The 2025 NBA Finals tipped off in spectacular fashion as the Indiana Pacers edged out the Oklahoma City Thunder 111–110 in Game 1. The defining moment came when Tyrese Haliburton hit a dramatic game-winning shot with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock, giving the Pacers a stunning victory and a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Haliburton, who finished with 14 points, continued his trend of clutch performances throughout the postseason. While he wasn't the highest scorer on the floor, his composure in the final seconds proved decisive and reinforced his rising superstar status in the league.

On the other end, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed exactly why he was named the 2024–25 NBA MVP. He poured in a game-high 38 points and kept the Thunder in control for most of the night. However, his missed midrange jumper in the closing seconds gave Indiana just enough breathing room to strike back.

The Thunder, who boasted the best regular-season record in the league at 68–14, now find themselves on the back foot. Losing Game 1 at home means Game 2 is absolutely critical. Historically, teams that drop the first two games at home in the NBA Finals have an extremely low success rate of turning things around.

Game 2 is set for Sunday, June 8, at 8:00 p.m. ET in Oklahoma City. All eyes will be on the Thunder to see if they can bounce back and even the series, or if the Pacers will continue their momentum and take a commanding 2–0 lead.

This year’s Finals will mark the seventh consecutive season with a different NBA champion—a clear sign of how much parity exists in today’s league. It’s a refreshing sight for fans who love unpredictability and fresh storylines.

Whether you’re rooting for the upstart Pacers or the MVP-led Thunder, one thing is for sure—the 2025 NBA Finals are already delivering the kind of drama and excitement basketball fans live for.