Tyrese Halliburton may have just cost Jay-Z $1 million. The Pacers’ star guard delivered a dramatic buzzer-beater, securing an improbable 111-110 win over the Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals-possibly derailing the high-stakes bet placed by the hip-hop mogul.
Just as the Thunder were poised to celebrate their first victory in the championship series, Halliburton stepped just outside the arc and drained a clutch three-pointer, flipping the score and sending the Pacers into jubilation at the Paycom Center.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the game with 38 points, keeping Oklahoma City in control from start to finish-until Halliburton’s last-second heroics gave Indiana its only lead of the night. The shot instantly made him Jay-Z’s least favorite player.
TYRESE HALIBURTON CALLED GAME.
Buzzer-beater in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Pacers up. OKC stunned. The hobby? Heating up.
Track Haliburton’s card spikes on Compz.#NBAFinals#Haliburton#Pacers#GameWinner#CardTwitter#CompzApppic.twitter.com/HTH6brjMOn
? Compz (@compznyc) June 6, 2025
Jay-Z’s million-dollar gamble
According to Fanatics Sportsbook, Jay-Z bet $1 million that the Thunder would take down the Pacers in five games. Now, thanks to Halliburton’s magic, Oklahoma City must win four straight for Beyoncé’s husband to cash in on his risky wager.
At the time of the bet, the Thunder’s odds were +230 to win the Finals in five games. If they pull off the feat, Jay-Z stands to collect $3.3 million-the original $1 million stake plus $2.3 million in profit.
Importantly, Jay-Z didn’t bet on the Thunder merely winning the championship-he wagered that they’d do so in exactly five games. If Oklahoma City manages to win the series in six or seven games, the billionaire rapper will still walk away empty-handed.
JAY-Z bets $1 Million on OKC to win in 5 @RocNation@RocNationSports@Fanaticspic.twitter.com/27aysHGKSr
? Fanatics Sportsbook (@FanaticsBook) June 5, 2025
What’s next in the NBA Finals?
With their pride wounded, the Thunder will host the Pacers at the Paycom Center this Sunday for Game 2. The series will then shift to Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse (formerly Bankers Life Fieldhouse) for Game 3 on Wednesday.
A road win ensures the Pacers will play at least three games at home, meaning Oklahoma City must regroup quickly and capitalize on its remaining games at the Paycom Center if it hopes to hoist the championship trophy.
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