Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals Game 1: Analysis, Highlights, Key Moments, and Final Result

Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals Game 1: A Thrilling Comeback Sealed by Haliburton’s Heroics

The 2025 NBA Finals kicked off with a breathtaking Game 1 showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers on June 5, 2025, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Pacers, known for their relentless offensive style, pulled off a stunning 111-110 victory, stealing homecourt advantage from the heavily favored Thunder in a game defined by dramatic swings, clutch plays, and a heart-stopping finish. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the game, its key moments, and the final result.

Game Analysis

The Thunder, boasting a league-best 68-14 regular-season record and a dominant defensive identity, controlled much of the game through their aggressive, turnover-forcing defense. They forced a season-high 25 turnovers from the Pacers, including an astonishing 19 in the first half alone, which allowed Oklahoma City to take 16 more field goal attempts (98-82) by game’s end. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2025 NBA MVP, was the offensive cornerstone for OKC, pouring in 38 points on 14-of-30 shooting, outscoring every other player by at least double. However, the Thunder’s inefficiency in converting turnovers into points (only 11 points off 25 turnovers) and their poor shooting performance (39.8% from the field, 36.7% from three) kept Indiana within striking distance.

The Pacers, despite their turnover woes, showcased their resilience and offensive efficiency, a hallmark of their postseason run. Indiana’s ability to limit turnovers to just five in the second half, combined with timely three-point shooting, allowed them to chip away at OKC’s lead. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 19 points, while Obi Toppin provided a spark off the bench with 17 points, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. The Pacers’ balanced attack saw six players score in double figures, a testament to their depth and ability to adapt under pressure.

Key Moments

• First Half Dominance by OKC: The Thunder’s defense suffocated Indiana early, forcing nine turnovers in the first quarter alone and building a 57-45 halftime lead. Despite the Pacers’ 19 first-half turnovers, their 41.7% shooting kept the game from becoming a blowout.
• Third Quarter Resilience: Indiana cut the deficit to six points by the end of the third quarter, outscoring OKC 31-28. Key contributions from Thomas Bryant and Obi Toppin off the bench, combined with a Pascal Siakam three-pointer, kept the Pacers alive.
• Fourth Quarter Comeback: Trailing by 15 points with 9:42 remaining, the Pacers mounted a furious 15-4 run, fueled by three-pointers from Myles Turner and Obi Toppin. The Oklahoma City crowd grew tense as Indiana closed the gap to 98-94.
• Clutch Finish: With 1:27 left, OKC led 110-105 after a Gilgeous-Alexander layup. However, the Thunder missed their final three shots, including a critical 14-footer by SGA that could have extended their lead to three. Indiana capitalized with free throws from Andrew Nembhard and a layup by Siakam, setting the stage for the game’s defining moment.
• Haliburton’s Heroics: Tyrese Haliburton, who had a quiet night with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, delivered the dagger. With 0.3 seconds remaining, he drained a 21-foot pull-up jumper over Cason Wallace, giving Indiana their first and only lead of the game. The Thunder’s desperation alley-oop attempt failed, sealing the Pacers’ improbable victory.

Standout Performances

• Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers): Despite struggling for much of the game, Haliburton’s clutch jumper capped a remarkable comeback. His ability to stay composed under OKC’s relentless defensive pressure was pivotal.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): SGA’s 38 points were a game-high, but his missed jumper in the final seconds proved costly. His efficiency (14-of-30) reflected OKC’s broader offensive struggles.
• Obi Toppin (Pacers): Toppin’s 17 points off the bench, including five three-pointers, provided a critical spark and kept Indiana’s offense flowing.
• Pascal Siakam (Pacers): Siakam’s 19 points and physical presence in the paint were crucial in countering OKC’s interior defense.

Strategic Takeaways

• Pacers’ Resilience: Indiana’s ability to overcome 25 turnovers and a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit underscores their “never-say-die” mentality, a trait that has defined their playoff run. Their 8-1 record in games within five points in the final five minutes highlights their clutch prowess.
• Thunder’s Missed Opportunities: OKC’s inability to capitalize on turnovers and their poor shooting (particularly 31-of-54 misses in the paint) cost them a game they controlled for 47 minutes and 59.7 seconds. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams combined for a dismal 8-of-28 shooting, a concern moving forward.
• Pace and Physicality: Both teams thrive in transition, but the Pacers’ ability to limit turnovers in the second half allowed them to dictate the tempo late. The Thunder’s physical defense, while effective, led to 21 fouls, giving Indiana 16 free-throw attempts that helped keep the score close.

Final Result

Indiana Pacers 111, Oklahoma City Thunder 110

The Pacers’ stunning comeback in Game 1 hands them a 1-0 series lead and homecourt advantage as the series continues. Game 2 is set for Sunday night in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will look to regroup and avoid falling into a 0-2 hole, as they did in their Western Conference semifinals against Denver, which they rallied to win in seven games.

This game was a microcosm of the Pacers’ playoff run: chaotic, turnover-heavy, yet somehow victorious through sheer resilience and clutch play. For the Thunder, it’s a bitter pill to swallow, but their depth and defensive prowess suggest they’ll come out swinging in Game 2. The 2025 NBA Finals are off to an electrifying start, and if Game 1 is any indication, this series promises to be a classic.

Sources: The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, NBC Sports, ESPN