the momentum and gave the Pacers their first lead of the night.
Tyrese Haliburton, playing with a lingering calf injury, showed leadership with precision passes to guide the offense, one such pass being a cross-court pass to Nembhard. Obi Toppin, from the bench, sank two quick three-pointers, and Haliburton also had a triple that helped build a cushion for Indiana.
Although Oklahoma City reduced the gap with a spurt in the closing minutes of the first quarter, Indiana still had a 28-25 lead after 12 minutes.
Follow Indiana’s Playoff journey: Pacers.com/Playoffs
Second Quarter Surge: Pacers Take Full Control
WHAT A SEQUENCE 👀
Tyrese Haliburton picks it off and sends a spinning no-look dime cross-court to Pascal Siakam, who absolutely PUNISHES the rim 😱 pic.twitter.com/JNJ4FwyeAc
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 20, 2025
The Thunder was resilient in the second quarter, reducing the deficit to 34-33. But the Pacers took charge.
T.J. McConnell knocked down a tough jumper, Haliburton converted his second three-pointer of the contest, and Tony Bradley’s putback layup mopped up the glass. The Pacers exploded on a 7-0 spurt to trigger a timeout by Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault.
But the rush did not let up. Indiana added four points in the second half, 11-0. Oklahoma City ended the drought on two free throws by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but Aaron Nesmith responded with a three-pointer and a three-point play to extend the advantage to 51-35.
About a minute later, Haliburton fired a deep three, followed by Myles Turner rejecting Chet Holmgren’s three-pointer. Siakam capitalized on the other end with a spin jump, pulling the lead to 19.
Show-Stopping Plays Close the Half
The final minute of the second quarter was flat-out highlight video.
With the Thunder trying to dent the hole, Haliburton stole a passing lane, took the ball away, tip-walked down the sideline, and threw a no-look dime to Siakam, who slammed it home with a thunderous right hand. The arena erupted.
A few seconds after that, the Pacers stole a stop, and Siakam dropped a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer with a look of serenity. Indiana limped into the locker room with a 22-point halftime lead — the largest of the series.
First-Half Leaders and Stats
Indiana Pacers:
- Pascal Siakam: 13 points (5-of-7 shooting), 2 rebounds
- Tyrese Haliburton: 12 points (3-of-5 from three), 4 assists, 1 steal
- Andrew Nembhard: 10 points, 3 steals
- Aaron Nesmith: 6 points, 2 rebounds
- Myles Turner: 4 rebounds, 1 block
Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Jalen Williams: 16 points
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 15 points
- Chet Holmgren: 6 points, 4 rebounds
- Josh Giddey: 5 assists
Indiana was tight and tidy, with only 2 turnovers while forcing 12 Thunder turnovers. Those extra chances were worth 16 points for the Pacers, a clear factor of first-half superiority.
Keys to Indiana’s Dominance
- Sharp Shooting from Deep
Indiana hit 8 three-pointers in the first half, keeping Oklahoma City’s defense scrambling. - Stifling Defense
The Pacers forced multiple turnovers and closed passing lanes, limiting the Thunder’s rhythm. - Bench Production
Contributions from Toppin, Bradley, and McConnell helped maintain momentum even when starters rested. - Haliburton’s Leadership
Despite not being at 100%, Haliburton’s composure and playmaking were crucial.
Broadcast Info – Where to Watch or Listen
Television (National):
- ABC
- Play-by-Play: Mike Breen
- Analysts: Doris Burke & Richard Jefferson
- Sideline Reporter: Lisa Salters
Radio (Local):
- 93.5/107.5 The Fan
- Play-by-Play: Mark Boyle
- Analyst: Eddie Gill
- Sideline: Pat Boylan
Stream the NBA Finals Live:
- Available via NBA League Pass and the NBA App
Get Ready for Next Season – 2025-26 Tickets Available Now
Want to be there for all the games next season? 2025-26 season tickets are available now. Secure your seats and experience the action at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Visit: Pacers.com/Tickets
Final Thoughts
That was not just a strong first half — it was a statement by the Indiana Pacers.
With backs against the wall during Game 6, they came together like a championship team. Siakam’s scoring, Haliburton’s control, and a total team effort on both ends of the floor have the Pacers now looking to force a Game 7 deciding match if they can keep it up.
The energy in Gainbridge Fieldhouse is electric — and if this continues, we’re in for a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 NBA Finals.
For complete coverage, player interviews, highlights, and more, visit NBA.com or Pacers.com/Playoffs
As the Pacers fight to force a decisive Game 7 in the East, the Western Conference has been just as intense. For more on how the Thunder reached the Finals, check out this full breakdown of their previous showdown: Timberwolves Face Thunder in High Stakes West Finals. It’s a must-read for fans following Oklahoma City’s remarkable postseason journey.