In a thrilling Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers shocked the Oklahoma City Thunder with a last-second 111-110 win. The game, held in Oklahoma City, looked completely under control for the Thunder for most of the night. But the Pacers, known for their never-give-up attitude, once again proved why they’re the team to watch this postseason.
Thunder’s Hot Start Didn’t Last
The Thunder started strong, using their tough defense to force 19 turnovers from the Pacers in just the first half. This was the highest number of turnovers by any team in a half during these playoffs. With a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter and full crowd support, it looked like the Thunder were ready to cruise to an easy win.
But Indiana refused to give up. Despite struggling with ball control and taking 16 fewer shots than the Thunder, the Pacers fought back. Their belief and patience helped them stay in the game.
Pacers Win With Just 0.3 Seconds Left
The Pacers didn’t take the lead until the final moment — literally. Star player Tyrese Haliburton hit a 21-foot jumper with only 0.3 seconds left on the clock. It was his fourth game-winner of the playoffs. That tiny moment of lead time was all they needed to steal the win.
Indiana has now won the opening game on the road in all three playoff series, proving they know how to handle the pressure. Coach Rick Carlisle praised his team for staying calm and experienced under pressure. “We just said, keep chipping away,” he said after the game. “And we made plays when it mattered.”
Star Performers of the Game
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, recently named NBA MVP, was on fire with 38 points. That’s more than Haliburton and his teammate Pascal Siakam combined. However, Gilgeous-Alexander couldn’t carry his team alone.
On the other hand, Haliburton had a quiet start, taking only four shots in the first half. But his final shot proved to be the most important one of the night.
Lu Dort of the Thunder defended Haliburton tightly, just like he did during the regular season. Yet the Pacers found a way through in the end.
The Crowd and Weather Added Drama
The game was played in a packed Paycom Center, with a loud and passionate home crowd. The atmosphere was electric, especially after a thunderstorm soaked fans on their way in. That energy helped Oklahoma City early in the game, but it wasn’t enough to seal the win.
When Jalen Williams scored a fast-break dunk to give the Thunder a 94-79 lead in the fourth quarter, the crowd erupted. But that moment was short-lived as Indiana slowly began to claw back.
This win once again shows why Indiana is such a dangerous team. They might not always start well, but they finish strong. Even when they’re behind, they play with heart and never lose focus. Oklahoma City now knows that this series won’t be easy. Game 1 was a reminder that in basketball, the game isn’t over until the final buzzer. The Pacers are not just lucky — they are built for the big moments.
