Tyrese Haliburton, an All-Star guard, made a last-second jumper to help the Indiana Pacers defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, setting off an exciting start to the series. The victory was a thrilling conclusion to a fiercely contested game at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, where Indiana trailed for the majority of the evening before staging an incredible comeback in the fourth quarter.
Playing in its first NBA Finals since 2000, Indiana tied the record for the biggest fourth-quarter comeback in Finals history after rallying from a 15-point deficit in the final frame. With just 0.3 seconds left, Haliburton calmly sank a 21-foot step-back jumper over Thunder forward Jalen Williams, displaying the heroism of the game. The basket clinched the victory and gave Indiana their first lead of the game. It was Haliburton's fourth postseason game-winner, highlighting his rise to the position of uncontested clutch leader for the Pacers. His final stats were 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists in a well-rounded game that mainly relied on teamwork.
The team was headed by former NBA champion and recent Pacers signing Pascal Siakam, who finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds while maintaining a consistent presence. Andrew Nembhard scored 14 points and made vital defensive stops, including a fiercely contested stand against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Thunder's final possession, while Obi Toppin added 17 important points off the bench.
Oklahoma City couldn't withstand Indiana's late surge, even if they had a great start. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander maintained his outstanding postseason play by leading all scorers with 38 points. He was unable to convert, though, after Nembhard forced him into a difficult shot at the buzzer. Although Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren made significant contributions, the Thunder, who were making their first Finals appearance since 2012, found it difficult to remain composed as Indiana rallied in the closing period.
There were notable executional disparities throughout the game. Despite committing 25 turnovers, including 19 in the first half, the Pacers were able to limit the Thunder to just 11 points as a result of their errors—an amazing defensive performance considering the situation. Indiana's 3-point shooting improved, making 18 of its attempts from outside the arc, including 6 of 10 in the fourth quarter. In contrast, Oklahoma City was unable to emulate Indiana's late-game performance and only made 11 of 30 long-range attempts.
Game 1 sets up what looks to be an intensely contested series between two of the most intriguing and youthful teams in the league. The Thunder will try to rally in Game 2, which is set for Sunday night in Oklahoma City, while the Pacers are now three victories away from winning their first NBA title in team history.
Basketball fans are in for an incredible series if Game 1 is any indication of the high drama currently present in the Finals.
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