Talk about drama! If there was ever a moment to define Tyrese Haliburton’s rise into the NBA’s elite tier, it happened Thursday night under the brightest lights of the season. In a game that had Indiana fans chewing their nails down to the quick, the Pacers pulled off a jaw-dropping 111-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals — on the road, no less!
And how did it all go down? Buckle up.
With just 0.3 seconds left on the clock, Haliburton did what stars do — pulled up for a cold-blooded mid-range jumper and drilled it. That wasn’t just the game-winner. It was Indiana’s first and only lead of the night. Yup, the Pacers trailed for 47 minutes and 59.7 seconds, and still snatched a win right at the buzzer. That’s playoff grit.
This game wasn’t just a win — it was a message. Indiana’s saying loud and clear: “We’re not just happy to be here.”
A Pattern of Comebacks
If you’ve been watching the Pacers this postseason, then this shouldn’t come as a shock. This squad has made it their brand to refuse to fold, no matter the odds. Thursday’s comeback was Indiana’s fifth playoff win after trailing by 15 or more points. Read that again. Five times this postseason alone.
In an era where teams live and die by momentum, the Pacers are doing it old-school — with grit, poise, and a belief that they’re never out of the fight.
Thunder's Hot Start and Sudden Silence
Let’s not overlook the other side of the coin. Oklahoma City came into this series as arguably the best all-around team all season, with a well-oiled machine powered by young studs and disciplined defense. And early on, they looked every bit the part.
The Thunder built a 15-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge and the defense suffocating Indiana’s offensive rhythm. But the wheels started to wobble in the fourth — and then came off entirely. Once again, the Pacers found that extra gear when it mattered most.
Haliburton's Defining Moment
Let’s zero in on the star of the night: Tyrese Haliburton. The dude didn’t just hit a shot — he cemented a legacy. That dagger wasn’t just mechanically perfect, it was clutch personified. Everyone in that arena knew who was taking that shot. And he still made it.
Haliburton has had some solid playoff performances, but this one? This is the kind of moment that goes on highlight reels, jersey retirement speeches, and YouTube tributes. Cold. Confident. Clutch.
A Rookie Reacts: Jared McCain’s Wild Courtside Moment
One of the more wholesome side plots? Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain was in the building — serving as a player correspondent for Game 1 — and his reaction went viral. As Haliburton’s shot hit nothing but net, McCain looked like a fan in the nosebleeds instead of an NBA baller. Mouth wide open. Hands on head. Shock and awe.
His reaction? Pretty much mirrored what everyone in Indiana — and probably beyond — was feeling.
Momentum Shift or Lightning in a Bottle?
Now here’s where it gets interesting. Game 2 tips off Sunday, and you can bet the Thunder aren’t going to just sit on their heels and hope for the best. They’ve got pride, pedigree, and plenty of firepower to bounce back.
But the question looming over this Finals now is: Did Indiana just steal the soul of the series?
Winning Game 1 on the road, in dramatic fashion, has a psychological impact. It tilts the table. Now the Pacers have home court, momentum, and a squad that’s thriving under pressure. Three more wins and Indiana claims its first NBA championship in franchise history.
Why This Game Mattered More Than Most Game 1s
Look, Game 1 wins don’t clinch a series. But this one? This one changes the conversation.
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Indiana showed they belong — even against the team with the best regular-season record.
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They didn’t play their best game — and still walked out with the W.
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They rattled the Thunder, a team that usually controls tempo with an iron grip.
This wasn’t just about one shot. It was about character, coaching, and a group of guys who simply don’t care what the odds say.
What’s Next?
Expect fireworks in Game 2. The Thunder will look to reassert their dominance, while Indiana aims to ride the high of this emotional win. And now that they’re back in it — really in it — we could be in for one of the best Finals series in recent memory.
Here's what to look out for:
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Can OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander respond like a superstar?
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Will Haliburton double down and make Game 2 his stage again?
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Can the Pacers take control heading back to Indy?
Final Thoughts
Thursday night reminded us why we love playoff basketball. The drama. The unexpected heroes. The silencing of doubters. The surge of underdogs.
And as for Tyrese Haliburton? He just punched his ticket to Indiana basketball folklore.
The Pacers are no longer a “nice story.” They’re three wins away from writing a legendary one.
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