Pacers vs OKC Game 1: Three Things We Learnt From Tyrese Haliburton and Co.’s Win at Paycom Center
The Indiana Pacers are chasing glory – literally chasing. The side was once again behind for most of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and then, when it all counted, they took a 1-point lead with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock. With an impressive 111-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1, the side is three games away from winning their first-ever NBA title. Check out three things we learned from the result of Pacers vs OKC.
Pacers vs OKC is Entertaining Even without a ‘Mega Star’ Name in the NBA Finals
Many thought that the 2024-25 NBA finals featuring the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder will be a ‘let down’ for the fans. This is the first time no ‘big market’ team was involved in the NBA Final. Yet, the competitiveness of the teams and quality available on the court, the Pacers vs OKC match-up proved to be a total cinema.
The home team, with massive support filling up the arena, showed great fan support for the side that made it to the final after more than 10 years. Both sides had the best 2025 calendar year, leading the league in points and wins. You can’t sleep on the NBA games now with most of the teams having balanced lineups.
Tyrese Haliburton is Not ‘Overrated’ Anymore
Well, he didn’t need that to prove that after his side’s race to the finals. Haliburton might not have won the Eastern Conference MVP award, but he was the one who carried the side to the finals with his clutch plays. Remember the ‘choke’ sign, but the Pacers never choked with Haliburton on the court. He scored a moderate 14-point, 10-assist double-double helping his side win the Pacers vs OKC game 1.
Also Read: Kevin Durant Trade: Suns Ready to ‘Lower’ Price to Offload Star Forward Before 2025 NBA Draft
Haliburton’s highs and lows have turned him into a polarizing figure in the NBA world. Some people even called him “overrated,” while others refer to him as one of the most desirable teammates in the sport. But as the 26-year-old guard explained, he thrives on criticism, and now winning the title for the Pacers might be his perfect revenge.
Don’t Celebrate Until It’s Over Against Pacers
The Oklahoma City Thunder fans were dancing in the arena. They were in the final after 13 years and have a regular-season MPV on their side. With the best record in the league and a strong home court record, the OKC side was the favorite to win. But their only loss against the Eastern Conference side in 2025 was against – Indiana Pacers.
And the Pacers once again silenced the home crowd at the Paycom Center with a comeback win. 15-point deficit looked solid and just under a second left in the game, Haliburton’s midrange shot won them the game. Strong second-half performance once again proved to be the game-changer for the Pacers.
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