Erasing a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit and sealing the game with Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch jumper, the Indiana Pacers continued a trend that has defined their season and playoff run: consistently finding ways to prevail in the most tense, high-stakes moments.

For many teams, facing a double-digit deficit late in an NBA Finals game would be a near-certain loss. But for the Pacers, these high-pressure situations have become almost routine. After his game-winning shot, Haliburton spoke with ESPN about why Indiana keeps thriving in such scenarios.

“We’ve had to win in so many different ways all year,” Haliburton said. “We’ve had so many weird wins during the regular season, during the playoffs. So why would that change because we’re here in the Finals?”

Consistency amid the chaos

The Pacers’ journey to the Finals has been marked by a series of unpredictable and dramatic moments. Throughout the regular season and playoffs, they’ve faced every imaginable scenario: buzzer-beaters, overtime thrillers, and games where they had to claw back from the brink of defeat. 

Haliburton’s leadership has been central to this mentality. His poise and willingness to take responsibility in crunch time set the tone for the entire team.

Players like Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin, and Myles Turner have all stepped up when the pressure is highest, contributing key plays and maintaining composure. The Pacers do not panic—they adapt, trust each other, and execute with precision.

Game 2: Pacers v Thunder

As the Finals progress, the Pacers’ ability to win in a variety of ways may prove to be their most valuable asset. Their Game 1 victory on the road not only provides momentum but also reinforces their belief that no situation is too daunting.

For Haliburton and his teammates, the Finals are just another stage to demonstrate what they’ve been doing all season: finding ways to win, no matter how tense or unpredictable the game becomes.