In a surprising turn of events, the Pacers displayed a seldom-seen vulnerability, but managed to secure a victory by leaning heavily on their most formidable asset.
Lights, Camera, Comeback!
In the heart of Oklahoma City, the NBA Finals ignited a spectacle with an electric start that left fans on the edge of their seats. But the excitement quickly took a dive less than two quarters into the game as the Thunder, a defensive powerhouse, took control and seemed to have cracked an uncrackable code.
For six weeks, the Pacers had dominated their opponents with their swift tempo and ball control. However, Oklahoma City's relentless defense turned the tide, inducing a whopping 19 turnovers in the first half, a record for any half in the postseason. This was the first time an opponent managed to make the Pacers beat themselves.
But as the saying goes, this breakthrough proved temporary. The Pacers, known for their unyielding tenacity, refused to back down. Despite the Thunder building a 15-point lead with nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the score line read the same as it did in Milwaukee, Cleveland, and New York before them - a tense, nail-biting finish.
The Pacers clung onto their minimal advantage for just a mere three-tenths of a second, but that was enough to claim a memorable 111-110 victory. Quite the plot twist for any other team, yet an inevitable scenario for the invincible Pacers.
"We just kept chipping away at the rock," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said postgame. "Just chip away and hang in. We've got a lot of experience in these kinds of games."
Even with an additional 17 turnovers compared to the Thunder and 16 fewer shots taken, the Pacers held on, proving their resolve on the court. Tyrese Haliburton, with his 21-foot jumper in the final moments of the game, sealed the deal, securing his fourth game-winner of the postseason.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, hailed as the new NBA MVP, finished the game with a staggering 38 points - more than Haliburton and co-star Pascal Siakam combined. However, it was Lu Dort, who had defended Haliburton fiercely in two crucial Thunder wins in the regular season, that dealt the most significant blow to the Pacers' offense.
Thunder fans, who had waited 13 long years to witness another Finals game, watched in awe as their team built a commanding 94-79 lead. But an arena that had embraced the madness that hit Oklahoma City, never gave up hope.
The Pacers didn't implode. Their defense, once a glaring weakness, became their saving grace. The final two minutes and 50 seconds witnessed a remarkable defensive performance, where the Thunder were limited to just two points.
"They teach you that lesson more than anyone else in the league the hard way," Gilgeous-Alexander said, reiterating the frustrating reality that the Pacers are a team not to be underestimated.
More from the NBA Finals- NFL - Vincent Delphine discusses Eagles' pass rush after offseason departures- Sports - Carolina Panthers win Game 2 against Edmonton Oilers in double OT, tying Stanley Cup series 1-1
Enrichment Data:
The Pacers have a limited history in the NBA Finals, having made their first appearance in 2000 and their second, currently ongoing, in 2025. In 2025's Game 1, the Pacers demonstrated their impressive comeback ability, overcoming a 15-point deficit to secure a historic victory. This historical feat highlights the Pacers' tenacity and resilience throughout their postseason journey.
In the intensity of the ongoing NBA Finals, the Pacers, despite a rocky start replete with turnovers, showcased their unyielding tenacity and resilience, mirroring the spirit of a classic basketball comeback. Regardless of the challenge, this year's Pacers team, much like their 2000 counterparts, refuses to back down, striking fear into the hearts of any opposing team, especially the mighty NBA league leaders, the Thunder.
