2025 NBA Finals: Biggest takeaways from Thunder-Pacers Game 5

Jun 19, 2025, 11:27 PM ETThree minutes into Recreation 6 of the NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle strode onto the courtroom and referred to as a timeout. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder ahead Jalen Williams had simply slammed the ball via the web, and the Pacers had been down 8-2.For a quick second, it appeared just like the beginnings of OKC’s coronation as NBA champions, even within the hostile surroundings of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers, for his or her half, had missed their opening six pictures, a streak that will finally develop to eight.However Pascal Siakam hit a free throw line jumper after which a circus and-1 layup. Andrew Nembhard buried back-to-back 3-pointers. Indiana erased an eight-point Thunder lead and stormed in entrance themselves. And as an alternative of a back-and-forth contest, the Pacers’ early surge was a precursor of the onslaught to return.Relatively than this night time being about Oklahoma Metropolis lastly celebrating its championship after years of shut calls and a dominant common season and playoffs, it as an alternative turned a celebration of how this Pacers workforce, but once more, defied expectations on this postseason.The Pacers did it in the identical trend they’ve so many occasions in these playoffs: with a collective effort. Tyrese Haliburton, taking part in with a calf pressure, was certainly one of six gamers to complete in double-figures after lacking all six pictures he took in Recreation 5 in Oklahoma Metropolis. Indiana had seven totally different gamers make a minimum of one 3-pointer, and have become the primary workforce in NBA historical past to have a minimum of eight totally different gamers rating a minimum of 200 factors in a single postseason — displaying off the balanced assault that is repeatedly made them such a troublesome opponent to place away.Oklahoma Metropolis, in the meantime, could not have appeared worse in its first-ever Finals closeout recreation. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a postseason career-high eight turnovers. Solely three gamers (Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein) reached double-figures. The Pacers obliterated the Thunder within the possession recreation, ending with 18 extra pictures.In consequence, this collection is headed again to OKC for the primary NBA Finals Recreation 7 since 2016 — one of many biggest video games ever performed: Cleveland Cavaliers towards the Golden State Warriors inside Oakland’s Oracle Enviornment.That recreation cemented the legacy of LeBron James, bringing Cleveland its first championship and finishing a comeback from down 3-1 towards the 73-win Warriors. Solely time will inform what Sunday’s 48 minutes will carry, however by the point they’re over, both Oklahoma Metropolis or Indiana can be hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the primary time. — Tim BontempsJump to a recreation:Recreation 1 | Recreation 2 | Recreation 3Game 4 | Recreation 5 | Recreation 6
Extra protection:Schedules and outcomes | Offseason guidesplay2:32Pacers trounce Thunder to arrange Recreation 7The Pacers have a discipline day with the Thunder in Recreation 6, profitable 108-91 to pressure an NBA Finals decider Sunday.Haliburton, McConnell step up with collection on the lineWith their season on the road, the Pacers performed a near-perfect recreation in each facet. They dominated the turnover battle, managed the tempo, turned the Thunder offense iso-heavy, and received the battle on the 3-point line. Indiana even received a robust efficiency from Haliburton, who was taking part in via a proper calf pressure. Haliburton put up 14 factors, 5 assists and two steals, and TJ McConnell sparked the workforce once more with 12 factors, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Rely the Pacers out of a Recreation 7 at your individual threat: This recreation marked Indiana’s tenth win as an underdog this postseason, tied for probably the most in a single postseason within the final 35 years. — Jamal CollierTurnovers outline robust night time for ThunderWhat did not go improper for the Thunder? With an opportunity to clinch a championship, Oklahoma Metropolis was totally dominated in just about each facet of the sport. The Thunder had been already preparing for Recreation 7 by the beginning of the fourth quarter, when all of Oklahoma Metropolis’s starters had been sitting. Perhaps probably the most stunning side of this blowout was the turnover battle. The Pacers had a 