India, June 20 -- Tyrese Haliburton, despite playing with a strained right calf, successfully brought the Indiana Pacers close to their NBA Finals aspirations with an outstanding performance in Game 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. The 25-year-old's no-look pass in the fourth quarter became a highlight of Game 6, prompting fans at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to chant 'MVP' in his honor.

The Pacers maintained their lead over the Thunder throughout the game, thereby avoiding what would have been a devastating loss and elimination from the NBA Finals.

Haliburton has been contending with lower leg issues throughout the series, with the calf strain intensifying during Game 5 on Monday night. He played through the last three quarters of that game against the Thunder, despite appearing to be in discomfort. He concluded Game 5 with four points, all from free throws, in addition to seven rebounds and six assists.

On Thursday, Haliburton began the game somewhat sluggishly. However, he progressively improved as the game unfolded. By halftime, the Pacers were leading 64-42. Siakam contributed 13 points, Haliburton had 12, while Nembhard scored 10, and both Toppin and McConnell added 8 points each.

A standout moment occurred in the fourth quarter when he intercepted the ball and executed a deceptive no-look pass, which Siakam converted into a powerful slam dunk.

The outcome now hinges on the Indiana Pacers winning Game 7 and the series. Haliburton has been crucial for the team throughout the series, and he stands a genuine chance at securing the title.

"He's a great player," remarked Thunder coach Mark Daigneault prior to Game 6. "If there's one thing we know, it's that you should never underestimate great players. In this scenario, we anticipate his best effort. Indiana is a formidable team, and we expect their strongest performance. I have no doubt he is managing some challenges, but we expect him to play at the level a great player would. We must be ready for that. This is how we show full respect to our opponent."

Haliburton entered Game 6 averaging 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 9.1 assists per game during the playoffs. His averages prior to Game 6 were 15 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game.

Williams is encountering stiff competition for the MVP award.
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