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.