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last mo.

Thunder Suffer Last-Second Game 1 Loss, Eye Strategic Shake-Up Ahead of Game 2

Drawing on a similar comeback setback against Denver, the Thunder will tweak their lineup to leverage past resilience in Game 2 on June 8.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 05: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a shot against Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter in Game One of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 05, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game One of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 5, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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Overview

  • The Thunder blew a 15-point fourth-quarter lead before Tyrese Haliburton’s 21-footer with 0.3 seconds remaining secured a 111-110 win for the Pacers in Game 1.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in a game-high 38 points and reminded teammates that the Finals are “first to four, not first to one.”
  • Oklahoma City managed just 39.8 percent shooting and was out-rebounded 56-39, marking one of its lowest offensive outputs in these playoffs.
  • Coach Mark Daigneault flagged possible lineup adjustments after starting a smaller five in Game 1 to match Indiana’s pace and athleticism.
  • The Thunder have rallied to win four straight contests following prior playoff losses, including avenging a Game 1 defeat to Denver, and aim to level the series on Sunday.