12-2 edge at halftime towards an OKC squad that entered Recreation 6 plus-126 in that class within the playoffs, by far one of the best turnover margin for a workforce throughout a postseason because the ABA-NBA merger. — Tim MacMahonWhat to observe for Recreation 7It’s a cliché as a result of it is true: The 2 most enjoyable phrases in sports activities are “Recreation 7.” That goes double within the NBA Finals, which have had simply three Recreation 7s within the final 20 years — all on the spot classics filled with rigidity and drama. The Cavaliers upset the Warriors in 2016, the Miami Warmth beat the San Antonio Spurs in 2013 and the Los Angeles Lakers outlasted the Boston Celtics in 2010.Indiana hopes that the latest of these video games will repeat, with a Central Division underdog clinching the title towards a traditionally nice Western Convention workforce on the street. Oklahoma Metropolis, in the meantime, will purpose to proceed replaying its second-round collection towards Denver. That collection and the Finals have been in lockstep thus far for the Thunder: a heartbreaking last-second loss in Recreation 1, a cushty win in Recreation 2, one other blown fourth-quarter lead in Recreation 3, gut-check wins in Video games 4 and 5, then a double-digit loss in Recreation 6. Oklahoma Metropolis beat Denver by 32 factors in Recreation 7.That final win is symptomatic of one other development that might decide Recreation 7 of the Finals — particularly after Oklahoma Metropolis scored its fewest factors in any recreation this season in Indiana in Recreation 6. The Thunder have been significantly better at residence within the playoffs, with a 10-2 report — which might be 12-0 if not for these last-second stunners — and plus-20.6 level differential on the Paycom Heart. On the street, conversely, they’re now 5-5 with a minus-6.7 level differential. The Thunder have additionally made 37.5% of their 3s at residence within the postseason, versus a depressing 29.9% on the street.For comparability, the Pacers have a extra even playoff break up, however have nonetheless been higher at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with an 8-3 report and plus-5.9 level differential at residence, versus a 7-4 report and minus-0.5 level differential on the street.These indicators recommend the Thunder must be favored to win Recreation 7 at residence. However something can occur in a single basketball recreation, and the stakes can be as excessive as attainable on Sunday. To cap off a enjoyable back-and-forth collection, we’re due for an additional traditional. — Zach Kramplay0:23Jalen Williams drops in robust shot to eclipse 40 pointsJalen Williams crosses the 40-point threshold with this lovely pull-up jumper.It was nearly a nasty case of deja vu for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.Simply 11 days in the past, the Thunder dominated nearly all of Recreation 1 of the NBA Finals inside Paycom Heart, solely to present it away within the closing moments due to a game-winning elbow jumper by the Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton.With the prospect to maneuver to inside a single win of the workforce’s first NBA championship, the identical formulation gave the impression to be taking part in out in Recreation 5 on Monday night time. The Thunder led by as many as 18 factors however held only a 95-93 edge after Pascal Siakam, taking part in his newest terrific recreation in these playoffs for the Pacers, buried a 3-pointer with 8:30 remaining in regulation.However moderately than letting the sport slip away, Oklahoma Metropolis — because it did within the fourth quarter of Recreation 4 — buckled down and delivered its newest knockout blow of those playoffs. With a collection of frenetic defensive performs which have come to outline this workforce, plus some exceptional shotmaking from Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, what might have been a second devastating loss on their residence ground on this collection as an alternative turned a 120-109 win over the Pacers and a 3-2 collection lead.The deciding moments of OKC’s win had been performed within the model that has led to the Thunder crafting one of many nice seasons in NBA historical past. They pressured one turnover after one other, flying round and turning the Pacers’ offense right into a confused mess. And, on the different finish, their two main scorers — Gilgeous-Alexander (31 factors) and Williams (40) — made each huge shot required down the stretch.That was in stark distinction to what was taking place on the different finish. Haliburton, coping