Pacers Win NBA Finals Game 1 on Haliburton Game-Winner

Tyrese Haliburton's clutch performance in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals propelled the Indiana Pacers to a dramatic 111-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, with his game-winning jumper at 0.3 seconds left marking his fourth critical shot in the playoffs. His girlfriend, Jade Jones, a former Iowa State cheerleader and current teacher, has been a visible and enthusiastic supporter throughout his career and the playoffs, celebrating the win on social media and sporting custom apparel featuring Haliburton's name. The Pacers overcame a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter and a high turnover count to stun the favored Thunder, who suffered their first home loss to an Eastern Conference team this season. Haliburton, who also won a gold medal with Team USA in 2024, finished the game with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, earning widespread praise from NBA legends and fans alike. Jones and Haliburton, who have been together since their Iowa State days, are close friends with basketball stars Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery, highlighting their deep ties within the basketball community. The Pacers now lead the series 1-0 and are three wins away from their first NBA Championship in franchise history.