Haliburton’s Last-Second Heroics Lift Pacers Over Thunder in Game One
Tyrese Haliburton delivered a clutch performance, scoring in the final second to secure a dramatic 111-110 victory for the Indiana Pacers over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game One of the NBA Finals.
Haliburton’s 21-foot jumper marked the Pacers’ first lead of the game, with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock. The Thunder, playing on their home court, had controlled much of the contest, building a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter.
In a pivotal moment, NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander held the ball in the closing seconds but missed a two-point attempt with 12 seconds remaining. The Pacers capitalized on the rebound, swiftly moving the ball to Haliburton, who sprinted down the court and sank the game-winning shot.
This marks the fourth time in the 2025 playoffs that the 25-year-old Haliburton has delivered in critical moments—three times with game-winning scores and once to force overtime.
Despite a shaky start, including 20 of their 25 turnovers occurring in the first half, Indiana found a way to prevail. The victory gives them a crucial edge in the series, as they head into Game Two with momentum on their side.