with proper calf tightness, missed all six discipline objectives he took — and solely tried one within the second half. The Pacers wound up with 22 turnovers on the night time for 32 Oklahoma Metropolis factors, and the Thunder even outshot the Pacers from 3-point vary, making 14 to Indiana’s 11.Over the three video games performed in Oklahoma Metropolis, the Thunder have led for 141 of the 144 whole minutes. It has been the type of management that had been extensively anticipated from the closely favored Thunder when the collection started. Issues have appeared far totally different within the video games in Indianapolis, the place the collection will shift for Thursday’s Recreation 6. And whereas Haliburton’s well being will loom giant, if Oklahoma Metropolis can come anyplace near replicating its Recreation 5 efficiency, the workforce’s first Larry O’Brien Trophy might lastly be in hand. — Tim BontempsDynamic duo: Williams and SGA lead Thunder offenseThis is likely to be remembered because the night time that Williams solidified himself as a celebrity.Williams has elevated into that kind of territory, incomes third-team All-NBA and second-team All-Protection recognition in solely his third season. But the doubts concerning the Thunder typically targeted on whether or not Williams could possibly be the No. 2 scorer {that a} championship workforce wants.Anybody nonetheless questioning if that is the case? Williams poured in a career-playoff-high 40 factors in Recreation 5 — none extra essential than the 3-pointer he drilled from the correct wing with 8:06 remaining after the Pacers pulled to inside two factors. He was 14 of 25 from the ground, 3 of 5 from 3-point vary and had 6 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal in a spectacular all-around outing.It was the third straight recreation through which Williams, 24, had a minimum of 25 factors and 5 rebounds. The final participant beneath 25 with that type of a streak within the Finals: Shaquille O’Neal in 1995, in response to ESPN Analysis.Gilgeous-Alexander (31 factors, 10 assists, 4 blocks, 2 steals) had one other MVP-caliber efficiency. However his sidekick shone even brighter to assist put the Thunder on the point of a title. — Tim MacMahonHaliburton’s struggles stifle Pacers productionThe Pacers didn’t get a lot manufacturing out of Haliburton, who went again to the locker room within the first quarter and performed via a sore proper calf. If they’re going to come again within the collection to win the championship, they will want far more from their finest participant. Haliburton re-aggravated the identical leg that bothered him after Recreation 2 when he limped away from his postgame information convention with ankle soreness.Haliburton returned within the second quarter, carrying a wrap round his leg, and performed the remainder of the sport, however his manufacturing was restricted. He went scoreless within the first half for the primary time in his playoff profession and completed with 4 factors — matching his playoff profession low (Recreation 3 towards the Cleveland Cavaliers) on 0-for-6 capturing. He additionally had six assists and 7 rebounds, but it surely was the primary time in his playoff profession he was held and not using a discipline objective. — Jamal Collierplay1:44SGA after Recreation 4 win: ‘We performed with desperation’Shai Gilgeous-Alexander breaks down how the Thunder had been capable of take Recreation 4 from the Pacers and even up the NBA Finals.The No. 1-seeded Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder have nearly gone down 3-1 twice in these playoffs.The primary time was Recreation 4 of the Western Convention semifinals, when the Thunder trailed by eight factors on the street in Denver. Oklahoma Metropolis finally rallied to tie the collection, however wanted seven video games to outduel Nikola Jokic & Co.On Friday night time, the Thunder discovered themselves in practically the identical scenario: down seven factors to the Indiana Pacers in Recreation 4 of the NBA Finals. As soon as once more, OKC survived. However looking back, it is exhausting to determine precisely how.Oklahoma Metropolis, 3-for-17 from 3-point vary, was outscored by 24 factors from deep. The Thunder completed with extra turnovers (13) than assists (10). MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a relative nonfactor for many of the recreation. Coach Mark Daigneault’s return to the two-big lineup did not work.However then the Thunder summoned a exceptional run with their season on the road.OKC shot 9-for-15 from the sector within the fourth