By Chris Robinson

Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals featured the Indiana Pacers versus the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Thunder’s home court, the Paycom Center.

The Thunder controlled the game for nearly all four quarters before Indiana miraculously turned the tide in the closing minutes.

It was definitely a dramatic comeback.

Down by nine with under three minutes left, the Pacers closed the game on a 12-2 run. Tyrese Haliburton nailed a mid-range jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining, giving Indiana a 111–110 victory and a 1-0 series lead. Haliburton finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.

The Pacers had six players score in double digits, with All-Star Pascal Siakam adding 19 points and 10 rebounds.

The Thunder’s late collapse wasted a strong performance by Gilgeous-Alexander, who contributed 38 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.

This marks another series highlighted by an impressive fourth-quarter comeback from the Pacers, who did so also against Milwaukee in Round One, Cleveland in Round Two, and the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The pressure is now on Oklahoma City heading into Game 2, which takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday evening.

Chris Robinson can be reached at crobinson@hustleboss.com