Game 1 of the NBA Finals delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory, as the Indiana Pacers staged an improbable comeback on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder and even Patrick Mahomes was caught by surprise.
The United States stopped to watch the Pacers‘ stunning triumph at the Paycom Center on June 5 as Tyrese Haliburton delivered a game-winning shot with a step-back mid-range jumper with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock.
It was the first and only lead of the night for the visitors and it came by the slenderest of margins of just one point in a 111-110 result, capping off a relentless rally from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit.
And as fans found themselves stunned, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Mahomes also was agasp at what he had just witnessed, despite being a three-time Super Bowl champion, as he reacted to the moment in real-time on his social media platforms.
“Helly!?!?”, Patrick posted to X.com, formerly Twitter, perfectly capturing the mood of fans watching from across the US and all around the world in other basketball hotbeds such as Europe.
Haliburton stars as Pacers sink Thunder
Despite committing 24 turnovers, an alarming number compared to Oklahoma City’s six, the Pacers managed to stay within striking distance thanks to disciplined defense and clutch playmaking.
Haliburton, although not dominant on the scoreboard with only 14 points, proved his value in every other facet of the game and strengthened his case for the NBA MVP award once again. He recorded 10 rebounds and six assists and made the most important shot of the night.
His latest heroics add to his growing reputation as a player built for big moments. He now has four go-ahead field goals in the final five seconds of playoff games. That’s second only to the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James.
For a young guard leading a small-market franchise in his first NBA Finals appearance, the company he’s keeping speaks volumes to his mental qualities and ability to handle high pressure moments.
Mahomes, who is no stranger to dramatic finishes and magic moments on the NFL field, reacting by surprise underscored just how big of a shot that was from the 25-year-old Indiana hooper.
This Finals series between the Pacers and Thunder has captured the attention of fans and fellow athletes alike. With two emerging squads representing smaller markets, the matchup brings a fresh narrative to the NBA’s championship stage, and Haliburton’s buzzer-beater has already etched itself into postseason lore.
His shot not only gave the Pacers a 1-0 series lead but also solidified his status as a clutch performer on the NBA’s biggest stage and handed his team an excellent advantage to start the final series of the season with.
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