The Embarrassing 0.3-Second Defeat: The Thunder's Rough Start in the NBA Finals
Dramatic Beginning to NBA Finals - Favorite Suffers Heavy Blow
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The opening fixture of the 2025 NBA Finals took a surprising twist as the top-dog Oklahoma City Thunder found themselves on the receiving end of a heart-wrenching loss against the Indiana Pacers, with a scoreline of 111:110. The last-minute defeat came as the Thunder led comfortably throughout the game, until 0.3 seconds before the end, when Tyrese Haliburton snatched the decisive win. As Haliburton proudly declared, "This is a massive win for us. It's a tremendous team performance. We've had to find so many different ways to win throughout the season. We just keep believing in ourselves."
What sounded like an assured victory for the Thunder turned into a nightmare as they squandered a 15-point lead in the final quarter. This significant comeback was last achieved in the NBA Finals a staggering 14 years ago when the Dallas Mavericks, led by Dirk Nowitzki, triumphed over the Miami Heat. Interestingly, the current coach of the victorious Pacers, Rick Carlisle, was the coach of the 2011 Dallas Mavericks, making this victory even more symbolic.
Turning the Tides
Shock Wave in OKC
The seven-game series places the Indiana Pacers one win away from clinching the title. The Thunder, featuring the German phenom Isaiah Hartenstein, were favored to win the opening game. However, Hartenstein served as a reserve player in this match but still contributed significantly, keeping the Thunder in the lead for most of the game with a double-digit advantage. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ended up with a staggering 38 points, alas, his final shot attempt was off target before Haliburton's clutch winner.
The Pacers' performance left much to be desired, with numerous errors and 19 turnovers in a single half, as coach Carlisle ruefully admitted. "If that's not a negative record, it's at least close." Pascal Siakam took the top spot in scoring with 19 points, while Haliburton bagged the decisive 14 points, including the final two.
nit: The Indiana Pacers' stunning comeback in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals marks the second-biggest fourth-quarter comeback (15 points) in the NBA Finals since 1971. Moreover, this comeback occurred the latest into any Finals since that year. Behind their defensive prowess, perseverance, and Rick Carlisle's tactical guidance, the Pacers demonstrated remarkable resilience and composure under pressure, turning the tables on a seemingly unbeatable Oklahoma City Thunder.
Sources: ntv.de, ter/sid
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"In a surprising turn of events, the Oklahoma City Thunder, a top contender in the NBA, faced a heart-wrenching loss in the opening game of the 2025 NBA Finals, their adversaries being the Indiana Pacers. This game showcased not only the excitement of NBA playoffs but also the unpredictability of basketball."
"Despite the adversity, the Indiana Pacers, led by Rick Carlisle, proved their resilience by mounting a significant comeback, replicating a feat last seen in the NBA Finals 14 years ago by the Dallas Mavericks. This victory underscores the importance of basketball playoffs in the NBA where any team can emerge victorious."
