Game 1: Pacers 111, Thunder 110
In the opening game of the 2025 NBA Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder significantly outplayed Tyrese Haliburton for the majority of the contest. However, the Pacers, guided by coach Rick Carlisle`s emphasis on a full 48-minute effort, along with Haliburton, managed to completely alter the narrative in the final twenty seconds.
First, Gilgeous-Alexander, despite scoring 38 points, missed a signature mid-range jumper that could have extended the Thunder`s lead with just ten seconds left. Then, mirroring his heroics in the Eastern Conference Finals, Haliburton executed a remarkable shot. While perhaps not as visually dramatic as his previous game-winner, this one secured the victory for the Pacers in regulation.
As a result, Indiana, which remarkably did not hold the lead until Haliburton`s shot found the net with only 0.3 seconds remaining, departed the Paycom Center with a stunning 111-110 win over the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder. This upset victory immediately injected substantial life and intrigue into the series.
For a significant portion of Game 1, the Thunder effectively controlled the tempo and flow. They managed to force the Indiana squad, typically disciplined with ball control, into committing a high number of turnovers – 24 compared to Oklahoma City`s mere six. Despite the Thunder taking 16 more shots, the Pacers` effectiveness from beyond the arc, hitting 18 three-pointers (including six in the decisive fourth quarter), coupled with Oklahoma City`s struggles from deep (11-for-30), kept the game within reach.
This combination allowed Indiana, a team that has consistently demonstrated an ability to orchestrate remarkable comebacks throughout these playoffs, to position themselves for another late-game triumph. And, as he has done repeatedly in this postseason run, Haliburton delivered the crucial play.
While there are still compelling reasons to consider Oklahoma City the rightful favorite in this series, the second half of Thursday`s game unveiled a potential blueprint for the Pacers: drastically reducing turnovers and unleashing their high-speed, efficient offense. Conversely, Oklahoma City`s offense became stagnant in the closing moments, highlighted by key misses from Gilgeous-Alexander.
Because of this late-game shift, the Pacers successfully claimed a Game 1 road victory, replicating their success in both the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Eastern Conference Finals in New York. Consequently, we now have a truly compelling and competitive series on our hands.Thunder`s Defense Needs Sustained Effort
Oklahoma City`s defense, recognized as the league`s best, showcased its potential dominance in the first half, forcing 19 turnovers from the Pacers and limiting them to just 45 points. However, this intense defensive pressure did not persist after halftime. It`s possible the Pacers adjusted to the Thunder`s scheme, but Indiana appeared significantly more comfortable offensively in the second half, scoring 66 points – including 35 in the final quarter, capped by Haliburton`s game-winner – to secure the upset. Critically, Indiana committed only five turnovers in the second half, demonstrating their preferred style of fast-paced, controlled basketball.
Pacers` Comeback Strategy: Ball Control is Key
If this postseason has taught us anything, it`s the absolute resilience of the Indiana Pacers. After trailing by 15 points in the fourth quarter of Game 1, Indiana orchestrated another dramatic comeback, sealed by Tyrese Haliburton`s winning shot with just 0.3 seconds remaining – the only moment the Pacers led in the entire game. This type of fourth-quarter Game 1 road comeback has become a recurring theme for the Pacers this postseason, often demoralizing their opponents.
Indiana`s latest rally was powered by familiar contributors, including clutch three-pointers from players like Myles Turner, Obi Toppin, and Aaron Nesmith. However, a fundamental factor was their significantly improved ball handling after struggling with a record-setting 19 turnovers in the first half. Ultimately, Haliburton once again stepped up to hit a decisive shot and close out the game.
Looking Ahead to Game 2
The critical question for Game 2 is whether Indiana can replicate their Game 1 success. This marks the third consecutive series in which the Pacers have won the opening game on the road. In both previous instances, they followed up with a Game 2 victory to establish a strong 2-0 lead.
Historically, teams that lose Game 1 on their home court are heavily favored to bounce back and win Game 2 to even the series. Since 2021, higher-seeded teams in this situation have had a strong record, often winning Game 2 by a significant margin. In the current playoffs, home teams losing Game 1 have generally dominated Game 2, with only a few exceptions where the road team prevailed (including Indiana twice). This trend is partly attributed to the potential for the road team to experience a letdown after achieving their initial goal of splitting the first two games.
However, the Pacers have shown no signs of being satisfied. Securing a 2-0 lead on the road against an Oklahoma City team that has lost consecutive games only twice all season would be Indiana`s most challenging test yet and further defy historical playoff tendencies.
