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3w ago

Haliburton’s Buzzer-Beater Gives Pacers Game 1 Lead as Finals Shift to Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City will look to capitalize on home-court advantage in Game 2 after yielding a 15-point fourth-quarter lead.

After a stunning comeback win in Game 1, the Pacers are once again heavy underdogs vs. the Thunder in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night.
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Chet Holmgren said of his lackluster performance in the Thunder's NBA Finals Game 1 loss: "I feel like I could have slowed down, kind of finished some of those plays at the rim."
Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during an NBA basketball game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 26, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Overview

  • Indiana erased a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter and seized its first Finals lead when Tyrese Haliburton nailed a 21-foot jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining for a 111-110 win.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 38 points in his Finals debut but the Thunder managed just 11 points off 25 forced turnovers and lost a comfortable lead.
  • Oklahoma City enters Game 2 as a 10.5-point favorite at Paycom Center after showing postseason resilience by never losing consecutive home games.
  • The Pacers have won seven of their last eight road playoff contests but will again be without forwards Isaiah Jackson and Jarace Walker due to injury.
  • Indiana expects guards Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard to return to the rotation, setting the stage for tactical adjustments from coaches Rick Carlisle and Mark Daigneault.