Podcast Summary: The Ringer NBA Show - "Pacers Annihilate Thunder In Game 6. Game 7, Here We Come!"
Episode Information
- Title: Pacers Annihilate Thunder In Game 6. Game 7, Here We Come!
- Host: The Ringer
- Release Date: June 20, 2025
- Show Segment: Real Ones with Logan Murdoch and Tyler Parker
Introduction
In this emergency edition of Real Ones, hosts Logan Murdoch and guest Tyler Parker delve deep into the dramatic conclusion of Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals, where the Indiana Pacers delivered a crushing defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the series pending a decisive Game 7, Logan and Tyler explore the emotional aftermath, player performances, strategic analyses, and what fans can anticipate in the upcoming game.
Emotional Aftermath of Game 6
The episode opens with Logan expressing his frustration over the Thunder's loss:
Logan Murdoch [00:27]: "Pascal Siakam is great. What's up with these J Dub Scotty Pippen comparisons? ... why I'm so pissed that I miss Caitlin Clark tonight."
Tyler Parker shares his range of emotions post-game:
Tyler Parker [03:27]: "Bewilderment. Emotion is rage. Feeling like the ground was falling out from under me and also somehow the ceiling was pushing down on me."
Logan probes deeper into Tyler's feelings:
Logan Murdoch [04:47]: "That's such a terrible, disastrous performance by the Thunder. And I don't... I'm so pissed..."
Tyler candidly discusses the difficulty in managing these emotions:
Tyler Parker [10:55]: "This is incredible. If I didn't have a skin, any skin in the game, I would be on top of the world."
Player Performances and Critical Analysis
Shay Gilgis Alexander's Struggles: Logan highlights Alexander's problematic game statistics:
Logan Murdoch [05:03]: "They play like Boo Boo was one Shay Gilgis Alexander. 21 points, four rebounds, two assists, eight turnovers."
Tyler critiques Alexander's performance:
Tyler Parker [05:21]: "Not good enough. ... the Thunder offense, to a man pretty much just way too casual with the ball. So many silly turnovers."
TJ McConnell's Impact: McConnell's performance becomes a focal point:
Tyler Parker [07:11]: "When Lionel hit that three, I was shocked and amazed... I don't love that, but this... the Thunder's best chance is to do what they've done when they've slowed the offense down."
Logan amplifies McConnell's significance:
Logan Murdoch [34:10]: "If TJ McConnell does something like that, he is owed that. He owns the Pacers."
Pascal Siakam's Prowess: Pascal Siakam's contributions are lauded:
Logan Murdoch [24:27]: "He's so good. He's so. Just slithery in his game... his post game, how he can find space for layups."
J Dub's Comparisons to Scottie Pippen: A contentious topic, Logan questions the recurrent comparison:
Logan Murdoch [16:58]: "It's so weird... I don't know why people are doing this is such a lazy comparison."
Tyler concurs with Logan's skepticism:
Tyler Parker [17:12]: "I think it's a very lazy comparison. No disrespect to Scottie Pippen, Hall of Famer."
They delve into the inaccuracy and potential limitations of such comparisons:
Logan Murdoch [20:13]: "To call him Scottie Pippen is just... I feel like it's lazy."
Team Dynamics and Strategic Insights
Indiana Pacers' Dominance: Tyler commends the Pacers' adaptability and execution:
Tyler Parker [23:06]: "What impressed you about the Pacers was gonna be my next question."
Logan praises their defensive strategy:
Logan Murdoch [32:08]: "They can shut that shit all the way down. ... they've been so impressive this series."
Oklahoma City Thunder's Vulnerabilities: Discussion on the Thunder's defensive lapses:
Tyler Parker [32:30]: "The Pacers didn't have a single turnover at the end of the first quarter... it's just weird for this Thunder team."
Expectations for Game 7: The hosts speculate on potential outcomes and strategies:
Tyler Parker [36:19]: "It's going to be one of the most physical games of the last 25 years." Logan Murdoch [37:26]: "If they play defense like they did tonight, Indy's leaving happy."
Personal Anecdotes and Fan Experiences
Logan shares a heartfelt story about fellow fan Marcus Peters attending Game 6:
Logan Murdoch [45:05]: "He has a Chet Holmgren jersey on... he flew in from Oakland to Oklahoma City the same day..."
Tyler reflects on the intense atmosphere at the Oklahoma City venue:
Tyler Parker [43:35]: "The noise swallows you, man. It surrounds your head like a helmet."
Looking Ahead: Game 7 Predictions and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Logan and Tyler contemplate the future of both teams:
Tyler Parker [42:55]: "If they have a chance to be a dynasty... it's fragile and can fall apart quickly."
They acknowledge the significance of the upcoming Game 7:
Logan Murdoch [38:56]: "First game seven since 2016 and only the fourth game seven in the NBA Finals in the last 30 years."
Final Remarks: Logan and Tyler express their anticipation and the emotional weight of the upcoming game, emphasizing the potential for one of the most memorable finals in recent history.
Conclusion
This episode of Real Ones offers an in-depth and emotionally charged analysis of the pivotal Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Through candid conversations, insightful critiques, and personal stories, Logan Murdoch and Tyler Parker provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the series' current state and what lies ahead in the highly anticipated Game 7.