Pacers Shock OKC in Game 1: “We Take Everything Personally”

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Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals ended in the most dramatic fashion imaginable. With just 0.3 seconds left on the clock, Tyrese Haliburton hit a cold-blooded jumper to give the Indiana Pacers a 111–110 road win over the Oklahoma City Thunder: Their first NBA Finals win since 2000.

And he did it wearing his brand-new Puma Hali 1 sneakers, launched just the day before.

“That was the secret sauce today,” Haliburton smiled postgame, pointing to his signature shoes.

But it’s more than shoes. This Pacers team has grit. They have belief. And they have a chip on their shoulder.

The Comeback Kings

Down 15 points in the fourth quarter, Indiana delivered one of the biggest comebacks in NBA Finals history — tying the largest fourth-quarter comeback since 1971. It was also their fifth win this postseason after trailing by 15 or more, setting a new record in the play-by-play era.

“That says a lot about who we are as a group,” said Andrew Nembhard. “We’re resilient, connected, and we play with pride.”

Haliburton: “We’re Tired of the Talk”

Still stung by last season’s Eastern Conference Finals loss, Haliburton says the team is fueled by doubt.

“People said we didn’t deserve to be here. That it was luck,” he said. “And we’re all tired of hearing it. That stuff sticks with us — the whole team, not just me. Our coaches keep us informed about what’s being said. And yeah, we’re young, so we see everything on social media. But we take it personally. That’s our DNA.”

Haliburton now has five game-tying or go-ahead shots in the final five seconds of a playoff game — four this season alone — putting him just behind LeBron James (8) for the most in the modern era.

Canada Shines on the Finals Stage

Canada is well represented in this Finals, with Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin on the Pacers, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort on the Thunder.

“It’s amazing for Canadian basketball,” said Nembhard. “It inspires the next generation and pushes the game forward. I’m proud to be part of that.”

Facing off against fellow Canadians — and good friends — in the NBA Finals adds another layer to an already compelling series.

Silencing the Thunder fans

When Haliburton’s shot went in, the packed Paycom Center fell eerily silent — a moment that reminded many of Kobe Bryant’s love for quieting opposing arenas.

“Yeah, the crowd was loud,” Nembhard said. “But we stayed locked in, we trusted each other, and getting the win is what matters most.”

The Mission Continues

Despite the emotional win, Indiana knows the job isn’t done.

“We’ll study the film, clean up our mistakes, and come back ready to battle in Game 2,” said Nembhard.

By the Numbers

• Indiana is now 8–1 in clutch-time playoff games this year.
• They’ve won their last three Game 1s on the road.
• Game 1 marked their first Finals win since June 2000.
• Haliburton’s shot is one of just four Finals game-winners in the last five seconds since 1997.