Pacers stun Thunder 111-110 in NBA Finals Game 1 (June 6, 2025)! Tyrese Haliburton hits buzzer-beater for epic 15-point comeback. Read the recap!
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
Unbelievable! In a game that had more twists and turns than a country road, Tyrese Haliburton etched another chapter into his growing legend, draining a 21-foot jumper with just 0.3 seconds on the clock to give the Indiana Pacers a breathtaking 111-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals! Down by 15 points in the fourth quarter, on the road, against a team that almost never loses such leads, the Pacers showed incredible heart and resilience to snatch a win that will be talked about for years.
Man, basketball’s fun. Winning is fun. - Tyrese Haliburton
The final moments were pure chaos and pure Haliburton. With the game on the line, the ball found its way to Indiana's superstar guard. Cool as you like, he rose up and delivered the dagger, silencing the Oklahoma City crowd and sending Pacers fans worldwide into delirium. This wasn't just a game-winner; it was a statement. The Pacers are here, and they are not intimidated.
This victory was snatched from the jaws of defeat. Trailing by 15 in the final period, Coach Rick Carlisle made a bold, full five-player substitution that completely changed the game's complexion. This sparked a furious 15-4 run, breathing new life into the Pacers. Despite committing a concerning 25 turnovers, Indiana's grit shone through. Myles Turner's clutch three-pointer with 6:16 remaining was pivotal, cutting the Thunder lead to just four and signaling that the comeback was well and truly on. The Thunder had been 36-1 at home this season when leading by 15 points before tonight.
Tyrese Haliburton wasn't just the hero at the end; his fingerprints were all over this comeback. After the game, a jubilant Haliburton simply stated, 'Man, basketball’s fun. Winning is fun.' This sentiment perfectly captures his infectious energy and his knack for rising to the occasion. With clutch moments in every playoff series this postseason, he's solidifying his reputation as the league’s new 'Mr. Big Shot.' The poise and confidence he displayed are becoming trademarks.
Credit to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who played a strong game for large stretches. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was phenomenal, pouring in a game-high 38 points, while Jalen Williams (17 points) and Lu Dort (15 points) provided solid support. SGA himself acknowledged the Pacers' resilience, saying, 'We had control of the game for the most part. Now, it’s a 48-minute game. And they teach you that lesson more than anyone else in the league — the hard way.' They'll undoubtedly come out firing in Game 2.
So, what does this incredible Game 1 win mean? The Pacers now hold a crucial 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals and have immediately stolen home-court advantage from the top-seeded Thunder. This continues their phenomenal postseason journey, building on the momentum from their Eastern Conference Finals victory. The team heads into Game 2 at full strength, with no new injuries or roster concerns reported. The social media buzz around Haliburton's shot and the team's fight is immense, and rightfully so. Now, the challenge is to replicate this intensity and execution on Sunday.
Game 1 was an absolute rollercoaster and an instant classic, but it's just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable NBA Finals. The Pacers have drawn first blood and stolen home-court advantage, but the Thunder will be desperate to bounce back. Fasten your seatbelts, Pacers Nation – Game 2 on Sunday night in Oklahoma City is going to be electric!
