The Pacers' comeback, led by Tyrese Haliburton, falls short vs. the Thunder in Game 5. Down 3-2, can Indiana stave off elimination on June 15, 2025?
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
The air went out of the balloon for Pacers fans on Sunday night. Despite a heroic second-half surge from Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a pivotal Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The loss at Paycom Center puts the Pacers in a 3-2 series hole, pushing their championship dreams to the absolute edge as the series shifts back to Indianapolis.
Tyrese Haliburton was 'putting his fingerprints all over the game... dominating the offensive end' in a valiant second-half effort.
It was a frustrating night for the Blue & Gold, who found themselves trailing by as many as 13 points and fighting an uphill battle for most of the game. But this team doesn't quit. After halftime, Tyrese Haliburton put the team on his back, erupting for 12 points and draining three crucial three-pointers to breathe life back into the Pacers. His leadership was palpable. He was complemented by a fantastic burst of energy from Thomas Bryant off the bench, who battled in the paint for tough buckets that helped slash the deficit to single digits in the final frame.
Just as the Pacers clawed their way back into contention, the Thunder's superstar slammed the door. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a force of nature in the fourth quarter, methodically dismantling Indiana's defense and scoring eight of his points in the final period. Every time the Pacers got close, SGA had an answer. His calm demeanor and clutch shot-making proved to be the difference-maker, halting Indiana's momentum and securing the crucial home win for OKC.
The math is simple and brutal: win or go home. Down 3-2, the Pacers have no more room for error. The series now returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 6, where a raucous home crowd will be waiting. Social media was buzzing with a mix of frustration and defiant hope, with fans praising Haliburton's effort and calling on the team to protect their home court. With no new injuries reported, the Pacers have their full squad ready for what is now the most important game of their season.
The season comes down to this. One game. At home. The Pacers have shown their fight and resilience all season, and they'll need every ounce of it for Game 6. Can Haliburton deliver another masterpiece? Can the supporting cast step up from the opening tip? The city of Indianapolis will be behind them, hoping to force a legendary Game 7. It's do-or-die time.
