Tyrese Haliburton sends a strong message after NBA finals Game 1 win against OKC Thunder
Tyrese Haliburton. Image via: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Indiana Pacers secured a thrilling Game 1 win in the NBA Finals, edging the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 in the final second. Tyrese Haliburton nailed a clutch 21-foot jumper with just 0.3 seconds left, giving Indiana its only lead of the night and the victory.
It was a stunning comeback and a strong message from a Pacers team that refuses to back down. Remarkably, it marked their fifth playoff win this year after trailing by 15 or more, the most by any team in a single postseason since 1998. Post-game, Haliburton shared a strong message suggesting that he and his team are not done.
Tyrese Haliburton will not rest until winning the Championship
Tyrese Haliburton. Image via: Getty Images
Down by 15 in the fourth quarter, with 25 turnovers already logged and the league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander torching them for 38 points, the Pacers could've folded.
But Tyrese Haliburton had other ideas. After draining the game-winner under intense pressure, he delivered a message that summed up Indiana's true passion for the championship, 'It ain't over 'till it's over,' Haliburton sends a clear message for the Thunder.
As analyst Kendrick Perkins posted on X, 'What a damn win for the Pacers. The others kept them afloat and that damn Haliburton tucked them in. Jesus Christ.' Indeed, Haliburton's 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists with his final throw that sealed the victory spoke volumes.
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'Man, basketball's fun,' Haliburton told reporters after the game. 'Winning is fun.'. Haliburton now has a signature clutch moment in every playoff round— against the Bucks, Cavaliers, Knicks, and now Thunder — all on the road.
His teammate Myles Turner, who had 15 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, couldn't praise him enough. 'He's a baller, man, he's a hooper… When it comes to those moments he wants the ball,' Turner said, reflecting on Haliburton's leadership and confidence in high-pressure situations.
Indiana shot 47.6% from the floor and 46.2% from three-point range, powered by Pascal Siakam's 19-point double-double and Obi Toppin's 17 points off the bench. Andrew Nembhard also added 14 points and six assists with just two turnovers. Despite committing 24 turnovers overall and shooting only 71.4% from the free-throw line, the Pacers found ways to stay in the game.
Also Read:
Magic Johnson shared 6-word reaction after Indiana Pacers' stunning Game 1 victory over OKC Thunder in the Finals
The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's outstanding 38-point performance, were in control for nearly the entire contest. They held a seven-point lead early and were up 57-45 at the half. Even in the fourth, they looked in command — until Haliburton happened.
Now, the Thunder must regroup and adjust. The Pacers, meanwhile, have already proven they're not interested in playing the underdog.
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