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Two days have passed, and we’re still absorbing the excitement of Game 1.
**5 STORIES IN TODAY’S EDITION 🏀**
**June 7, 2025**
**Moment Maker:** Delving into Tyrese Haliburton’s remarkable late-game feats
**Improbable Indy:** How strategic defensive changes have ignited the Pacers’ historic comebacks
**Learning From Defeats:** The Thunder have faced this situation before. Can they rise again?
**Game 1 Highlights:** A detailed chronicle of a legendary Finals opener, captured in images
**Unforgettable:** Jokić and Murray make history with simultaneous 30-point triple-doubles
**BUT FIRST… ⏰**
Game 2 is on the horizon, set for tomorrow…
After a thrilling showcase in Thursday’s Game 1 of the NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV, the Pacers and Thunder return to their practice and media obligations today (1:30 ET, NBA App) as they prepare for Sunday’s Game 2 (8 ET, ABC).
1. **MOMENT MAKER: THE SCIENCE BEHIND HALIBURTON’S LATE-GAME GLORY**
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“He’s not just ready for the moment—he embodies it.”
These words from ABC’s Richard Jefferson followed Tyrese Haliburton’s jaw-dropping game-winning shot against Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the NBA Finals—Indiana’s sole lead of the contest occurring with just 0.3 seconds remaining.
Jefferson, who has experienced clutch performances firsthand, was on the court for Kyrie Irving’s legendary Game 7 three-pointer in the 2016 Finals—the shot that secured Cleveland’s first NBA championship.
Now, Haliburton, another promising guard, is establishing himself as an unflappable closer, similarly striving for his franchise’s inaugural title.
Haliburton’s ability to deliver decisive shots against the best competition—under intense pressure—is no mere coincidence. It adds another chapter to what is evolving into one of the most clutch seasons in recent history.
**Ultimate Closer:** Haliburton is ranked second this season for last-minute game-tying or go-ahead field goals—totaling 13—just behind Jalen Brunson (18).
What sets Haliburton apart, however, is his efficiency.
He thrives in crucial situations.
When the pressure builds, how does he succeed?
By simply finding his shooting spots. And those spots are anything but conventional.
“He’s a true player,” Turner remarked on Thursday. “Having a go-to player at this time of year is crucial, and he continues to find ways to perform.”
2. **DEFENSIVE STRATEGY FUELING INDY’S RESILIENT PLAY**
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According to the annual NBA GM survey for the upcoming 2024-25 season…
Even after reaching the East Finals last year, few anticipated Indiana’s current position, much to Tyrese Haliburton’s chagrin.
Haliburton’s determination is genuine. The Pacers have consistently defied expectations all year, overcoming daunting deficits repeatedly.
But it’s not just about spectacular shooting; it’s also about commitment on defense—an aspect emphasized by Rick Carlisle from the outset.
This strong foundation has translated into tangible success.
How improbable is their success? In the era of play-by-play stats…
Across four comebacks—spanning 7:13 of game time—the Pacers conceded just eight points, forced five turnovers, and yielded only three successful field goals.
This included a 12-2 surge to secure Game 1 of the Finals, during which Indy limited OKC to 1-for-6 shooting in the clutch—culminating in a critical stop that allowed Haliburton to seize the moment.
“We kept making stops,” said Haliburton in the post-game interview. “We just excel at staying in the game. This team is incredibly resilient; we won’t give up until the final buzzer.”
3. **OKC’S LESSONS IN DEFEAT: LOOKING TO REBOUND**
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After maintaining a double-digit lead at home during Game 1, the Thunder found themselves holding onto a slender one-point advantage with just five seconds remaining—on the defensive backfoot.
As time dwindled, a shot was taken—and it went in. But it wasn’t Haliburton who sank it.
It was Aaron Gordon, propelling the Nuggets to a 1-0 lead over OKC in the West Semifinals on May 8, precisely one month prior to Thursday’s Game 1.
In a manner similar to the Finals opener, OKC dominated for most of the game in the first game of the West Semifinals, leading the entire second half until the final 2.8 seconds.
This has become a trend for OKC this season—responding effectively to adversity.
They possess the league’s top record at 16-2 following a loss, with a flawless 4-0 playoff mark. In these matchups, SGA boasts an average of 33.5 points per game on 54.3% shooting, with the Thunder scoring 123.9 points on average.
Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images
Having led for over 46 minutes in Game 1, OKC has a solid foundation to build on for Sunday’s contest.
**Crucial Shift:** Entering the Finals with a remarkable +42 point differential in fourth quarters during the playoffs, OKC was outscored 35-25 in the final period—marking their first loss at home in the playoffs since Gordon’s game-winner a month ago.
Recognizing lessons from the past, the Thunder are focused on moving forward.
4. **GAME 1 HIGHLIGHTS: RELIVING A MEMORABLE BATTLE**
Game 1 of the NBA Finals was packed with electrifying moments, late-game tension, and thrilling conclusions.
Before looking ahead to Game 2 on Sunday (8 ET, ABC), let’s revisit the highlights through our favorite snapshots.
Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
NBAE via Getty Images
NBAE via Getty Images
William Purnell/Getty Images
NBAE via Getty Images
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
NBAE via Getty Images
5. **UNFORGETTABLE: JOKIĆ & MURRAY CREATE FINALS HISTORY**
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Two teammates each recording a triple-double with over 30 points in the same NBA game is unprecedented.
It had never happened before—not during the regular season, not in playoffs, and definitely not in the Finals…
Until exactly two years ago.
Following a Game 2 defeat at home, the Nuggets found themselves tied 1-1 with the Heat as they headed to Miami, searching for a crucial win to reclaim control in the series.
Here’s how it was perceived from the sidelines—through the lens of former Nuggets head coach Michael Malone:
“By far, that was their most outstanding performance as a duo in their seven years together… Regarding Nikola, I’ve learned to never underestimate him. Time and again, he proves he thrives in these high-pressure situations on the biggest stage…
“Jamal, I have immense pride in him. I could sense, from our conversations yesterday and from being in his presence over the past two days, that he took Game 2 to heart. It wasn’t solely his responsibility … That’s the hallmark of champions. That’s what real fighters do—they respond.
“I felt his presence throughout the day. Forget the statistics—I could feel Jamal Murray’s energy. He was here, locked in. For both him and Nikola to achieve what they did in a necessary game… it was amazing to witness.”
Following this pivotal performance, the Nuggets never looked back, winning the series in five games and capturing the first championship in the franchise’s history.
