OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma (Diya TV) – In what was a thrilling way to start the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder 111–110 and took a 1–0 series lead. Tyrese Haliburton delivered in the clutch, sinking a deep mid-range jumper with just 0.3 seconds on the clock. That shot gave Indiana its first and only lead of the game.
The Thunder seemed poised to take Game 1 as they led by 15 points early in the fourth quarter. However, the Pacers did not quit and ended up outscoring Oklahoma City by ten in the fourth quarter to cap off the comeback. In the closing minutes, the Pacers went on a 6-0 run and showed championship-caliber resilience down the stretch.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Obi Toppin had 17 points off the bench, including five three-pointers. Myles Turner added 15 points and made a key play on defense in which he deflected the Thunder’s final lob attempt to seal the win. Haliburton finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
Despite the loss, league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was productive with a game-high 38 points. Jalen Williams and Lu Dort added 17 and 15 points, respectively, but their efforts were just not enough to hold against the Pacers push.
Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday night in Oklahoma City where the Thunder will try to shake off the skeletons of Game 1 and even the series.
