The Indiana Pacers proved they’re not just underdogs, but a force to be reckoned with in the NBA Finals after their stunning 111-110 comeback win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1. Guard Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch mid-range jumper with 0.3 seconds left sealed the victory.
This was the Pacers’ fifth comeback win from a deficit of 15 or more points in these playoffs, and they’ve done it all on the road. The team has come close before, with regular-season comebacks against teams like LA Clippers and Cleveland, but Thursday’s win marked a new level of poise and aggression.
Haliburton made his fourth go-ahead or game-tying field goal in the final 5 seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime this season, a feat only LeBron James has achieved since the 1998 playoffs. The Pacers are now 8-1 in “clutch” games in the 2025 playoffs.
Coach Rick Carlisle emphasized the importance of being present in the moment and keeping poise. Haliburton believes the team is motivated to prove wrong all their critics, who doubted them after last season’s sweep in the Eastern Conference finals and an injury-plagued start to this year.
“I’ve been through too much of this over the years,” Carlisle said. “We’ve just got to be very much present in the moment and know what this is all about.”
The Pacers have been on a mission to silence their doubters, starting with their impressive 50-win season and securing the East’s No. 4 playoff seed. Now, they’re looking to make a deep run in the NBA Finals.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead,” John Haliburton said. “God’s hands are all over this team. Open your eyes world and see God’s blessings. No one can stop that.”
Source: https://andscape.com/features/were-playing-with-house-money-tyrese-haliburton-pacers-out-to-prove-point-in-nba-finals