In a thrilling opening to the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder with a last-second 111–110 victory in Game 1. Tyrese Haliburton delivered the game-winning shot with just 0.3 seconds remaining, marking his fourth game-winner of the postseason and sending the Pacers to a 1–0 series lead.
Haliburton’s Heroics
Haliburton’s clutch performance was the highlight of a dramatic comeback. With under a minute left, the Pacers trailed by one point. After a missed layup by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Coach Rick Carlisle opted not to call a timeout, allowing the Pacers to push in transition. Haliburton pulled up for a 21-foot jumper over Cason Wallace, sinking the shot as time expired. This moment marked the latest game-winner in an NBA Finals game since Michael Jordan’s buzzer-beating shot in Game 1 of the 1997 Finals.
Thunder’s Strong Start
The Thunder dominated early, forcing 19 turnovers in the first half and building a 57–45 halftime lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 38 points, marking the third-most points in a Finals debut. Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort combined for 32 points, while Chet Holmgren struggled with just six points on 2-of-9 shooting.
Pacers’ Resilience
Despite committing 19 first-half turnovers, the Pacers mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter. All five Indiana starters finished in double figures, with Aaron Nesmith and Haliburton recording double-doubles. Obi Toppin added 17 points off the bench, contributing to the Pacers’ largest NBA Finals fourth-quarter comeback in the last 50 years.
Strategic Decision
Coach Rick Carlisle’s decision not to call a timeout in the final seconds allowed the Pacers to capitalize on the Thunder’s defensive setup, leading to Haliburton’s game-winning shot. This strategy proved effective, as the Pacers secured the win without giving the Thunder a chance to regroup.
What’s Next
The Pacers’ victory in Game 1 sets the stage for an exciting series. With Haliburton’s clutch performances and the team’s resilience, they have shown they can compete with the Thunder’s high-powered offense. Game 2 promises to be another thrilling matchup as both teams vie for the championship.
