OKC Thunder battle Indiana Pacers in NBA Finals Game 1, June 5, 2025. SGA & Haliburton star as both teams chase their first title. Who won the opener?
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
The moment we've all been waiting for, Thunder Nation! Thursday, June 5, 2025, marked the tip-off of the NBA Finals, and our Oklahoma City Thunder stormed onto their home court at Paycom Center to face the Indiana Pacers in a historic Game 1. The energy was palpable as both franchises began their quest for their first-ever NBA championship. Early action showcased the defensive grit we've come to expect from OKC, with a fascinating duel brewing between MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Pacers' star Tyrese Haliburton.
The Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, entered the Finals boasting the league's most 30-point playoff wins this postseason.
Game 1 was a defensive chess match from the jump. While detailed box scores are still pending, the Thunder's trademark hustle and shot-blocking were on full display. Lu Dort and Jalen Williams were instrumental in disrupting the Pacers' potent offense, which came in with the second-best playoff offensive efficiency. The back-and-forth between SGA and Haliburton was everything fans hoped for, a true battle of elite point guards on the grandest stage. The atmosphere in OKC was absolutely electric, fueling our boys.
Leading the charge, as always, was our MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Entering the Finals averaging a staggering 29.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.9 rebounds, SGA has been nothing short of sensational. His ability to score, facilitate, and lead has been the bedrock of this incredible playoff run. He's not alone, though. Jalen Williams, with his clutch 19.3 points per game, and Chet Holmgren, averaging 1.7 blocks and anchoring the paint, have been phenomenal co-stars. This balanced attack, averaging 120.5 points per game, is a nightmare for opponents.
This isn't just another Finals series; it's history in the making. Neither the Oklahoma City Thunder nor the Indiana Pacers have ever hoisted the Larry O'Brien trophy. For OKC, the No. 1 seed in the West, this comes after a dominant playoff run, culminating in a five-game series win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Pacers, the East's No. 4 seed, have battled through with impressive comebacks and stellar bench play. The stakes couldn't be higher.
Ahead of Game 1, Coach Mark Daigneault stressed the unique challenges presented by the Pacers, particularly their big man, Myles Turner. 'He's an incredible shot blocker,' Daigneault noted, emphasizing the need for smart offensive adjustments. He praised his team's defensive intensity throughout the playoffs and reiterated the importance of closing out on Indiana's shooters and maintaining relentless hustle. With no major injuries to our core rotation, the Thunder entered Game 1 at full strength, a testament to their preparation and a bit of good fortune. The Pacers listed Jarace Walker as questionable, but our focus remains squarely on our game plan.
The excitement isn't just in the arena; it's all over social media. Thunder players, including SGA's 'Ready for the moment' post, and the official team accounts have been sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses and motivational messages. Fans are absolutely buzzing, sharing their predictions and support. It's clear that Thunder Nation is fully behind the team as they chase this historic championship.
While the final buzzer for Game 1 hadn't sounded at press time, the intensity and fight shown by the Thunder set a thrilling tone for what promises to be an unforgettable NBA Finals. Stay tuned as we break down all the action from Game 1 and look ahead to Game 2 right here!
