The Oklahoma City Thunder took a commanding 1-0 lead in the 2025 NBA Finals with a dominant 132-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers on June 5 at the Paycom Center. With MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, the Thunder showcased their offensive prowess and established an early upper hand in the series.
This marks Oklahoma City’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2012, and they wasted no time making a statement in front of their home crowd. The atmosphere inside the Paycom Center was electric, fueling the Thunder’s energy from the opening tip.
Thunder’s Explosive Start
From the outset, Oklahoma City looked determined to capitalize on their home-court advantage. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points, slicing through the Pacers’ defense with ease. He found his rhythm early, knocking down mid-range jumpers and finishing strong at the rim.
Jalen Williams provided key support with 18 points, while Chet Holmgren added a physical presence in the paint. The Thunder’s ball movement was crisp, and their transition offense proved to be a major weapon. Oklahoma City turned 14 Indiana turnovers into 25 points, a testament to their aggressive defense and fast-break efficiency.
Their ability to control the tempo of the game kept the Pacers off balance. Oklahoma City’s offensive sets were well-orchestrated, often resulting in wide-open shots or mismatches that they capitalized on.
Isaiah Hartenstein, who joined the Thunder during the offseason, made his impact felt with several key rebounds and timely interior defense. His physical play helped neutralize Indiana’s attempts to attack the basket, contributing to Oklahoma City’s dominance in the paint.
Pacers Struggle to Match Intensity
The Indiana Pacers, led by All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, entered the Finals as underdogs but hopeful after a strong Eastern Conference run. Haliburton did his part with a solid scoring performance, but the supporting cast struggled to find rhythm.
Indiana’s defense was consistently outmaneuvered by the Thunder’s spacing and speed. The Pacers’ inability to slow down Gilgeous-Alexander or contain Oklahoma City’s transition game left them vulnerable throughout the night.
The absence of rookie forward Jarace Walker, sidelined with an ankle injury, limited Indiana’s defensive options and forced them to rely heavily on bench contributions. While veterans like Myles Turner and Buddy Hield attempted to spark a comeback, Oklahoma City’s lead never dipped below double digits after halftime.
On offense, the Pacers shot under 35% from beyond the arc and missed several open opportunities that could have shifted momentum. Their ball movement was less fluid than in previous playoff rounds, often leading to rushed or contested attempts late in the shot clock.
Strategic Adjustments Needed
With Game 2 scheduled for Sunday, June 8, also in Oklahoma City, the Pacers will need to make key adjustments if they hope to even the series. Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the need for improved defensive discipline and better execution in half-court sets.
One area of focus will be limiting second-chance opportunities. The Thunder out-rebounded Indiana 45-36, with several offensive rebounds leading directly to second-chance points. Cleaning up the glass and reducing turnovers will be critical moving forward.
Indiana may also look to increase pace selectively, using Haliburton’s speed to create open looks before the Thunder’s defense can set. Matching Oklahoma City’s intensity and physicality will be paramount in Game 2.
Thunder Eye Series Control
For the Thunder, maintaining focus and avoiding complacency is the key. Coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s energy and preparation but emphasized that the series is far from over.
Oklahoma City’s depth continues to be a strength. Players like Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins provided strong defensive minutes and helped stretch the floor offensively. If the Thunder can replicate their Game 1 performance, they’ll be in a strong position to seize full control of the Finals before heading to Indiana for Game 3.
The win not only gave the Thunder a series lead but also reaffirmed their status as a legitimate championship contender. With momentum on their side and the home crowd behind them, Oklahoma City is now poised to push further in pursuit of their first NBA title since relocating from Seattle.
