The Oklahoma City Thunder are officially back in the NBA Finals for the first time in more than a decade. But their much-awaited return was marked by a shocking twist in Game 1. While what was supposed to be a dominating beginning by the Thunder, the Indiana Pacers staged a historic comeback, snatching the win 111-110 at the final second.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shines Bright
Thunder sensation and current NBA MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, appeared unfazed for much of the evening. He scored 38 points, highlighting his top-tier scoring ability. The Thunder established early with a 7-0 spurt. At halftime, they had a 57-45 advantage.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38 points are the third-most in NBA Finals history in a debut. Only Allen Iverson (48 in 2001) and George Mikan (42 in 1949) have scored more. His shot-taking and leadership had the Thunder rolling with a 15-point advantage early in the fourth.
Indiana’s Legendary Comeback
But the Pacers were not about to go out quietly. In character for a playoff team, they staged a comeback. Trailing by a point with one minute remaining, they made a move. Then came the magic moment.
Tyrese Haliburton, the young Pacers sensation, hit a game-winner with 0.3 seconds remaining on the clock. It was the most recent game-winning shot in an NBA Finals after Michael Jordan’s memorable 1997 buzzer-beater. Haliburton closed out with composure and confidence, delivering a win to the Pacers in a game where they only led for 0.3 seconds.
“We’re just a very tough group,” Haliburton explained after the game. “We just keep believing and we stay together. It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”
Pacers’ Grit Continues
This wasn’t Indiana’s first playoff miracle. During the playoffs, the Pacers have developed a reputation for making unbelievable late-game heroics. They overcame double-digit deficits in against Milwaukee, Cleveland, and New York in earlier rounds. Thursday’s comeback was their fifth 15+ point comeback in the 2025 playoffs—a new NBA record.
Coach Rick Carlisle played a major role. With the team down by 15 in the fourth quarter, he made a bold move, benching all five players on the court. The reset worked. The Pacers went on a 15-4 run, igniting the spark that led to their comeback. Carlisle, who also coached Dallas to a similar comeback in the 2011 Finals, once again showed why he’s one of the league’s best tacticians.
Thunder’s Challenge to Come
In spite of the devastating loss, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault commended Indiana’s resilience. “Credit them,” he stated. “They’ve had so many games like that. They just keep coming.”
For Oklahoma City, this is far from over. Game 2 of the best of seven will take place on Sunday night in OKC and it will be interesting to see who will take the game home. Because of the home crowd supporting Oklahoma and a loaded roster, it is believed that Thunder are still series favorites. However, they’ll have to bounce back quickly with a do-over about what went wrong in the late game.
A Finals Worth Watching
Game 1 showed that the 2025 NBA Finals will not be a shutout game. What most people expected to be a blowout series has become a war of grit versus talent. The Pacers showed they can keep up with the best in the league. The Thunder showed they’re unbeatable, but not unstoppable.
“Man, basketball’s fun,” Haliburton said after the victory.
Yes, it is. And if Game 1 is any guide, this Finals series is going to be remembered.
All in all, fans are ready and they can’t wait what future has for the Oklahoma city thunder.
