NBA Finals 2025: Pacers Stun Thunder in Game 1
The 2025 NBA Finals kicked off with a thrilling Game 1 on June 5, 2025, between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. In a dramatic turn of events, the Pacers secured a narrow 111–110 victory, taking an early 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Game 1 Recap: Pacers' Last-Second Victory
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Thunder holding a commanding 15-point lead in the fourth quarter. However, the Pacers mounted a remarkable comeback, culminating in a game-winning 21-foot jumper by Tyrese Haliburton with just 0.3 seconds remaining. This clutch performance not only secured the win but also marked Haliburton's fourth game-winning shot of the playoffs.
Final Score
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | 111 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 110 |
Stats and Highlights
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Tyrese Haliburton: Scored the decisive basket, leading the Pacers with poise under pressure.
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Pacers' Resilience: The team showcased remarkable grit, overcoming a significant deficit to clinch the win.
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Thunder's Performance: Despite the loss, the Thunder displayed strong offensive plays, with notable contributions from their key players.
Strategic Insights
The Pacers' victory underscores the importance of perseverance and strategic adjustments in high-stakes games. Their ability to remain composed and execute under pressure will be crucial as the series progresses. Conversely, the Thunder will need to refine their closing strategies to maintain leads and secure victories in subsequent games.
Upcoming Games
| Game | Date | Location | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | June 8 | Paycom Center, OKC | 6:30 AM |
| 3 | June 11 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indy | 6:30 AM |
| 4 | June 13 | Paycom Center, OKC | 6:30 AM |
| 5 | June 16 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indy | 6:30 AM |
| 6 | June 19 | Paycom Center, OKC | 6:30 AM |
| 7 | June 22 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indy | 6:30 AM |
Series Outlook
With the Pacers taking an early lead, the Thunder face a critical challenge in Game 2 to level the series. Both teams have demonstrated their capabilities, and the upcoming games promise to deliver more intense and competitive basketball action.
Conclusion
Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals delivered everything fans could hope for—intensity, drama, and a nail-biting finish. The Indiana Pacers' stunning 111–110 comeback win over the Oklahoma City Thunder sets the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive series. Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch performance under pressure has not only given his team a crucial early advantage but also made a strong case for Finals MVP considerations if this form continues.
While the Thunder showed dominance for most of the game, their inability to close it out will be a key focus heading into Game 2. With adjustments on both ends of the floor, they’ll aim to bounce back and even the series.
