Tyrese Haliburton celebrates with Aaron Nesmith after a remarkable comeback
The 2025 NBA Finals tipped off with a dramatic twist that few predicted. Pundits and fans alike expected the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to handle the Indiana Pacers with ease in Game 1. And for most of the night, that narrative held true—until the final seconds flipped the script entirely.
Thunder Dominate Early in NBA Finals Opener
Oklahoma City stormed out of the gate, taking a commanding 7-0 lead within minutes. By halftime, they had extended it to a solid 57-45 advantage. Gilgeous-Alexander looked unstoppable, pouring in 38 points in what seemed to be a statement performance in his first NBA Finals appearance.
By the fourth quarter, the Thunder led by 15 and looked poised to cruise to victory. Everything was clicking—until Indiana’s resilience took center stage.
Haliburton's Heroics Steal the Show
With just one minute left, the Pacers had clawed back to within one point—110-109. Time was running out, and Oklahoma City still held control. But Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana’s rising star, had other plans. With only 0.3 seconds left on the clock, Haliburton hit a clutch jumper that sealed a stunning 111-110 victory for the Pacers.
Incredibly, it was the only moment Indiana held the lead the entire night. Their total time in the lead? Less than half a second.
Haliburton’s game-winner was the latest buzzer-beater in an NBA Finals game since Michael Jordan’s iconic shot against the Utah Jazz in 1997.
A Historic Comeback for the Pacers
The Pacers' latest win was no fluke—it followed a trend. This was Indiana’s fifth comeback from 15 or more points down in these playoffs, a new NBA postseason record.
Time and again, the Pacers have shown their ability to rally when it matters. On April 29, they trailed Milwaukee in overtime with just 34.6 seconds left and still pulled out a win. On May 6 and again on May 21, similar comebacks unfolded against Cleveland and New York. Thursday night’s Game 1 comeback adds to their growing legend.
“We’re just a really resilient group,” Haliburton said postgame. “We keep believing and we stay together. It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”
Coach Rick Carlisle’s Bold Move Pays Off
When the Pacers trailed by 15 early in the fourth quarter, head coach Rick Carlisle made a game-changing decision. He called a timeout and benched all five starters, hoping to inject energy into the squad. The move worked. The new lineup immediately cut into the lead, going on a 15-4 run in just over three minutes.
Carlisle, who also coached the Dallas Mavericks during their 2011 Finals comeback against Miami, once again proved his mastery of playoff adjustments.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Effort Goes Unrewarded
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an MVP-caliber performance with 38 points—the third-highest ever in an NBA Finals debut, behind Allen Iverson and George Mikan. Yet even that brilliance wasn’t enough to hold off Indiana’s last-minute magic.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault gave credit where it was due: “That’s a really good team. Credit them not only tonight, but throughout this run. They just keep coming.”
Game 2: A Battle Renewed
The series is far from over. Game 2 takes place Sunday night in Oklahoma City, and both teams will look to recover emotionally and physically from a rollercoaster opener. The Pacers carry momentum, but the Thunder will aim to bounce back with urgency.
As Haliburton simply put it after the game: “Man, basketball’s fun.” On Thursday night, it was unforgettable.
