Haliburton Hits Buzzer-Beater as Pacers Stun Thunder 111-110 in Game 1 Thriller

Written from box score

Bloomington, Ind. – June 5, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton etched his name into Indiana Pacers lore Thursday night, sinking a cold-blooded step-back jumper with 0.3 seconds left to give the Pacers a stunning 111-110 victory over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Haliburton’s game-winner capped a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback for the Pacers, who trailed by as many as nine with just under six minutes to play. The All-Star guard finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, but it was his final shot that lifted Indiana to its first NBA Finals win in franchise history.

Indiana showcased a balanced scoring attack, with six players scoring in double figures. Obi Toppin provided a crucial spark off the bench, knocking down five three-pointers en route to 17 points. Pascal Siakam added 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Myles Turner chipped in 15 points and nine boards before fouling out late.

The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who poured in a game-high 38 points and nearly willed Oklahoma City to the win. But a missed defensive rotation on Indiana’s final possession left Haliburton just enough daylight to launch his dagger over Jalen Williams.

The loss spoiled a strong night for Oklahoma City’s supporting cast, with Lu Dort hitting five threes for 15 points and Isaiah Hartenstein adding nine points and nine rebounds off the bench.

Game 1 marked a landmark moment for the Pacers franchise, which is making its first Finals appearance since 2000. With the win, Indiana leads 1-0 in the best-of-seven series.

Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday night in Oklahoma City before the series shifts to Indianapolis.

BOX SCORE HIGHLIGHTS

• Indiana: 47.6% FG, 46.2% 3PT (18-for-39), 15 turnovers
• Oklahoma City: 39.8% FG, 36.7% 3PT, 14 steals
• Rebounds: Pacers 64 (43 defensive), Thunder 47 (10 offensive)

NOTABLE STATS

• Tyrese Haliburton: 14 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST, GWFG at 0.3
• Pascal Siakam: 19 PTS, 10 REB
• Obi Toppin: 17 PTS (5-8 3PT)
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 38 PTS (14-30 FG), 7-8 FT

UP NEXT
Game 2: Pacers at Thunder – Sunday, June 8, 2025, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC

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