Tyrese Haliburton Nails a Game-Winner In opposition to Thunder as Pacers Snag Game 1

Never sleep on the Indiana Pacers.

The underdog Pacers went in opposition to the script in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, getting back from being down by 15 factors within the fourth quarter to stun the Oklahoma City Thunder with an exhilarating 111-110 win courtesy of a Tyrese Haliburton jumper with solely 0.3 seconds remaining.

Tyrese Haliburton’s Game-Winner Tops Thrilling Rally

Throughout the entire sport, the Pacers struggled in protection as evidenced by their 25 turnovers, however the Eastern Conference Finals champion didn’t present indicators of giving up till the final stretch.

With the clock operating out and the sport within the stability, All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton rose from 21 ft to hit a dagger that provided Indiana with its first—and solely—lead of the night.

Haliburton recorded 14 factors, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, however it was his ice-in-his-veins jumper that set the tone for Game 1.

“We got to stop. Coach trust us in those moments to not call timeouts. [The] guys trust me, and just trying to make a play. Basketball’s fun, man. Winning is fun. That’s a great win for us,” Haliburton mentioned after the sport.

The shot surprised the group on the Paycom Center and gave the Thunder their first residence defeat within the 2025 playoffs.

Pacers Show Resilience Despite Turnovers

The Pacers had 19 turnovers within the first half and had been down 94-79 with just below 10 minutes remaining within the sport. But Indiana remained dedicated to its up-tempo, attacking system, believing their three-point assault and bench depth would ultimately catch up.

Pascal Siakam anchored the entrance line with 19 factors and 10 rebounds, whereas Obi Toppin scored 17 factors from the bench. Indiana made 18-of-39 past the arc, displaying that even the very best defensive staff within the NBA mustn’t ignore their clutch photographs from the three-point line.

With OKC being the favourite staff to win the championship, a number of personalities, together with Jay-Z, positioned their wager on the group favourite.

Sports World News reported earlier that the singer wager $1 million on OKC. His cash can be tripled if the Thunder wins in precisely 5 video games. This implies that even when the OKC wins the NBA finals, however not with a 4-1 file, the billionaire will nonetheless lose his cash.

Historic Comeback Sets Playoff Record

According to USA Today, the win was the Pacers’ fifth 15+-point comeback playoff win in 2025, tying an NBA file for many playoff wins since 1998. It speaks volumes concerning the staff’s confidence in head coach Rick Carlisle’s system and the way it adjusts and performs in high-pressure conditions.

Every time they have been pushed to the restrict, Indiana has reacted with well timed play. Game 1 was no exception.

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, recent from being awarded the 2024–25 NBA MVP, did all he might to ship a win. He scored 38 factors, his twelfth 30-point efficiency of the playoffs and eighth in his earlier 9 video games. Jalen Williams added 17 factors, however the Thunder could not keep their double-digit benefit late.