Tyrese Haliburton delivered a breathtaking finish in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, draining a 21-foot jumper with just 0.3 seconds left to hand the Indiana Pacers a dramatic 111-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The last-second dagger gave Indiana its first lead of the game, and one of the most electrifying playoff wins in recent NBA history.
In a game dominated by the Thunder from the opening tip, Oklahoma City looked poised to capitalize on its home-court advantage, holding a commanding 15-point lead deep into the fourth quarter. But Haliburton and the Pacers refused to back down.
With the Thunder ahead and only seconds remaining, the pressure shifted to league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But in a shocking twist, Gilgeous-Alexander missed a critical two-point attempt with 12 seconds left, allowing the Pacers to seize the rebound and launch a lightning-fast counterattack.
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The ball found its way to Haliburton, who raced coast-to-coast and pulled up just inside the arc. His cold-blooded jumper sailed through the net, silencing the home crowd and etching his name in playoff folklore.
Haliburton’s clutch shot not only sealed a crucial road win for the Pacers but also added to his growing legacy as a go-to closer. The 25-year-old has now hit four game-defining shots during the 2025 postseason three game-winners and one to force overtime cementing his status as one of the league’s premier big-moment players.
Despite being plagued by turnovers, 25 in total, with a staggering 20 coming in the second half, Indiana’s grit and resilience carried them through. The Thunder, stunned by the late collapse, will now have to regroup quickly as the series continues.
With this win, the Pacers steal momentum and home-court advantage, setting the stage for a fierce and unpredictable NBA Finals showdown.