The Indiana Pacers had a straightforward strategy in their Game 1 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Trailing by 15 points with 9:42 remaining, the Pacers struggled initially, turning the ball over multiple times and failing to contain Shy Gilgeous-Alexander, which energized the Thunder’s home crowd. However, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle emphasized perseverance, likening their effort to “chipping at the rock” until the very end. With just 0.3 seconds left on the clock, Tyrese Halliburton scored the game-winning basket, leading the Pacers to a surprising 111-110 victory in the NBA Finals opener.
During the final 9:42, the Pacers outscored the Thunder 32-16, with six key players contributing points. Obi Toppin made both of his three-point attempts, while Miles Turner and Andrew Nembhard each scored eight points. Aaron Nesmith grabbed four rebounds in the crucial stretch, and Halliburton capped off the comeback with a decisive jumper. Turner expressed his determination, stating that he won’t hold back after working hard to reach this stage.
The Thunder faltered, shooting just 4-for-16 in the closing minutes, with Gilgeous-Alexander making 4 of 6 shots while his teammates managed only 2 of 12 combined. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault attributed the loss to a mix of factors, including costly fouls and insufficient offensive production.
After the game, Halliburton celebrated modestly, sharing hugs with teammates and his father near the Pacers’ locker room. The team was focused on staying grounded rather than celebrating wildly, aiming to maintain concentration throughout the playoffs. Coach Carlisle emphasized the importance of staying focused and united.
Key moments included Carlisle’s decision to rely on five newer players—Halliburton, Nembhard, Nesmith, Toppin, and Turner—to spark the comeback. Turner’s three-pointer at 7:47 narrowed the gap, and back-to-back threes by Toppin and Turner further closed the score to 98-94. Although Gilgeous-Alexander hit two free throws pushing Thunder ahead 108-99 with just under three minutes left, Nesmith and Nembhard quickly responded with three-pointers, putting Indiana ahead with less than two minutes remaining. The Pacers managed the clock perfectly, not calling a timeout in the final seconds, which allowed Halliburton’s clutch shot to seal the win.
Halliburton summarized the team’s mindset: “This group is resilient and won’t give up until the clock hits zero.”
Fan Take: This thrilling opener highlights the Pacers’ resilience and depth, proving that even underdogs can shine on basketball’s biggest stage. For fans, it signals an exciting and competitive Finals series, where teamwork and determination can overcome the odds, potentially inspiring a fresh narrative in the NBA.
