In a thrilling start to the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers orchestrated a stunning comeback to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111–110 in Game 1, seizing a 1–0 lead in the series. Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch 21-foot jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining marked Indiana’s first and only lead of the game, capping off a remarkable rally from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit.
The Thunder established control early, capitalizing on Indiana’s 19 first-half turnovers to build a 57–45 halftime lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 38 points, while Oklahoma City’s defense stifled the Pacers’ offense. The Thunder’s dominance on the boards and efficient shooting seemed to set the stage for a comfortable victory
Facing a 15-point deficit with under 10 minutes remaining, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle made a bold move by substituting all five players on the court. This strategic shift ignited a 15–4 run, narrowing the gap to 98–94 with just over six minutes left. Key contributions from Myles Turner, Obi Toppin, and Pascal Siakam fueled the comeback, setting the stage for Haliburton’s heroics.
With the Pacers trailing 110–109 and time winding down, Haliburton took control. Opting against a timeout, Carlisle trusted his floor general, who delivered with a pull-up jumper over Cason Wallace, giving Indiana the lead with 0.3 seconds remaining. The Thunder’s final attempt fell short, sealing the Pacers’ improbable victory.
Key Performances
- Indiana Pacers:
- Pascal Siakam: 19 points, 10 rebounds
- Obi Toppin: 17 points (5 three-pointers)
- Myles Turner: 15 points
- Tyrese Haliburton: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists
- Andrew Nembhard: 14 points
- Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 38 points
- Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort: Combined 32 points
- Chet Holmgren: 6 points on 2-of-9 shooting
Despite their early dominance, the Thunder’s offense faltered late, managing only one field goal in the final four minutes. Indiana’s defense tightened, and their resilience paid off in the closing moments.
