Haliburton’s Last-Second Heroics Propel Pacers Past Thunder in NBA Finals Opener
In a thrilling Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Tyrese Haliburton showcased his clutch performance, sinking a 20-foot jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining, leading the Indiana Pacers to an astonishing 111-110 comeback victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pacers, who had trailed by as many as 15 points in the fourth quarter, relied heavily on Haliburton, who delivered his fourth game-winning shot of these playoffs.
"This guy has ultimate confidence in himself," praised Pacers center Myles Turner, emphasizing Haliburton’s willingness to embrace high-pressure moments. His leap to victory mirrored earlier pivotal plays, including a deciding layup in the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks and a crucial 3-pointer in the second round versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.
During Thursday’s match, the Pacers made a late surge fueled by notable contributions from players such as Pascal Siakam, who led the team with 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Obi Toppin, who chipped in 17 points off the bench. Despite 25 turnovers, the Pacers remained resilient. Haliburton’s performance, which included 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, was critical in sealing the narrow win.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a standout performer with a game-high 38 points. However, despite leading throughout the match, Oklahoma City faltered down the stretch, managing a mere single field goal in the final four minutes.
As they prepare for Game 2 in Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized a long series ahead: “The series isn’t first to one, it’s first to four.” The Pacers, emboldened by their last-minute victory, aim to carry this momentum forward.
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