Pacers Upend Thunder by a Nail-Biter in Game 1 of the '25 NBA Finals
Dramatic start to the NBA Finals, featuring a surprising setback for the anticipated champion
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link In a whirlwind finish, the Indiana Pacers eek out a narrow win against the anticipated Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the '25 NBA Finals.
With a final score of 111-110, the visiting Pacers secured the lead in the dramatic dying seconds, thanks to the clutch performance of Tyrese Haliburton. This win came after trailing a hefty 15 points at the start of the final quarter in Oklahoma City. Haliburton pointed out, "This is a massive victory for us, a testament to an astonishing team effort. Throughout the season, we've found ourselves in various tough situations. We just keep believing in ourselves."
A 15-point deficit hasn't been overcome in the NBA Finals for 14 long years, since the Dallas Mavericks denied the Miami Heat behemoth with the help of Dirk Nowitzki. Coach Rick Carlisle, leading the Pacers at the time, bagged an earlier victory. The team has been resurgent in the current playoffs, flipping seemingly lost matches.
Shocking Knockout for OKC
Once considered a shoo-in for the opening game, the '25 Finals hit the Thunder – home team to German star Isaiah Hartenstein – with a punch. The Pacers claimed a stunning victory in their best-of-seven series, needing four wins to clinch the title. Despite playing as a substitute, Hartenstein held the team in the lead throughout the game, mostly with double-digit margins. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander closed with an impressive 38 points, but missed a crucial shot close to the end.
Despite erring repeatedly with 24 turnovers in the game, the Pacers managed to maintain control of proceedings. "We clearly have to up our game," stated Carlisle, the Pacers coach. Top scorer Pascal Siakam netted 19 points, while Haliburton finished with 14 – those last two ensuring the Pacers’ triumph in the final seconds.
Sources: ntv.de and ter/sid
- NBA
- Basketball
- Basketball Playoffs
The Indiana Pacers' victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the '25 NBA Finals was a manifestation of their resurgence in the playoffs, as they overcame a 15-point deficit, a feat last achieved by the Dallas Mavericks 14 years ago. Tyrese Haliburton, who clinched the game with a clutch performance, acknowledged the team's determination, stating that they have consistently shown their ability to persevere in challenging situations. May this victory propel the Pacers further in the basketball playoffs and through the '25 NBA Finals.
