A Historic Night in Oklahoma City: Pacers Steal Game 1
In a heart-pounding opener to the NBA Finals 2025, the Indiana Pacers shocked the basketball world by edging out the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 in Game 1 at Paycom Center. The game showcased resilience, with Tyrese Haliburton delivering a clutch game-winner with just 0.3 seconds left, flipping the script on a dominant Thunder performance. This finals Game 1 sets the stage for an electrifying series, as the Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder matchup promises intense battles ahead. Here’s how the Pacers win unfolded, where to watch the next Pacers vs. OKC clash, and a deep dive into the stats and storylines.
The NBA Finals score of 111-110 reflects the razor-thin margin, with the Indiana Pacers overcoming a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Fans searching for where to watch the NBA Finals or how to watch the NBA Finals witnessed a classic, and those eager for Game 2 NBA Finals action can find all the details below. Let’s break down this epic basketball game tonight, spotlighting Haliburton’s game-winner, key player stats, and the NBA Finals schedule.
The Game: A Tale of Two Halves
The Oklahoma City Thunder stormed out of the gate, leveraging their suffocating defense to force nine Pacers turnovers in the first quarter alone. Thunder OKC star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a leading MVP candidate, powered his team to a 29-20 lead, finishing the frame with 12 points. The OKC roster—featuring standouts like Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren—looked poised to dominate, with their signature defensive intensity keeping the Pacers game in check. By halftime, the Thunder score stood at 57-45, a 12-point cushion built on 11 steals and a Finals-record 19 first-half turnovers by the Indiana Pacers.
Meanwhile, the Pacers struggled early. Tyrese Haliburton, the engine of the Pacers players, managed only six points on 2-of-5 shooting, hampered by OKC’s relentless pressure from Dort and Alex Caruso. Pascal Siakam and TJ McConnell added eight and nine points, respectively, but the Pacers score lagged as turnovers piled up. Fans wondering what time is the NBA game tonight saw tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET, broadcast live on channels like TNT—details on what channel is the NBA Finals on and NBA Finals streaming options follow below.
The third quarter saw the OKC Thunder maintain control, stretching the lead to 15 points at 94-79 with 9:52 remaining. Gilgeous-Alexander dazzled, racking up 38 points by game’s end, while the OKC score seemed destined to secure a comfortable win. But the Indiana Pacers refused to fold. A 12-2 run, sparked by back-to-back threes from Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard, ignited the crowd and cut the deficit to 98-94 with six minutes left. The Pacers vs. Thunder battle was on.
The Comeback: Haliburton Shines, Pacers Surge
The fourth quarter turned the NBA game into a thriller. The Pacers, known for their fast-paced style, outscored the Thunder 15-4 over a critical 3:26 stretch, setting the stage for a frantic finish. Pascal Siakam, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, slashed to the rim for a layup,unofficial, cutting the Thunder lead to 110-109 with under a minute to go. Then, with 14 seconds left, Gilgeous-Alexander missed a jumper, giving the Pacers a chance to steal the game.
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Enter Tyrese Haliburton. The 25-year-old star, a passing savant with 156 assists and just 31 turnovers in 16 playoff games, took the inbound pass near halfcourt. With 0.3 seconds on the clock, Haliburton vs. OKC delivered magic. He drove, pulled up, and sank a jumper—Haliburton’s game-winner—giving the Pacers their first lead at 111-110. The Pacers box score reflected the improbable rally, and the Thunder game ended with a stunned Paycom Center crowd as OKC’s last-second alley-oop attempt failed.
The finals score of 111-110 handed the Indiana Pacers a 1-0 series lead. Social media erupted, with fans calling Haliburton Pacers star “a generational clutch performer” and the Pacers win “magic.” The Pacers vs. Thunder score underscored Indiana’s resilience, a trait honed through playoff comebacks against the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks.
Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats
Here’s a look at the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Pacers match player stats and Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder match player stats, highlighting the best performers in this NBA final opener:
Indiana Pacers
- Tyrese Haliburton: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block, 6/13 FG, 39 minutes
- The Haliburton game-winner stole the show, capping a double-double despite a quiet first half.
