Pacers’ Cinderella Story: Will Indiana Complete the Upset?

By Edcel Panganiban June 21, 2025 19:31

The 2025 NBA Finals have delivered a riveting narrative, with the Indiana Pacers crafting a true Cinderella story as they push the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder to a decisive Game 7. After a dominant 108-91 victory in Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Pacers have forced the series back to Oklahoma City, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown that could culminate in Indiana’s first championship since their 1973 ABA title.

Entering the postseason as a solid but not overwhelming contender, the Pacers (50-32) have defied expectations with a gritty, resilient style of play. Their 7-4 road record in these playoffs underscores their ability to perform under pressure away from home, a critical factor as they prepare to face the Thunder on their home floor, where Oklahoma City boasts a formidable 10-2 postseason record. The Thunder, who finished the regular season with an NBA-best 68 wins, entered the Finals as clear favorites, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge in MVP-caliber form. Yet Indiana has repeatedly shown they are no pushover.

Tyrese Haliburton, despite battling a calf injury, has been instrumental in the Pacers’ run. In Game 6, he contributed 14 points and five assists in just 23 minutes, demonstrating poise and leadership in a high-stakes environment. His ability to manage the game and make clutch plays has been vital, especially in moments when the Pacers needed to swing momentum. Haliburton’s impact extends beyond the stat sheet; his calm under pressure has galvanized the team.

Bench players have also stepped up, most notably Bennedict Mathurin, who exploded for 27 points off the bench in Game 3, helping Indiana seize a 2-1 series lead early on. This depth has allowed the Pacers to weather runs from the Thunder and maintain offensive balance. Meanwhile, the Thunder’s star, Gilgeous-Alexander, has had a mixed series, with strong scoring outputs offset by costly turnovers, including a game-high eight in Game 6 that hampered Oklahoma City’s efforts.

The stakes could not be higher. The Pacers are on the cusp of completing one of the biggest upsets in recent NBA history, while the Thunder seek to capture their first title since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. The betting markets reflect this tension: Oklahoma City is favored by 7.5 points in Game 7, but Indiana’s +245 money-line underdog status belies their potential to pull off a shocker.

Indiana’s journey to this point has been marked by resilience and clutch performances. They stunned the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals and have shown an ability to execute in critical moments, including a Game 1 victory over the Thunder that set the tone for a fiercely competitive series. Their defense has tightened at key junctures, and their balanced attack challenges the Thunder’s star-reliant offense.

Coach Rick Carlisle’s leadership has been pivotal. His adjustments and trust in role players have maximized the team’s strengths. “We’re playing with belief and heart,” Carlisle said after Game 6. “Our guys know what’s at stake, and they’re embracing the challenge.”

As the series heads to Game 7, the question looms: Can the Pacers complete the upset and etch their name into NBA history? The answer will hinge on their ability to sustain defensive intensity, limit turnovers, and harness their collective confidence against a Thunder team hungry to prove its dominance.

Indiana’s Cinderella story is far from over. Their blend of veteran savvy, youthful energy, and unyielding determination has brought them to the precipice of a championship. Whether they can finish the job remains to be seen, but one thing is certain the 2025 NBA Finals have been a testament to the unpredictability and drama that define basketball at its highest level.