Tyrese Haliburton was questionable all week, however on the most important night time of Indiana’s season, the Pacers’ chief suited up, and led them to a blowout win that extends the NBA Finals to a winner-take-all Recreation 7.
“We’ve obtained one sport. One sport,” Haliburton stated after Indiana’s dominant 108–91 win over the Thunder. “It’s nothing that’s occurred earlier than issues, and nothing that’s going to occur after issues. It’s all about that one sport. Simply attempting to strategy it the fitting approach for the following couple days.”
Indiana, down 3–2 getting into Recreation 6, wanted every thing to go proper.
What they obtained was a wire-to-wire efficiency fueled by urgency, power, and their star guard.
“I simply have a look at it as I need to be on the market to compete with my brothers. These are guys that I’m keen to go to battle with, and we’ve had such a particular yr, and we now have a particular bond as a gaggle, and you realize, I feel I’d beat myself up if I didn’t give it an opportunity,” Haliburton stated.
Haliburton completed with 14 factors and 5 assists, however his presence alone ignited the Pacers.
Their 62–35 run via the second and third quarters buried Oklahoma Metropolis, whose starters sat the whole fourth.
“That is what it’s all about. I imply, that is … that is what you dream about rising up – this sort of alternative,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle stated postgame.
Oklahoma Metropolis will host Recreation 7, however Indiana’s mindset couldn’t be clearer.
“It’s so, so thrilling. As a basketball fan, there’s nothing like a Recreation 7,” Haliburton stated. “Dreamed of being on this state of affairs my entire life. What occurred prior to now doesn’t matter. What occurred as we speak doesn’t matter. It’s all about one sport and approaching that the fitting approach.”
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