🏀 Haliburton’s Heroics: Pacers Shock Thunder with Game 1 Co

🏀 Haliburton’s Heroics: Pacers Shock Thunder with Game 1 Comeback in NBA Finals Thriller

Oklahoma City, OK — In one of the most dramatic NBA Finals openers in recent memory, Tyrese Haliburton delivered a buzzer-beating dagger with 0.3 seconds remaining, completing a stunning fourth-quarter comeback and giving the Indiana Pacers a thrilling 111–110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1.

This victory marks the Pacers’ first-ever win in an NBA Finals game, and it came in spectacular, almost cinematic fashion.

Cold-Blooded Clutch from Haliburton

The 24-year-old All-Star guard struggled through much of the night, but when it mattered most, Haliburton showed why he’s the face of this resurgent Indiana team. With the Pacers trailing 110–109, Haliburton pulled up from just inside the arc and hit a smooth jumper over Thunder defenders with only 0.3 seconds left on the clock.

> “This is everything we’ve worked for,” Haliburton said in the post-game press conference. “We stayed calm, stayed together. That shot was for Indiana.”

Haliburton’s final stat line: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists — but it’s his clutch shot that will be remembered for years to come.

Thunder Dominate Early, Collapse Late

The Oklahoma City Thunder led nearly wire-to-wire, building a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38 points, the Thunder looked poised to seize control of the series at home. But missed opportunities and a relentless Pacers run turned the tide in the final minutes.

Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren also chipped in, but their offense stalled when it mattered most. Oklahoma City failed to score in the final 90 seconds, opening the door for Indiana’s improbable comeback.

🔄 Historic Comeback Ties Finals Record

The Pacers’ rally from down 15 in the fourth quarter ties the largest fourth-quarter comeback in NBA Finals history, matching feats by the 1992 Chicago Bulls and the 2011 Dallas Mavericks. For a franchise with no NBA titles, it was a symbolic statement: Indiana is here to win.

Obi Toppin was a surprise X-factor off the bench, contributing 17 points, while Pascal Siakam added 19 points and 10 rebounds, steadying the Pacers through their early struggles.

Pacers Make History

This is Indiana’s first trip to the NBA Finals since the team joined the NBA from the ABA in 1976. After years of rebuilding and near-misses, the team—coached by Rick Carlisle has blossomed around its young core.

For the Thunder, the loss stings. They were the favorites entering the series and now face serious pressure heading into Game 2.

📅 NBA Finals Schedule (Best-of-7)

Game Date Time (ET) Location

1 Thu, June 5 ✔ Pacers 111–110 Thunder Oklahoma City

2 Sun, June 8 8:00 PM Oklahoma City

3 Wed, June 11 8:30 PM Indiana

4 Fri, June 13 8:30 PM Indiana

5* Mon, June 16 8:30 PM Oklahoma City

6* Thu, June 19 8:30 PM Indiana

7* Sun, June 22 8:00 PM Oklahoma City

Relive Haliburton’s game-winner, the roaring crowd, and the chaos that followed.

Final Thoughts

Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals was more than just a basketball game — it was a reminder of why we watch sports. Underdogs rise, stars shine, and legends are born in moments like this.

With Indiana taking a 1–0 lead, and OKC looking for revenge, Game 2 promises to be a battle. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this Finals is already shaping up to be an unforgettable chapter in NBA history