Byline: Jonathan Abel, Sports Correspondent
Opening Paragraph: In a thrilling opener to the NBA Finals on Sunday, June 8, 2025, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110, thanks to a buzzer-beating shot by Tyrese Haliburton. The victory gives the Pacers a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, marking a dramatic start to their championship quest.
Haliburton’s Heroics Seal Game 1
Trailing by one point with just seconds remaining, the Pacers chose not to call a timeout. Instead, Haliburton took charge, dribbling past defenders and executing a smooth step-back jumper from just beyond the free-throw line. The ball swished through the net with only 0.3 seconds left on the clock, sending Indiana’s bench and fans into jubilation.
This was Haliburton’s fourth game-winner of the postseason, cementing his status as one of the league’s most clutch performers. Though he had a tough shooting night overall, going 5-of-16 from the field for 14 points, his 10 rebounds and six assists demonstrated his all-around impact.
Thunder’s Strong Start Unravels
Oklahoma City dominated the first half, leading 57-45 at halftime and forcing 19 turnovers from the Pacers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was electric, scoring 38 points and delivering several highlight-reel plays. His performance ranked among the highest ever for a player debuting in the NBA Finals.
Despite their early control, the Thunder struggled in the fourth quarter. Costly turnovers and missed shots allowed Indiana to mount a comeback. Gilgeous-Alexander had a chance to seal the game with a mid-range jumper in the final seconds, but his shot clanked off the rim, setting the stage for Haliburton’s heroics.
Historic Comeback
The Pacers’ 15-point rally in the fourth quarter tied the record for the largest comeback in a Finals game. Notably, Indiana only led the game for 0.3 seconds—the exact duration between Haliburton’s shot and the final buzzer.
This incredible finish echoed some of the most dramatic moments in NBA Finals history, including Michael Jordan’s game-winner in the 1997 Finals and Ray Allen’s miraculous three-pointer in 2013. For the Pacers, it was their first Finals appearance in two decades, and they seized the moment with an unforgettable win.
Strategic Adjustments and Key Performers
Indiana’s success was fueled not only by Haliburton but also by a team-wide defensive shift in the second half. Coach Rick Carlisle switched to a zone defense that slowed the Thunder’s penetration and contested perimeter shots.
Bennedict Mathurin added 22 points for the Pacers, while Myles Turner contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds. Off the bench, veteran T.J. McConnell played pivotal minutes, providing energy and leadership during the comeback.
On the Thunder’s side, Chet Holmgren posted 16 points and eight rebounds, showing flashes of his potential. Jalen Williams chipped in 14 points, though Oklahoma City’s overall shooting dipped below 40% in the final quarter.
Looking Ahead: Game 2 Set for Tuesday
Game 2 is set for Tuesday, June 10, again at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder will look to regroup and respond to Indiana’s late-game momentum. Historically, teams that win Game 1 of the NBA Finals go on to win the series nearly 71% of the time, placing pressure on the Thunder to avoid a 0-2 deficit.
Coach Mark Daigneault indicated that adjustments would be made: “We had control for most of the game, but we let it slip in the final minutes. We’ll be better prepared next time.”
The Pacers, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their intensity and capitalize on the early series lead. Haliburton, reflecting on his game-winner, said, “I knew I had to take the shot. Moments like this are why we play the game.”
