Thursday, June 5th, 2025
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Game 1: Indiana Pacers leads 1-0
The 2025 NBA Finals have a unique way of forging legends and creating unforgettable moments. Game 1 of the 2025 championship series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers was a spectacular opening act, a contest that immediately delivered on the promise of a fresh and compelling matchup. In a stunning upset on the road, the Indiana Pacers stole a 111-110 victory from the heavily favored Thunder, landing the first major blow in a series that pits two of the league’s most exciting young teams against each other.
The game was a breathtaking showcase of contrasting styles, individual superstar brilliance, and clutch, last-second heroics. It was a contest that not only set the tone for the series but also served as a powerful reminder that in the NBA Finals, regular-season records and expert predictions mean very little when the lights are brightest.
The Underdog Mentality: How the Pacers Stole Home Court
The narrative heading into the NBA Finals was heavily tilted in favor of the Oklahoma City Thunder. As the top seed in the Western Conference with a dominant 68-win regular season, they were the overwhelming favorites to win their first championship since the franchise relocated from Seattle. The Indiana Pacers, meanwhile, entered as the gritty underdogs, a fourth seed from the East whose surprising playoff run was built on speed, relentless offense, and an unshakeable belief in their system. In Game 1, that underdog mentality proved to be their greatest asset.
Playing in the notoriously loud Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, the Pacers were unfazed by the hostile environment. They weathered multiple storms, including an early onslaught from the Thunder’s defense that forced 19 first-half turnovers. While a lesser team might have folded under that pressure, Indiana never lost its composure. They stuck to their game plan, trusted their ball movement, and consistently found ways to respond every time it looked like the Thunder were about to pull away. This resilience was most evident in the final, dramatic minutes. After trailing for most of the night and finding themselves down by nine points with just over two minutes remaining, the Pacers executed flawlessly in the clutch, culminating in a game-winning shot that silenced the home crowd and instantly shifted the entire dynamic of the series. By stealing home-court advantage in the very first game, the Pacers have sent a clear message: they are not just happy to be here; they are here to win.
A Superstar Duel for the Ages: SGA vs. Haliburton
At the heart of this captivating matchup is a duel between two of the league’s brightest young superstars: Oklahoma City’s MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Indiana’s maestro point guard, Tyrese Haliburton. Game 1 was a spectacular showcase of their different, yet equally brilliant, styles. Gilgeous-Alexander was a force of nature, a one-man offensive wrecking crew who looked every bit the league’s Most Valuable Player. He poured in a game-high 38 points, relentlessly attacking the basket and using his signature herky-jerky rhythm to create space for his unstoppable mid-range jumper. For much of the night, it felt like SGA was going to single-handedly carry his team to victory, as the Pacers’ defense struggled to find an answer for his individual brilliance.
On the other side, Tyrese Haliburton was the calm, calculating conductor of Indiana’s high-octane offense. While his final stat line of 14 points and 6 assists may seem modest in comparison to SGA’s, his impact on the game was immeasurable. He controlled the tempo, made the right play time and time again, and most importantly, delivered when it mattered most. With the game on the line, the ball was in his hands, and he calmly drained the clutch game-winning shot that secured the victory. This head-to-head battle between SGA’s dominant scoring and Haliburton’s elite playmaking is the central, must-watch narrative of these Finals, a classic clash between two different philosophies of backcourt greatness.
A Clash of Styles: Oklahoma City’s Defense vs. Indiana’s Offense
Game 1 was a fascinating tactical battle between two teams with very different identities. The Oklahoma City Thunder built their 68-win season on the back of a swarming, aggressive, and highly disruptive defense. Led by defensive stalwart Luguentz Dort, they excel at forcing turnovers and turning them into easy transition points. This was evident in the first half, where their pressure forced the Pacers into a slew of turnovers and allowed the Thunder to build an early lead. However, as the game wore on, the relentless pace and creativity of the Pacers’ offense began to find cracks in the armor.
The Indiana Pacers have built their entire system around speed, ball movement, and offensive unpredictability. They lead the league in assists and pace, constantly probing the defense and seeking the best possible shot. In Game 1, this philosophy ultimately triumphed. While the Thunder’s defense was able to contain them for stretches, the Pacers’ depth of scoring options proved to be the difference. Pascal Siakam provided a steady veteran presence with 19 points, while Obi Toppin was an explosive force off the bench, hitting five three-pointers. This balanced attack, where multiple players are a threat to score, makes them incredibly difficult to defend for a full 48 minutes. The central question for the rest of the series will be whether the Thunder’s elite defense can find a way to slow down the relentless Indiana offensive machine.
The Supporting Casts: Key Contributions and Defining Moments
While the superstars rightfully command the spotlight, championships are often won by the crucial contributions of the supporting cast. For the Thunder, Jalen Williams was a vital secondary scorer, pouring in 17 points and providing a much-needed offensive outlet when the Pacers’ defense keyed in on Gilgeous-Alexander. Defensive specialist Alex Caruso also made a significant impact off the bench, contributing 11 points and making several key defensive plays.
For the Pacers, the veteran leadership of Pascal Siakam was invaluable. The former NBA champion was a steadying force throughout the game, contributing on both ends of the floor and providing a calming presence during the Thunder’s runs. However, the true x-factor was the explosive performance of Obi Toppin. His incredible efficiency from three-point range provided a massive offensive boost and was a key reason the Pacers were able to keep pace with the Thunder. As the series progresses, the performance of these key role players will be just as important as the heroics of the superstars in determining who ultimately lifts the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
