Pacers Deliver Shocker in Game 1 of NBA Finals
Nobody saw this coming — not the oddsmakers, not most fans, and probably not even some of the Pacers’ own supporters. The Indiana Pacers barged onto the NBA’s biggest stage and stole Game 1 of the 2025 Finals in Oklahoma City, erasing a daunting 15-point deficit to edge the Thunder 111-110. Pascal Siakam turned into a one-man wrecking crew down the stretch, dropping 19 points and seizing 10 rebounds, including several clutch plays during the Pacers’ late surge. The Thunder walked into the opener as clear favorites, but Indiana’s refusal to fold turned the series upside down before it really got started.
The atmosphere at Paycom Center shifted from confident to shocked in the final minutes. Stifling defense from Andrew Nembhard and some ice-cold free throws by Tyrese Haliburton gave the Pacers a sudden edge. It was the kind of grit the team has shown all postseason — and once again, it paid off with a win no one predicted.
Thunder Face Must-Win Mentality, but Analysts See A Bounce-Back
The Game 2 betting line reacted fast: the Thunder are now installed as an even bigger favorite at -11. That’s a bold wager, but it speaks to the confidence that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren will rebound hard. Last game, Gilgeous-Alexander had moments but faded late, while Williams struggled to find rhythm when it mattered. Both are expected to come out swinging, with the added pressure of avoiding an unprecedented 0-2 home hole in Finals history.
Expert predictions are leaning heavily toward Oklahoma City to not just win — but win convincingly. Some analysts are throwing out margins as high as 15 or even 20 points. The ESPN matchup predictor tech supports the sentiment, pegging the Thunder with a 60.7% shot at evening the series. The reasoning is simple: needing a bounce-back, with home-court roaring, the Thunder have to play sharper defense, attack the rim harder, and get better shooting from their supporting cast, especially off the bench.
Indiana, meanwhile, has found success thriving as an underdog. Despite that, the bulk of predictions for Game 2 are less about whether Indiana can keep it close and more about NBA Finals experience finally shining through for Oklahoma City. History hasn’t been kind to teams squandering a 2-0 lead at home, which only amplifies the stakes and intensity expected in Game 2.
While everyone seems to have their eye on Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams to set the tone early, the Pacers’ confidence shouldn’t be overlooked. Over this postseason, they’ve been counted out repeatedly — and proved the doubters wrong. Now, with all eyes on Oklahoma, the basketball world waits to see if the Thunder can deliver, or if the Pacers are scripting another surprise.