The 2025 NBA Finals have roared to life with a dramatic opening game that saw the Indiana Pacers snatch a last-second victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. On Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Oklahoma Paycom Center, the Pacers edged out the Thunder 111-110 thanks to a breathtaking pull-up jumper by Tyrese Haliburton with just 0.3 seconds remaining on the clock. This shot capped off an incredible 15-point comeback in the fourth quarter, leaving Thunder fans stunned and the series wide open as it heads to Game 2.
Haliburton’s game-winning basket was the highlight of a gritty performance that saw him contribute 14 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, alongside 10 rebounds and six assists. His clutch play has become a defining feature of these playoffs, and once again, he delivered when it mattered most. "Tyrese Haliburton happened ... yet again in these wild NBA playoffs," noted The Oklahoman, capturing the essence of his impact on this series.
Supporting Haliburton was Pascal Siakam, who recorded a double-double with a team-high 19 points and 10 rebounds, providing the Pacers with vital inside presence. Despite Indiana’s resilience, the Thunder dominated much of the contest, forcing 25 turnovers—the most the Pacers have surrendered all postseason—and holding a 15-point lead in the final quarter. However, Oklahoma City’s inability to close out the game allowed Indiana to stage one of the most thrilling comebacks of the season.
On the Thunder side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a powerhouse, pouring in 38 points on 14-of-30 shooting with 3-of-6 from three-point range. He also added five rebounds, three assists, and three steals, showcasing his all-around game. Luguentz Dort chipped in 15 points, four rebounds, and four steals, but their efforts fell just short in the dying seconds.
With the Pacers now leading the series 1-0, the pressure shifts to the Thunder as they prepare to host Game 2 on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The matchup tips off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (7 p.m. Central) from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, and fans can catch the action live on ABC or stream it via Fubo and SlingTV. The Thunder, who boasted an NBA-best 68 wins during the regular season and earned the top seed in the Western Conference, will be eager to even the series on their home court.
Tickets for Game 2 have already become a hot commodity, with StubHub listing prices ranging from $661 to a staggering $13,145. Most terrace seats have sold out, reflecting the intense demand for what promises to be another electrifying showdown. As the Thunder look to regain momentum, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The 2025 NBA Finals schedule remains packed with potential drama, extending through at least June 13, with the possibility of a full seven-game series stretching to June 22. The schedule is as follows: Game 3 on June 11 and Game 4 on June 13 will be played in Indiana, followed by potential Games 5, 6, and 7 alternating between the two venues. Each game is nationally televised on ABC and available for streaming on Fubo, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment.
Historically, both franchises are chasing their elusive first NBA championship titles. The Pacers have yet to win an NBA title, despite their three ABA championships in the 1970s. The Thunder franchise, which relocated from Seattle in 2008, last won a championship in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics. This series represents a rare opportunity for both teams to etch their names into basketball history.
As the series progresses, the narrative of resilience and redemption continues to unfold. The Pacers’ stunning comeback in Game 1 has set a high bar, while the Thunder’s dominant regular season and home-court advantage suggest they won’t be easy to topple. According to Caesars Sportsbook, the Thunder enter as favorites with series odds of -320, while the Pacers are listed at +250. For Game 2, the Thunder are favored by 11 points with an over/under of 227, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring contest.
Fans and analysts alike are closely watching key players and strategic adjustments as the Finals intensify. The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a critical figure, with his scoring prowess and leadership pivotal to Oklahoma City’s hopes. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch performances have made him a star in these Finals, embodying the Pacers’ fighting spirit.
With the series still in its infancy, the tension and excitement are palpable. Game 2 promises to be a pivotal battle where the Thunder seek to avoid falling into a 0-2 hole on home turf. The Pacers, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on their momentum and prove that their Game 1 victory was no fluke.
As the NBA Finals continue, the spotlight remains firmly on these two teams as they vie for basketball glory. The combination of high stakes, star talent, and dramatic moments has captivated fans nationwide, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation of this historic series.
