The Indiana Pacers staged another unforgettable comeback to steal Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals in stunning fashion. On Thursday night (June 5, U.S. time), they narrowly defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 111-110, thanks to a clutch jumper by Tyrese Haliburton with just 0.3 seconds remaining on the clock. The dramatic finish silenced the home crowd and gave Indiana a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
This marked the Pacers’ first-ever lead in the NBA Finals, and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial moment. After trailing for nearly the entire game, Indiana seized the lead in the dying moments, continuing their incredible postseason trend of late-game heroics. The victory also marks the third consecutive playoff series where the Pacers have managed to open with a road win.
Haliburton’s Heroics Seal a Historic Win
With the Pacers down by 15 points in the fourth quarter and facing relentless defensive pressure from the Thunder, a comeback seemed unlikely. However, Indiana dug deep. They closed the game on a 12-2 run, capped off by Haliburton’s deep two-pointer after recovering a loose ball. That basket, which gave Indiana its only lead of the game, came just 0.3 seconds before the final buzzer, stunning Oklahoma City fans into silence.
Haliburton, despite a relatively quiet performance for most of the game, finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, and delivered when it mattered most. His final shot overshadowed a magnificent 38-point effort from Thunder superstar and 2025 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who struggled with efficiency in the clutch moments.
Thunder’s Defense Falters Late Despite Turnover Frenzy
The Thunder’s defense had been dominant for most of the game, forcing 25 turnovers—including 19 in the first half alone. But despite the defensive effort, Oklahoma City struggled to capitalize offensively, turning those turnovers into just 11 points. Their inefficient shooting also came back to haunt them, as they hit only 39.8% of their 98 total shots.
Even with 16 more field goal attempts than Indiana, the Thunder couldn’t maintain their advantage. Gilgeous-Alexander had opportunities to seal the game but missed two crucial pull-up jumpers late in the fourth quarter that could have extended the Thunder’s lead to two possessions.
Balanced Attack and Sharp Shooting Lift Indiana
Indiana’s offense finally came to life down the stretch, thanks to a well-rounded team effort. Veteran forward Pascal Siakam led the team with 19 points, while all five starters scored in double digits, supported by a strong bench performance.
One of the unsung heroes was Obi Toppin, who came off the bench to knock down five three-pointers, injecting energy and momentum into Indiana’s offense. Overall, the Pacers were lethal from beyond the arc, hitting 18 of 39 three-point attempts, good for an impressive 46.2% shooting clip.
Coach Rick Carlisle Praises Team’s Resilience
Postgame, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle praised his team for their mental toughness and ability to stay locked in despite the deficit.
“We just had to reset, take it possession by possession in the third and fourth quarters, and stay committed,” Carlisle said. “This is going to be a long series with a lot of battles, and we’ve got to keep our heads focused and our chemistry strong.”
What’s Next in the NBA Finals?
Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals is set to take place in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will look to bounce back and even the series before it shifts to Indiana. The Pacers, however, now carry the momentum and a valuable road win that could swing the tide of the championship series in their favor.
With Haliburton proving he can deliver in crunch time and the Pacers showing remarkable resilience, this NBA Finals is already shaping up to be a classic showdown.
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