Pacers Stun Thunder with 111-110 Comeback Win in Game 1 Thriller

The Indiana Pacers pulled off a dramatic 15-point comeback on the road, edging out the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Tyrese Haliburton delivered the game-winner with 0.3 seconds left, as the Pacers stole homecourt advantage to open the series.

Haliburton’s All-Around Night and Clutch Heroics

Haliburton finished the night with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists on 6-of-13 shooting. While the Thunder’s aggressive perimeter defense limited his playmaking for much of the night, he came up huge when it mattered most.

After a quiet first half where he was held to just 6 points on 4 attempts, Haliburton came alive in the fourth quarter, igniting a rally with a barrage of three-pointers and ultimately sinking the game-winning mid-range jumper with less than a second on the clock.

Game Summary: Thunder Start Fast, Pacers Finish Strong

First Quarter:
The Thunder opened with a quick 7-0 run. Haliburton responded with a three-pointer and helped orchestrate a 10-3 push to tie it up. But turnovers and defensive breakdowns plagued the Pacers, and the Thunder took a 9-point lead into the second quarter.

Second Quarter:
Indiana managed to withstand Oklahoma City’s pressure early in the second. Haliburton hit a timely three, narrowing the deficit to 4, but defensive lapses and poor ball security allowed the Thunder to surge back ahead. The Pacers trailed by 12 at halftime, with Haliburton logging 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Third Quarter:
Oklahoma City intensified their defensive focus on Haliburton, denying him transition opportunities and forcing him into difficult half-court situations. But Indiana’s bench came alive, drilling timely threes to cut the lead back to single digits. They entered the fourth trailing by 9.

Fourth Quarter:
The Thunder extended their lead again early in the final period. However, with 9:42 left, Haliburton checked back in, sparking a three-point barrage that brought Indiana within 4. The Pacers refused to quit, trading baskets down the stretch.

With 49.3 seconds left, Indiana pulled within 1. After a defensive stop on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential game-winner, Haliburton seized the moment — draining the go-ahead jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining. The Thunder’s last-second attempt rimmed out.

Pacers Remain Perfect in Game 1s This Playoffs

The Pacers improved their postseason record to 4-0 in Game 1s this year, continuing their trend of fast series starts.

Next up: Game 2 is set for two days later in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will look to regroup and even the series.