The Indiana Pacers stole Game 1 of the NBA Finals from the Oklahoma City Thunder with a stunning 111-110 victory, marking their fourth improbable late-game comeback this postseason. Tyrese Haliburton cemented his place in playoff lore with a game-winning jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining, giving the Pacers their first and only lead of the entire contest.
Oklahoma City dominated the majority of the game, showcasing the brilliance of MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led all scorers with 38 points. The Thunder's defense stifled the Pacers' offense for long stretches, forcing 19 turnovers in the first half alone. The Thunder led by as many as 15 points in the fourth quarter, appearing to be in firm control of the game and poised to secure a Game 1 victory in front of their home crowd.
However, the Pacers, who have earned a reputation as the comeback kings of the 2025 playoffs, refused to surrender. Down by 15 with nine minutes remaining, Indiana began to chip away at the deficit. Clutch plays by Andrew Nembhard, who drilled a crucial three-pointer, and Pascal Siakam, who grabbed an offensive rebound and scored a put-back, fueled the Pacers' resurgence.
Despite Haliburton's relatively quiet scoring night, finishing with 14 points, his impact was undeniable. He also contributed 10 rebounds and six assists, and once again delivered the decisive blow when his team needed it most. Haliburton's game-winner was the culmination of a remarkable comeback, highlighting his clutch gene and ability to perform under pressure. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers in scoring with 19 points, while Obi Toppin provided a spark off the bench with 17 points, including five three-pointers.
The Thunder's offense faltered down the stretch, and they were ultimately unable to contain the Pacers' late surge. While Gilgeous-Alexander carried the scoring load, other key players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren struggled with their shooting efficiency. The Thunder's inability to capitalize on the Pacers' turnovers also proved costly.
Indiana's victory was particularly impressive considering they lost the turnover battle significantly, committing 24 turnovers compared to the Thunder's 6. Despite this disparity, the Pacers found a way to overcome their mistakes and capitalize on their opportunities in the final minutes.
The Pacers' Game 1 win serves as a wake-up call for the Thunder, who now understand that no lead is safe against this resilient Indiana team. The series shifts to Game 2 with the Pacers holding a crucial advantage, but the Thunder will undoubtedly be determined to bounce back and reassert their dominance. This marks the Pacers' first Finals appearance since 2000, while the Thunder are making their first appearance since 2012 when the team was led by Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook. This is also the first NBA Finals without a luxury tax team since 2002.
