OKLAHOMA CITY — The Indiana Pacers staged a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 5, 2025. Trailing by 15 points with 9:42 remaining, Indiana outscored Oklahoma City 32-16 in the final stretch, capped by Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning jumper with 0.3 seconds left, securing a 1-0 series lead.
The Pacers dominated the boards, outrebounding the Thunder 56-39, with Aaron Nesmith grabbing 12 rebounds and Myles Turner adding 10. This rebounding edge, paired with 18-of-39 three-point shooting, fueled their rally. Indiana’s clutch gene shone through, as they went 6-for-10 from beyond the arc in the fourth. This resilience mirrors their playoff run, including a 17-point comeback in Game 1 against the Knicks on May 21 and a seven-point overtime rally to oust the Bucks in the first round.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 38 points, but his missed 15-footer with 10 seconds left opened the door for Haliburton’s heroics. Oklahoma City’s six turnovers and 11-of-30 three-point shooting weren’t enough to hold off Indiana’s surge. The Thunder, who led by 15 in the fourth, have now squandered double-digit leads in two playoff games, including a 26-point halftime deficit against the Grizzlies.
Haliburton added 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Pascal Siakam contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds. Obi Toppin’s 17 points off the bench were crucial. Social media buzzed with fans marveling at Indiana’s grit. With Game 2 set for June 8 in Oklahoma City, the Pacers aim to maintain their momentum in this thrilling Finals matchup.
Here’s how social media reacted to Haliburton’s game winner and the thrilling finish in the Paycom Center.
Take a look.
Overrate that, indeed. What a statement Haliburton has made this postseason for the Pacers.
The Haliburton.
