The 2025 NBA Finals are delivering an absolute thriller, and Game 6 promises to be no different. Behind 71 combined points from Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder won Game 5 at home and now hold a commanding 3-2 lead over the Indiana Pacers. With the series returning to Indiana for a must-win game for the Pacers, here’s everything you need to know to ensure you don’t miss a single second of this pivotal contest.
When and Where to Watch (and Listen):
Game 6 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET. The action returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, the home court of the Pacers.
For television viewers in the U.S., ABC is your exclusive destination for live coverage. If you’ve cut the cord, fear not! Several streaming services offer live access to ABC, including FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling Blue. Remember to check for regional availability to ensure you can access ABC through these platforms. You might even be able to catch the game with a good old-fashioned over-the-air antenna if you have access to a local ABC affiliate.
If you prefer to listen to the game, SiriusXM NBA Radio will provide comprehensive play-by-play coverage. You can tune in to SiriusXM channels 86 (Thunder broadcast) and 81 (Pacers broadcast) for live audio of the game. Additionally, ESPN Radio is another excellent option for live broadcast, available through various platforms including TuneIn.
What’s at Stake: A Championship on the Line
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Game 6 presents their first opportunity to clinch the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship. A victory would cap off a remarkable season, solidifying the legacy of their young superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who could potentially add a Finals MVP to his impressive resume. For the Thunder, a win in Indiana means bringing the Larry O’Brien trophy back to Oklahoma City, a monumental achievement for a team ahead of schedule in their rebuild.
On the other side, the Indiana Pacers are fighting for their season. Trailing 3-2, they face a do-or-die situation on their home court. A win forces a decisive Game 7 back in Oklahoma City, keeping their championship dreams alive and giving them a chance to complete an improbable comeback. For Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers, winning Game 6 isn’t just about survival; it’s about proving their resilience and showing the world they belong on this grand stage. A loss, however, would send them home empty-handed, leaving a “painfully close” asterisk on an otherwise fantastic season.
Storylines from Game 5:
Game 5, which saw the Thunder defeat the Pacers 120-109, set the stage for this critical Game 6. Several key storylines emerged from that contest:
- Thunder’s Road Warrior Mentality: After splitting the first four games, the Thunder showed their mettle by taking Game 5 on the road in Oklahoma City. This demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure in a hostile environment, a crucial factor heading back to Indianapolis.
- Pacers’ Offensive Struggles and Three-Point Woes: Indiana’s usually potent offense sputtered at times in Game 5, particularly from beyond the arc. They shot just 29.4% on “open” or “wide open” three-pointers, a statistic that head coach Rick Carlisle will undoubtedly be looking to rectify. For the Pacers to extend the series, their perimeter shooting must improve significantly.
- Pascal Siakam’s Usage: Pascal Siakam, a crucial offensive engine for the Pacers, took only one shot in the fourth quarter of Game 4 (a game the Thunder won). While Game 5 saw him start hot, Indiana needs him to be consistently involved and aggressive, especially when facing Oklahoma City’s physical defense. Coach Carlisle emphasized that Siakam “needs to touch the ball more” if they are to win.
- The Rise of Alex Caruso (and the Thunder’s Depth): While not the most prominent name, Alex Caruso has been a revelation for the Thunder in the Finals, playing extended minutes and contributing significantly on both ends of the court. His stellar defense and surprising offensive bursts (including two 20-point games in the series) highlight the depth of the Thunder roster and their ability to get contributions from unexpected sources.
- Chet Holmgren vs. Myles Turner: The battle between these two centers has been fascinating. While Myles Turner has battled illness and been somewhat quiet offensively in recent games, Chet Holmgren has grown more comfortable and impactful on the Finals stage. Indiana needs a big performance from Turner to counter Holmgren’s growing influence.
Game 6 isn’t just another basketball game; it’s a testament to dedication, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a championship. With legacies on the line and a potential first-time champion set to be crowned, this is a can’t-miss event for any basketball fan. Settle in, tune in, and prepare for what promises to be a memorable night of NBA action.
How to Watch and Listen To NBA Finals Game 6