Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals saw the Indiana Pacers, facing elimination while down 3-2 in the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, draw upon veteran leadership and a profound message to secure a pivotal victory. Just 50 minutes before tipoff in Indianapolis, Pacers forward James Johnson sought to inspire his team. With a desire to write a powerful Muhammad Ali quote about rising after a fall on the locker room whiteboard, but hampered by his handwriting, Johnson enlisted the help of Bennedict Mathurin. The competitive Mathurin, celebrating his 23rd birthday, meticulously scribbled the inspirational words, ensuring every player would see the message before the crucial battle.

This pre-game ritual proved prophetic almost immediately. Despite the Pacers losing Game 5 and falling behind 10-2 within the first four minutes of Game 6, they quickly took a timeout to regroup. Heeding the call to 'rise,' Indiana erased the eight-point deficit in a mere 45 seconds, taking the lead barely two minutes later. Their resilience continued as they battled back from a slow start, leading by as much as nine points in the first quarter. Although the Thunder pushed back in the second quarter, cutting the lead to one, a timeout by veteran head coach Rick Carlisle ignited an explosive 32-11 run for the Pacers. This surge resulted in a commanding 22-point lead at halftime, electrifying the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd.

The Pacers maintained their dominance through the third quarter, extending their lead to a 30-point cushion by the fourth, ultimately cruising to a 108-91 victory. This emphatic win tied the series 3-3, setting the stage for a winner-take-all Game 7. Post-game, Pascal Siakam emphasized the team's unwavering identity, stating, “We continue to be us no matter what. I think that’s what makes us who we are.” Myles Turner echoed this sentiment, believing the team’s inherent pride should be sufficient motivation. James Johnson, whose invaluable off-court leadership culminated in a brief, celebrated appearance in Game 6, embodied the spirit of the night, further cementing his fan-favorite status.

As the series heads to Game 7, the focus shifts to the Oklahoma City Thunder and their need to perform their best 48 minutes of basketball. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently delivered over 20 points in all six finals games, the Thunder's success hinges on a collective effort beyond their 'big trio' of SGA, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. A critical area for OKC to address is their bench play, which faltered in Game 6 against Indiana's reserves. The Pacers' bench, led by Obi Toppin's 20 points and T.J. McConnell's 12, amassed 48 points, significantly outscoring OKC's 37 bench points despite the Thunder having more players contribute from the bench.

Historically, the Thunder increase their win probability when at least two reserve players score 10 points or more, a strategy seen in their Game 5 win where Alex Caruso scored 20 and Aaron Wiggins added 18. For Game 7, OKC needs key bench players like Caruso, Wiggins, and Cason Wallace, who reached double digits only twice since May 15, to step up significantly. Head coach Mark Daigneault requires a spark from his non-starters to relieve pressure on his fatigued core players. As both teams prepare for the ultimate championship decider, the performance of their respective benches will be a crucial x-factor, potentially altering the outcome of this epic NBA Finals matchup.