The Indiana Pacers have done it again. In a playoff run defined by resilience and improbable comebacks, the Pacers pulled off yet another stunning rally, shocking the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 111-110 victory in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals. And at the heart of it all? Tyrese Haliburton, who delivered a cold-blooded game-winner with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock.
For most of the night, the Thunder looked dominant, riding their swarming defense to a commanding lead. By halftime, OKC had forced 19 turnovers, holding the Pacers to just 45 points while maintaining a 57-45 advantage.
The third quarter saw the Thunder extend their lead to 94-79, seemingly putting the game out of reach. But the Pacers, known for their never-say-die attitude, refused to back down.
Down 15 points with just over nine minutes remaining, Indiana flipped the script. They tightened up defensively, limited their turnovers, and found their rhythm from beyond the arc. The result? A 32-16 run that culminated in Haliburton’s clutch jumper, giving the Pacers their first and only lead of the game.
Haliburton, who had struggled offensively for most of the night, finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. But his final shot—a pull-up jumper under intense pressure—was all that mattered.
WHAT THE HALIBURTON AGAIN 😱
TYRESE WINS GAME 1 OF THE NBA FINALS FOR THE PACERS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TLv6OtQyWV
— ESPN (@espn) June 6, 2025
Speaking after the game, Haliburton reflected on the Pacers’ resilience, stating,
“There was never a disbelief as a group, honestly… We never think the game is over. Ever.”
His confidence has been a driving force behind Indiana’s improbable playoff run, which has seen them pull off multiple double-digit comebacks against elite teams.
The Thunder entered the Finals as heavy favorites, led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who torched the Pacers for 38 points. Despite his brilliance, OKC failed to close out the game, leaving the door open for Indiana’s latest miracle.
With the series now at 1-0, the Pacers have seized momentum in dramatic fashion. Game 2 is set for Sunday, June 8, and the Thunder will need to regroup quickly if they hope to avoid falling into a deeper hole.
One thing is certain: no lead is safe against these Pacers
