Pacers Shock Thunder in Game 1 of NBA Finals
The Indiana Pacers took a 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, in an exciting first game that was decided in the final seconds.
The game, which kept fans on the edge of their seats, saw the Pacers prevail with a score of 111-110. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance, with 38 points, was not enough to secure the Thunder’s victory. Tyrese Haliburton, in a duel of star point guards, played a crucial role in the Pacers’ comeback. Haliburton, with a spectacular basket with 0.3 seconds left, sealed the victory for Indiana.It’s a 48-minute game. And, in those last 20 seconds, Haliburton and the Pacers changed the narrative… again.
Rick Carlisle, Pacers coach
For a large part of the game, the Thunder dominated, forcing 24 turnovers by the Pacers. However, Indiana’s three-point shooting effectiveness, especially in the final quarter, was key to the comeback.
The Pacers, known for their comebacks in these playoffs, once again demonstrated their ability to react and their determination.
In the second half, the Pacers significantly improved ball handling and their offense became more fluid. The Thunder, on the other hand, struggled on offense and Gilgeous-Alexander missed important shots in the decisive moments.
The Pacers’ victory in the first game, playing away, repeats the history of the previous series against the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks, where they also achieved victories in the first away game.
The Thunder will need to adjust their defense for the upcoming games, especially in the second half, where the Pacers demonstrated their offensive ability.The key to the Pacers’ comeback was reducing turnovers and improving field goal percentage.
Myles Turner, Obi Toppin, and Aaron Nesmith also contributed with important three-point shots.The next game between the Pacers and Thunder will be played on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
The Pacers will look to repeat the feat of winning the second game, as they already did in the previous two series, to take a 2-0 lead.Teams that lose the first game at home are often favored to tie the series in the second match.
The Pacers face a tough challenge against a Thunder team that has lost consecutive games only twice during the season.
