Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

2025 NBA Finals Thunder vs. Pacers Game 1: Shai Misses, Tyrese Haliburton Delivers Knockout Blow in Wild NBA Finals Opener

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The OKC Thunder and the Indiana Pacers battled in a gritty opener to the 2025 NBA Finals, but the visitors showed absolute dominance in crunch time to seal a shock victory. Tyrese Haliburton came alive again for the Pacers.

While the Pacers were not completely outplayed, the Thunder’s backcourt dominance clearly set the tone throughout. The Indiana Pacers committed 19 turnovers in the first half alone, a clear sign of pressure that OKC eagerly capitalized on.

At the end of the first quarter the home side had a lead of 29-20. During the second quarter as well, the story remained almost the same. The Pacers were unable to become consistent threats engaging in constant turnovers. To top it off, OKC Thunder were putting in the extra effort on the court.

SGA: 19 PTS 🔥
PACERS: 19 TURNOVERS 😳

OKC UP 12 AT HALF IN GAME 1 🍿 pic.twitter.com/vm5Jf1hdON
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) June 6, 2025

They had 11 first half steals further denying scoring opportunities and creating extras for themselves. Those 11 steals were the most by any team in one half of an NBA Finals game during the play-by-play era since 1998. The Thunder went into halftime with a comfortable lead.

Relentless Pressure Rattles Indiana’s push

The Indiana Pacers were off to a fine run in the second half. Their body language looked different as they had the belief to make a turn around. They led the third quarter by a whisker margin of 31-28 reducing the deficit. While Tyrese Haliburton was having a poor game, Obi Toppin, Myles Turner, and Pascal Siakam stepped up.

Their fourth-quarter push brought Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals down to the wire. The lead was reduced to single digit numbers, creating panic in the OKC Thunder dugout. Tyrese Haliburton’s missed shots from beyond the arc also served as a momentum killer.

The turnovers continued from the Pacers in the last few minutes as well. However, what transpired later was utterly shocking for the Paycom Center. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with just seconds left drove to the basket and missed a two pointer. This when they had just a one point lead.

TYRESE HALIBURTON pic.twitter.com/NcPJ1Zf0RY
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 6, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton responded by drilling a dagger, handing Indiana their first lead of the 2025 NBA Finals. Despite a cold shooting night, Haliburton erupted in the final seconds to clinch a dramatic 111-110 victory for the Indiana Pacers.