Haliburton’s Last-Second Heroics Shock Thunder as Pacers Steal Game 1 in Epic NBA Finals Thriller
In a heart-stopping Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers pulled off a stunning comeback to edge out the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110. The Thunder had maintained control for most of the game and held a 110-109 lead with just one second remaining. But as they’ve done throughout these playoffs, the Pacers refused to fold. With time nearly expired, Tyrese Haliburton delivered yet another clutch moment—sinking a decisive basket that gave Indiana the lead with just 0.3 seconds on the clock. It was the only time the Pacers led all night.
Haliburton, who also sealed a dramatic Game 1 win over the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, once again proved his nerves of steel. “We’re just a really resilient group,” he said afterward. “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”
Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged Indiana’s fighting spirit, saying, “They just keep coming. They’ve had so many games like that that have seemed improbable.”
This gritty, last-second win underscores what has become the Pacers’ identity—resilience, belief, and a flair for the dramatic. In a Finals already buzzing with energy, Game 1 set a thrilling tone for what’s to come. As Haliburton put it simply: “Man, basketball’s fun.”