- Pascal Siakam: 19 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 8/15 FG
- Siakam’s late layup and rebounding kept the Pacers game alive.
- Obi Toppin: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 7/12 FG
- A spark off the bench, Toppin’s scoring fueled the rally.
- Andrew Nembhard: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
- His clutch three-pointer shifted momentum.
- Aaron Nesmith: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3/6 3PT
- Nesmith’s shooting stretched OKC’s defense.
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 38 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 14/27 FG
- The MVP candidate carried the Thunder OKC offense all night.
- Jalen Williams (JDub): 17 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 7/16 FG
- A versatile effort from the OKC players standout.
- Lu Dort: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 6/12 FG
- Dort’s defense on Haliburton Pacers star was fierce early.
- Isaiah Hartenstein: 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 3/5 FG
- Solid minutes in the paint for the OKC roster.
- Chet Holmgren: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 4/10 FG
- The rookie battled, but Pacers bigs held firm.
The Pacers box score showed grit, out-rebounding OKC 42-38 and shooting 40.1% from deep, the best mark in the postseason. The Thunder, meanwhile, forced 20 turnovers but converted them into just nine points, a missed opportunity in this Pacers vs. OKC clash.
Where to Watch NBA Finals: Schedule and Streaming Options
For fans asking where to watch Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder or where to watch the NBA Finals, Game 1 aired live from Oklahoma City on TNT at 8:30 p.m. ET. Here’s how to catch the rest of the NBA Finals 2025:
NBA Finals Schedule
- Finals Game 1: June 5, 2025 – Pacers 111, Thunder 110 (Paycom Center, Oklahoma City)
- Game 2 NBA Finals: June 8, 2025, 8:00 p.m. ET, Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
- Game 3: June 11, 2025, 8:30 p.m. ET, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
- Game 4: June 13, 2025, 8:30 p.m. ET, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
- Game 5 (if necessary): June 16, 2025, 8:30 p.m. ET, Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
- Game 6 (if necessary): June 19, 2025, 8:30 p.m. ET, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
- Game 7 (if necessary): June 22, 2025, 8:30 p.m. ET, Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
How to Watch NBA Finals
- What channel is the NBA Finals on? TNT broadcasts all games, with select coverage on ABC.
- NBA Finals streaming: Stream via the TNT app, Watch TNT, or services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.
- Where to watch NBA Finals 2025: Check TNT, ABC, or NBA live stream platforms.
- How to stream NBA Finals: Use the NBA app, TNT’s website, or stream NBA Finals options like FuboTV.
- Watch NBA Finals free: Look for trials on YouTube TV or FuboTV for how to watch NBA Finals for free.
- Where can I watch the NBA Finals? Cable subscribers tune to TNT; cord-cutters use NBA Finals stream services.
- What channel is the Pacers game on tonight? TNT for Pacers game tonight and beyond.
- What channel is the Thunder game on tonight? TNT covers the Thunder game live.
- NBA Finals time: Games start at 8:00 or 8:30 p.m. ET—check local listings.
- Where to stream NBA Finals: Access NBA Finals watch via TNT’s platforms or NBA live options.
- NBA games today live: Follow Pacers vs. Thunder where to watch on TNT.
For where to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Pacers or Pacers vs. Oklahoma City, ensure a cable subscription or streaming service. How can I watch the NBA Finals? Try watch NBA Finals free trials or paid platforms for the best experience.
The Storylines: Haliburton, Thunder Defense, and More
Tyrese Haliburton’s Clutch Heroics
Tyrese Haliburton proved why he’s the heart of the Indiana Pacers. Despite a slow start—6 points in the first half—he finished with a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) and the Haliburton game-winner. His ability to navigate the Thunder defense, led by Dort and Caruso, showcased his poise. With 156 assists and just 31 turnovers in the playoffs, Haliburton joins Magic Johnson as one of the few to enter the finals with such efficiency. Will Haliburton vs. OKC deliver more magic in Game 2 NBA Finals?
