The Indiana Pacers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 5, with Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning jumper sparking wild celebrations. Dive into the emotional victory, key plays, and what’s next for Indiana’s championship chase.
The Indiana Pacers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 5, with Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning jumper sparking wild celebrations. Dive into the emotional victory, key plays, and what’s next for Indiana’s championship chase.The Indiana Pacers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 5, with Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning jumper sparking wild celebrations. Dive into the emotional victory, key plays, and what’s next for Indiana’s championship chase.The Indiana Pacers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 5, with Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning jumper sparking wild celebrations. Dive into the emotional victory, key plays, and what’s next for Indiana’s championship chase.
The Indiana Pacers pulled off a heart-stopping upset in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, defeating the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder 112-110 on June 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City. Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch mid-range jumper with 0.3 seconds left capped a dramatic 15-point comeback, sending Pacers fans into a frenzy and stealing home-court advantage. As Indiana chases its first NBA title, here’s the latest on this emotional triumph and the road ahead.
Haliburton’s Heroics Spark Comeback
Trailing by nine points with 2:52 left in the fourth quarter, the Pacers staged a 12/2 run to seize their first lead. Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard hit critical three-pointers, while Pascal Siakam’s layup set the stage for Haliburton’s game-winner. The Olympic gold medalist finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, adding another clutch moment to his playoff legacy. “This team never quits,” coach Rick Carlisle said post-game, per ESPN, as fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse’s watch party erupted. The victory, Indiana’s first Finals appearance since 2000, has fueled belief in a state craving basketball glory.
Key Moments and Standout Performances
The Pacers’ fast-paced, unselfish style second in playoff offensive efficiency at 117.7 points per 100 possessions overwhelmed OKC’s elite defense. Myles Turner, the longest-tenured Pacer, anchored the paint with 12 points and three blocks, while Siakam, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, added 18 points. Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 30 points for the Thunder, his missed mid-range shot with seconds remaining opened the door for Haliburton’s heroics. The Athletic called it a “magical” comeback, reminiscent of Indiana’s playoff upsets over Cleveland and the Knicks.
Why This Win Resonates
The Pacers’ Game 1 victory is a defining moment for a franchise that hasn’t reached the Finals in 25 years. Built through savvy trades like acquiring Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis and Siakam for draft picks—Indiana’s roster blends youth and grit. “This is the first time I have real, real confidence we can win the whole thing,” superfan Matt Asen told The Athletic, echoing Indiana’s hoops-mad fanbase. The win, coupled with over 10,000 fans expected at Game 3’s watch party in Indianapolis, has turned the Pacers into a national story.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the euphoria, the Pacers face a daunting task. The Thunder, with three five-star recruits like Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, won both regular-season matchups and are favored in five or six games by ESPN’s experts. Indiana’s low-turnover, high-motion offense must counter OKC’s swarming defense, and rebounding remains a weak point. Game 2, set for June 8 at 8:30 p.m. ET, will test the Pacers resolve as they aim to protect their series lead.
Also Read: 2025 NBA Finals: How to Watch Thunder vs. Pacers, Key Players and Predictions