A Breathtaking Start to the NBA Finals: Pacers Stun Favorites Thunder in Last Second
Dramatic commencement of NBA Finals, accompanied by a heavy blow to the presumed front-runner
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The initial game of the NBA Finals was filled with edge-of-your-seat excitement as the underdog Indiana Pacers snatched victory from the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder in the final seconds. With a 111-110 score, the Pacers clinched the win thanks to Tyrese Haliburton's buzzer-beating studio effort - a stunning turnaround after trailing by 15 points in the final quarter of the game in Oklahoma City.
"This win is massive for us," declared Haliburton. "We've been relentless all season, finding ways to succeed. We kept believing in ourselves." The last time such a dramatic comeback was seen in the NBA Finals was 14 years ago when the Dallas Mavericks completed a similar feat against the Miami Heat, with Rick Carlisle being the coach of that victorious team. Now, as the current bench boss of the Pacers, Carlisle has led his team in the same spectacular style.
A Hard-Hitting Setback for OKC
This unprecedented win in the best-of-seven series dealt a significant blow to the Thunder, which had been tipped as the series favorites. German powerhouse Isaiah Hartenstein featured as a substitute player in this game, contributing significantly to the home team holding the lead for most of the game. Crucially, the promising Shai Gilgeous-Alexander racked up 38 points, alas unable to convert his vital last-second attempt that would have sealed the victory for the Thunder.
The Pacers, despite making numerous errors, never lost control of the game completely. "We need to play much better," said Carlisle. "Nineteen turnovers in a half? That's not good. It's borderline a negative record." Top scorer Pascal Siakam managed 19 points, while Haliburton finished with a crucial 14 points, including those game-winning two.
NBA Finals Info:
- Down but not out: The Thunder may have suffered a setback, but fans remain confident and expectant, eagerly anticipating a potential comeback in the series.
- Passionate Cities: Indianapolis and Oklahoma City are known for their passionate fan bases, each displaying immense dedication to their teams despite being labeled smaller markets.
- Announcer Team: In the upcoming Game 2, the ESPN broadcast crew consists of Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and Richard Jefferson, with Jorge Sedano serving as sideline reporter in the absence of Lisa Salters for personal reasons.
This year's Finals series actually features the Denver Nuggets squaring off against the Miami Heat. The information provided is based on the 2025 matchup between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, as the search results discuss that game.
The breathtaking start to the NBA Finals showcased the excitement of sports, with the underdog Indiana Pacers upsetting the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder in basketball. NBA superstars like Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased their skills, highlighting the athleticism and drama of the basketball playoffs.
