If there’s one thing that will define the 2025 Playoffs, it’s the Indiana Pacers’ ability to rise when all seems lost. In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Indianapolis franchise once again proved that they should never be counted out. Against the top title contender, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pacers pulled off a stunning comeback and clinched a 111-110 victory.
The most remarkable part of the win? Indiana led the game for just 0.3 seconds-the time between Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot and the final buzzer. On a night when the point guard didn’t shine statistically, he was once again decisive in the game’s most critical moment.
From dad to brilliant: How they built the win
The start of the game was disastrous for the Pacers: 18 turnovers and just 45 points in the first half, leaving them 12 points behind at the break. But the team showed resilience, tightened up defensively, and found its rhythm on offense during the third quarter.
The final burst came in the last stretch of the game, with a 32-16 run in the final 10 minutes. Indiana hit threes from multiple spots, ramped up its defensive intensity, and punished an OKC team that never found its footing offensively.
Inside the locker room: Confidence, humility, and focus on what’s next
After the game, players spoke to the media about the team’s mindset. Thomas Bryant summed up how they approach every challenge:
“Our minds are happy, but we’re always thinking about the next game. We’ve got to have a short memory. We’ll enjoy tonight, but tomorrow it’s time to lock in for Game 2,” he said with maturity.
Bryant also praised Haliburton’s clutch performance:
“Beating the Pacers is tough because of their resilience. I’m not gonna lie-when Tyrese takes that final shot, you just believe it’s going in. He’s done it time and time again.”
Obi Toppin: “We go out there to have fun, we play with joy”
Obi Toppin, another emotional leader for the team, emphasized the connection with the fans and the squad’s collective spirit:
“In this game, we felt their souls in our hearts-we really felt that energy. We went out there and did our job the best we could,” he said.
Toppin also reflected on the playing style that defines this Pacers squad:
“Fans are surprised by what they see, but we’re just out there having fun. We play with joy-and you can see
Read the full article here
