Pacers Pull Historic Comeback in NBA Finals Opener

The Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, overcoming a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit—the largest NBA Finals comeback since 1971. Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning jumper and finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Although the game was played in Oklahoma City, Pacers fans celebrated wildly at Indianapolis' Gainbridge Fieldhouse and on social media. The emotional victory was punctuated by a postgame embrace between Haliburton and his father, who had predicted the win. The Pacers' underdog run and comeback drew praise from figures like Caitlin Clark and Magic Johnson. With Indiana leading the series 1-0, Game 2 will also take place in Oklahoma City.