The NBA Finals kicked off with a heart-stopping Game 1 on June 5, 2025, as the Indiana Pacers edged out the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 in a nail-biter that had fans on the edge of their seats. The Thunder, led by standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, looked poised to take control early but were ultimately undone by a late Pacers surge and a clutch game-winning shot by Tyrese Haliburton.
From the opening tip, the Thunder came out firing, igniting the crowd with a 7-0 run that set the tone. Oklahoma City maintained their momentum throughout the first half, building a solid 12-point lead by halftime. The Thunder's dominance seemed unshakable as they extended that advantage to 15 points with less than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, putting Indiana on the ropes.
However, the Pacers refused to fold. With determination and grit, they began chipping away at the deficit, slowly eroding the Thunder’s lead. By the final minute, Indiana had closed the gap to just a single point, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder's star guard, kept his team in the game with clutch free throws down the stretch, but the momentum had clearly shifted in favor of the Pacers.
After a missed shot by Gilgeous-Alexander with under a minute remaining, Indiana secured possession. It was then that Tyrese Haliburton stepped up and delivered the decisive dagger—a stunning game-winning shot with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock that sealed the victory for the Pacers. The arena erupted as the visitors celebrated a comeback victory that will be remembered for its intensity and sheer drama.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout performer for the Thunder, pouring in 38 points on efficient shooting (14-of-30 from the field, 3-of-6 from three-point range, and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line). He also contributed five rebounds, three assists, and three steals over 40 minutes of play, showcasing his all-around game in his NBA Finals debut. Despite the tough loss, Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring streak continued, marking his third consecutive postseason game with 34 or more points—a testament to his rising status as one of the league’s premier talents.
Cason Wallace, another former Kentucky Wildcat and a starter for the Thunder, struggled to find his rhythm in this high-stakes environment, managing just six points. His performance highlighted the challenges young players face in the pressure cooker of the Finals, especially against a resilient and experienced Pacers squad.
The Thunder’s early dominance and Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive individual effort underscore the potential of this young team, but Indiana’s resilience and clutch execution in the final minutes remind everyone why the NBA Finals are so unpredictable and thrilling. The Pacers’ ability to erase a 15-point deficit in the closing stages of the game speaks volumes about their mental toughness and tactical adjustments, which will surely be a focus for the Thunder as they prepare for Game 2.
Looking ahead, Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time. The Thunder will be eager to bounce back on their home court and even the series before the teams head to Indiana for Game 3. The stakes couldn’t be higher as both squads look to gain early momentum in this best-of-seven showdown.
Coach and fans alike will be scrutinizing every detail from Game 1, from defensive schemes to late-game decision-making. The Thunder’s challenge will be to maintain their early-game intensity while finding ways to close out games against a Pacers team that has proven it can thrive under pressure. For Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace, the Finals represent both a proving ground and an opportunity to etch their names into basketball lore.
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on these two former Kentucky standouts and their quest to capture their first NBA championship. The Thunder's young core has shown flashes of brilliance, but the path to the title is never straightforward. Indiana’s comeback victory in Game 1 serves as a stark reminder that in the NBA Finals, no lead is safe and every possession counts.
The drama is far from over. With the series tied at 1-0 in favor of the Pacers, basketball fans across the nation can expect more thrilling moments, strategic battles, and unforgettable performances as these two teams continue their quest for glory. Will the Thunder harness their talent and respond with a vengeance, or will the Pacers continue their surprising surge? The answer awaits on Sunday night.
