The opening game of the 2025 NBA Finals delivered on its promise. The Indiana Pacers secured a dramatic 111-110 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. They achieved this with a decisive 12-2 scoring run in the final 2:38, culminating in Tyrese Haliburton`s crucial go-ahead shot with just 0.3 seconds left.
In his Finals debut, Haliburton contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. His game-winning basket also marked the first time the Pacers led in the contest.
Indiana faced a significant challenge, trailing by up to 15 points in the fourth quarter. This comeback victory was the fifth time in these playoffs the Pacers have rallied from a deficit of 15 or more points to win, setting a record for the play-by-play era. Additionally, the Pacers became the first team since the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers to win an NBA Finals game despite turning the ball over 25 times.
This isn`t the first time Haliburton has delivered in a high-pressure situation during these playoffs. Last month, the Pacers` standout player was key in another memorable comeback win in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks. He hit a fadeaway jumper to force overtime in a game where Indiana was down by 14 points with 2:45 left.
Earlier in the playoffs, Haliburton also sealed a 120-119 victory for the Pacers against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left.
Reactions to the Thrilling Finish
Following Haliburton`s latest game-winning shot, the dramatic conclusion prompted reactions from across the NBA and wider sports world. Former NBA champion Dwyane Wade expressed his astonishment, reportedly giving a strong, unfiltered reaction to the finish and stating his desire for a signed Haliburton jersey.
Indiana Fever standout Caitlin Clark also commented, reflecting the likely feelings of many neutral viewers watching the game`s climax.
NBA icon Magic Johnson, widely regarded as one of the sport`s greatest point guards, also shared his amazement.
Pacers fans in Indiana celebrated the victory enthusiastically, despite being over a thousand miles from the game.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey was similarly impressed by the events.
Atlanta Hawks forward Georges Niang, who also played college basketball at Iowa State like Haliburton, expressed surprise.
WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale took notice of Haliburton`s impressive playoff performance.
Dallas Cowboys stars CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons also commented on Haliburton`s crucial basket.
With Indiana now leading the series 1-0, Oklahoma City faces the urgency of recovering quickly to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole before the series moves to Indiana next week. Former Pacers player Victor Oladipo offered his thoughts.
Pat McAfee, known for his time as a Colts punter and his support for the Pacers, nicknamed the Indiana star `Tyrese big shot Halliburton.`
While Game 1 against Oklahoma City marked Haliburton`s NBA Finals debut, he has already delivered a memorable, signature moment on basketball`s grandest stage.
Jasper Hawthorne