The Indiana Pacers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder in a breathtaking finish to Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, winning 111-110 with a last-second basket from Tyrese Haliburton. The game was a dramatic thriller that defied pre-series expectations, which had heavily favored the Thunder to win comfortably.
For much of the contest, the Thunder looked like the dominant team. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, was in superb form, leading all scorers with 38 points. Oklahoma City raced out to an early 7-0 lead and maintained control for the majority of the first half, closing it with a 57-45 advantage. The Thunder continued to pull away in the third quarter and were up by as many as 15 points in the fourth, seemingly on their way to a straightforward victory.
However, the Pacers, who had built a reputation for resilience throughout the playoffs, refused to let the game slip away. They chipped away at the Thunder’s lead in the final minutes, turning a 15-point deficit into a one-point game at 110-109 with just under a minute remaining. The atmosphere was electric as the seconds ticked down.
With only 0.3 seconds left on the clock, Haliburton seized his moment of glory. Taking control in a situation that could have easily overwhelmed many players, he calmly sank the decisive shot to put the Pacers ahead by a single point. The basket instantly became the game-winner as the buzzer sounded, ending the contest and handing Indiana an astonishing victory. Remarkably, the Pacers led for just those final 0.3 seconds, making it one of the most dramatic finishes in NBA Finals history.
This was not the first time Haliburton had come through in the clutch this postseason. He had also hit a game-winning shot against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, demonstrating a remarkable ability to perform under pressure. His late-game heroics have become a defining feature of the Pacers’ playoff run, a run marked by repeated comebacks and unyielding spirit.
The Pacers’ comeback in Game 1 added to an already historic postseason narrative. This was their fifth comeback from 15 or more points down during the playoffs — an NBA record. Earlier in the postseason, the Pacers pulled off several stunning rallies, including victories over Milwaukee, Cleveland, and New York, all in situations where defeat seemed imminent. Their ability to stay composed and fight back has been a major storyline and a testament to their team character.
Oklahoma City’s coach acknowledged the Pacers’ grit and spirit. Despite the disappointment of losing a game they appeared to be controlling, he credited Indiana’s relentless effort and the tough competition they have posed throughout the playoffs. The Thunder had dominated much of the game but ultimately couldn’t close it out.
The comeback was also a tribute to the strategic adjustments by the Pacers’ coach, Rick Carlisle. Early in the fourth quarter, facing a 15-point deficit, Carlisle called a timeout and made bold substitutions, pulling all five players from the court to reset the team’s energy and focus. This gamble paid off as the Pacers quickly outscored the Thunder 15-4 in a key stretch that set the stage for the thrilling finish.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38 points were impressive, marking the third-highest scoring debut in an NBA Finals game behind legends Allen Iverson and George Mikan. Yet, even his brilliance was not enough to overcome the Pacers’ relentless pursuit and Haliburton’s clutch performance.
Looking ahead, the series shifts to Oklahoma City for Game 2 on Sunday night. Both teams will need to recover quickly from the emotional rollercoaster of this opener. With the series still wide open, fans can expect more high-stakes drama as these evenly matched teams battle for the championship.
Reflecting on the game’s nail-biting finish, Haliburton said simply, “Man, basketball’s fun.” Few could disagree after witnessing such an incredible display of resilience, skill, and heart. The 2025 NBA Finals have begun with a statement the Pacers are not just participants but serious contenders willing to fight until the very last second.