Thunder’s Defensive Identity
The Oklahoma City Thunder boasted the league’s best defense, leading in defensive rating and allowing the fewest transition points. They rattled the Pacers early, forcing 20 turnovers, but failed to capitalize fully. The OKC vs. Indiana matchup tested OKC’s depth, with the OKC roster—including Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren—shooting 42.6% from the field. Can the Thunders adjust to stop the Pacers’ pace in the next basketball game?
Pacers’ Resilience
The Indiana Pacers made history, leading for just 0.3 seconds yet securing the Pacers win. Their 40.1% three-point shooting and relentless pace wore down OKC. Pacers players like Siakam (19 points, 10 rebounds) and Toppin (17 points) stepped up, proving this Pacer game was no fluke. The Pacers schedule now shifts to Game 2 NBA Finals, where home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse loom large.
Pacers vs. Thunder Prediction: What’s Next?
The Pacers vs. Thunder prediction favors OKC, with DraftKings listing them as 9.5-point favorites for Game 1, but the Pacers win flipped expectations. The Pacers vs. Thunder score of 111-110 suggests a tight series. The Thunder hold a 34-14-2 record against the spread as home favorites and had a rest advantage, yet the Pacers prevailed. For Pacers vs. Thunder Game 2, OKC must limit turnovers and hit midrange shots (5-of-20 in Game 1). The Pacers, meanwhile, lean on Tyrese Haliburton and their shooting to counter OKC’s depth.
Experts split on the NBA final outcome. Some predict the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven, citing their “horror movie monster” defense and deep roster. Others see the Indiana Pacers stealing another, banking on pace and precision. The NBA Finals watch intensifies as Game 2 NBA Finals approaches on June 8, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET in Oklahoma City.
The Bigger Picture: A Finals for the Ages
The NBA Finals 2025 pits two small-market teams—the Pacers and Thunder—in a refreshing clash. The Indiana vs. OKC journey traces back to Paul George trades: OKC acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander via a 2019 deal, while the Pacers landed Tyrese Haliburton in 2022 by trading Domantas Sabonis. Both moves built these contenders, making Pacers vs. Oklahoma City a fascinating duel.
The Pacers game today marked their first Finals trip in 25 years, while the OKC game showcased the Thunder as the biggest franchise favorite since 1968. Fans asking where can I watch the Pacers game tonight or what channel is the NBA game on tonight tuned into TNT, with NBA live stream options aplenty. The NBA final score of 111-110 sets up a series where every basketball game counts.
FAQ: Your NBA Finals 2025 Questions Answered
Q: What was the NBA Finals score for Game 1?
A: The Pacers vs. Thunder score was 111-110, with the Indiana Pacers winning on a Haliburton game-winner.
Q: Where to watch Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder?
A: Catch the Pacers vs. Thunder where to watch on TNT, the TNT app, or stream via Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV.
Q: What is the NBA Finals schedule?
A: The finals schedule NBA runs from June 5 to June 22, 2025, with Game 2 NBA Finals on June 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET in Oklahoma City.
Q: How can I watch the NBA Finals?
A: How to watch the NBA Finals includes TNT, ABC, the NBA app, or NBA Finals stream services like Sling TV. Check watch NBA Finals free trials for options.
Q: What are the key Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder match player stats?
A: Tyrese Haliburton had 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists for the , while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 38 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Q: What channel is the Pacers game on tonight?
A: For game tonight, tune to TNT at 8:00 p.m. ET for Game 2 NBA Finals.
Q: Where to watch NBA Finals 2025?
A: Where to watch NBA Finals 2025 includes TNT, ABC, and NBA live stream platforms like the TNT app or FuboTV.
Backlinks for More Insight
- Read Yahoo Sports’ recap of the Pacers vs. OKC thriller: Stun Thunder in Game 1
- Check CNN’s take on Haliburton’s game-winner: Pacers Steal Game 1
- Explore The Guardian’s live updates: NBA Finals Game 1 As It Happened
- Dive into NBC Sports’ analysis: Clutch Win
- See Sporting News on OKC’s strategy: Cason Wallace Guards Haliburton
