The win completed a stunning 15-point fourth-quarter comeback—the largest in an NBA Finals game since 2011—against the Oklahoma City Thunder and extended the Indiana Pacers’ reputation for resilience and late-game heroics throughout this postseason.

The historical comeback

The Thunder controlled much of the game, building a 15-point lead late in the fourth quarter behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38 points and forcing 24 turnovers on the Pacers. Oklahoma City’s defense was relentless, disrupting Indiana’s rhythm and capitalizing on their mistakes.

However, the Thunder struggled to convert those turnovers into points, managing only nine points off turnovers in the first half and shooting under 40% overall. This inefficiency allowed the Pacers to slowly chip away at the deficit.

Indiana’s comeback was fueled by balanced contributions across the roster. Pascal Siakam added 19 points, providing scoring and energy on both ends of the court. Obi Toppin was a spark off the bench, scoring 17 points, including five critical three-pointers that helped swing momentum.

Myles Turner’s 15 points and defensive presence were also vital in limiting the Thunder’s offensive options down the stretch. Andrew Nembhard’s tenacious defense on Gilgeous-Alexander in the final minutes helped contain the Thunder’s star, giving Haliburton the opportunity to take the final shot.

Haliburton’s clutch legacy

Haliburton’s calm under pressure has been a defining feature of the Pacers’ playoff run. He is now 6-for-7 on shots taken to tie or take the lead in the final 90 seconds of games this postseason—an efficiency unmatched since 1997. His ability to remain composed and execute in high-pressure moments has earned him a reputation as one of the league’s premier clutch performers.

 “This group never gives up. We never believe that the game is over until it hits zero, and that’s just the God’s honest truth. That’s just the confidence that we have as a group, and I think that’s a big reason why this is going on,” Haliburton said after the game-winning shot.

NBA Finals Game 2: looking ahead

With momentum firmly on their side, the Pacers head to Oklahoma City for Game 2 aiming to build on their comeback victory. The Thunder, meanwhile, will be eager to avoid falling behind 0-2 at home and respond to Indiana’s late-game heroics.

Both teams are expected to make tactical and personnel adjustments as the series progresses, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle.

The Pacers’ ability to erase large deficits and execute under pressure will be critical throughout the Finals. Haliburton’s continued clutch performances could prove decisive in determining the outcome of this tightly matched championship series.