Photo: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Game 2 of the NBA Finals is set for Sunday night (June 8) in Oklahoma City, with the Oklahoma City Thunder looking to even the series after the Indiana Pacers won Game 1.
Tyrese Haliburton's last-second shot secured a 111-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday (June 5), marking the Pacers' first-ever lead in an NBA Finals series.
Haliburton's game-winning shot came with just 0.3 seconds left, capping off a dramatic comeback from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter. This victory continues Indiana's trend of overcoming large deficits in the playoffs, as they have done multiple times this postseason. Haliburton, who has made four game-winning shots in the playoffs, said, "As a group, we never think the game is over, ever" according to ESPN.
The Thunder, led by NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 38 points, were unable to maintain their lead despite a strong defensive performance. Indiana's Andrew Nembhard played a crucial role in the victory, defending Gilgeous-Alexander effectively in the final moments. "If there's a guy that we want guarding the last possession, it's Drew," said Pacers guard T.J. McConnell as reported by The Athletic.
Despite committing 24 turnovers, the Pacers showed resilience and determination, with six players scoring in double figures. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 19 points, while Obi Toppin added 17 points off the bench.
The Thunder will aim to bounce back in Game 2 and even the series. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.