Pacers Seize Dramatic Win in NBA Finals Opener
The 2025 NBA Finals kicked off with an absolute heart-stopper as the Indiana Pacers stole a 111-110 victory from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Right from tip-off, this wasn’t your typical Finals opener. Momentum swung like a pendulum, and neither team could really grab full control. Fans watching at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and at home were caught in a whirlwind of missed chances and instant redemption, right up to the final whistle.
Tyrese Haliburton looked every bit the up-and-coming superstar, mixing precise passes with tough drives to the basket. His fourth-quarter performance—ice in his veins—is what tipped the balance, dropping in a clutch three-pointer with under a minute to play. Benedict Mathurin backed him up, stepping in for key minutes when the Thunder double-teamed Haliburton. Mathurin’s energy on both ends kept Indiana’s bench loud and the Thunder on their toes.
But if we’re talking about moments, Pascal Siakam’s quiet leadership can’t be ignored. He anchored the defense, rotated flawlessly, and came up big with a key rebound that kept a late Thunder run at bay. That's the glue every Finals team needs.
Thunder Fight to the Buzzer as Pacers Survive
Oklahoma City wasn’t about to roll over. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with an elegant mix of smooth floaters and gutsy midrange shots, ending the night with a game-high point tally. As the clock wound down, he nearly stole the show—slicing through defenders and dishing to Chet Holmgren, who nailed a critical basket to bring it to a one-point game with just seconds remaining.
The Thunder, built on relentless hustle and youthful energy, clawed their way back from an early third-quarter slump that saw them fall behind by eight. Jalen Williams made sure the Pacers couldn’t rest, hitting timely shots and applying tough defense on Haliburton. With under five seconds left, Oklahoma City actually had a final shot after forcing a Pacers turnover. But the last play—a hurried three-pointer—bounced off the rim, the buzzer sounded, and the Pacers crowd exploded in relief.
For both squads, this opener revealed strengths and pressure points. The NBA Finals stage magnified every mistake and ramped up the tension. After Game 1's climax, neither side has time to dwell—the tone has been set for a wild series ahead. Game 2 promises another round of drama as the Thunder look to even things out and the Pacers aim to build on this razor-thin edge.
