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 but will need a much improved performance to win their first Championship since 1979.