quarter, outscored the Pacers 31-17, dedicated a single turnover and had 4 offensive rebounds within the last 12 minutes alone. Gilgeous-Alexander, whereas failing to register a single help within the recreation, hit the 2 greatest pictures of his life on back-to-back possessions, banging a 3-pointer from the wing and a baseline jumper to place Oklahoma Metropolis in entrance for what turned out to be the rest of the sport with 2:23 to go.For a uncommon time in these playoffs, the Pacers — the workforce whose identification is making late-game expenses and carrying down opponents — did neither, eerily paying homage to Recreation 3 of the Japanese Convention finals towards the New York Knicks, when Indiana allowed Karl-Anthony Cities to match its 20 fourth-quarter factors by himself, and New York got here again to win the sport.The distinction, nonetheless, was that the Pacers had been up 2-0 in that collection and received an opportunity to go up 3-1 in Recreation 4 at residence — which they did.This time, with a win Friday the Pacers could be heading to Oklahoma Metropolis for Recreation 5 with an opportunity to carry the Larry O’Brien Trophy to Indiana for the primary time. As an alternative, a golden alternative slipped via their grasp. And if Oklahoma Metropolis goes on to win the NBA title, a complete of 24 minutes — these 12 in Denver, and these 12 Friday night time — would be the causes. — Tim BontempsSGA with a press release: He is the MVP on this seriesNothing got here simply for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder in Indiana. However they managed to tug Recreation 4 out of the mud, night the collection and regaining home-court benefit.For a lot of the night time, it was a chore for Gilgeous-Alexander simply to get the ball, a lot much less make one thing occur as soon as he had it. Oklahoma Metropolis had been outscored by 16 factors throughout Gilgeous-Alexander’s 29 minutes via three quarters. The Thunder trailed by seven coming into the fourth, a daunting scenario towards an Indiana workforce that was 9-1 in clutch video games this postseason.However the MVP delivered when the Thunder wanted it most, identical to he did in Recreation 4 in Denver, when Oklahoma Metropolis evened that second-round collection earlier than profitable in seven.Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of his 35 factors within the fourth quarter. That included 11 within the last 2:58, none extra essential than his off-dribble baseline step-back jumper to present Oklahoma Metropolis the lead for good with 2:23 left. It was the kind of robust, gritty efficiency that makes champions — and legacies. — Tim MacMahonCounting on repeated clutch magic is just not sustainable — particularly towards OKC​​With 3:20 left within the fourth quarter, the Pacers went up 103-99 on a Tyrese Haliburton layup — and a workforce that has been so good within the clutch all postseason appeared primed to grab management of this collection.However the Thunder’s traditionally stingy protection turned up after they wanted it most, and it saved their season. The Pacers scored a single level the remainder of the sport. The Thunder contested 83% of pictures within the fourth quarter, in response to ESPN Analysis, and the Pacers had been outscored within the interval 31-17.It spoiled what had been a superb defensive recreation for Indiana, which turned Oklahoma Metropolis into an iso-heavy offense for many of the approach. The Pacers restricted the Thunder to 3-for-17 capturing from 3 and made life extraordinarily tough for the league’s MVP, who was held with out an help.Requested postgame how the workforce fought again, Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned merely, “It begins with stops.” — Jamal Collierplay1:09Mathurin tells SVP how he prepares from the benchBennedict Mathurin joins Scott Van Pelt to elucidate how he mentally prepares from the bench after he put up 27 factors within the Pacers’ Recreation 3 win over OKC.At halftime of Recreation 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night time, a longtime NBA scout texted one sentence:”That is the primary recreation that is felt like a Finals recreation.”Sure, the collection arrived within the Hoosier State tied at a recreation apiece due to Indiana Pacers level guard Tyrese Haliburton’s good second on the finish of Recreation 1. However the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder had led for 94 of the primary 96 minutes of the collection and appeared each bit the heavy favourite they had been billed as when the collection started.Then Recreation 3 occurred. And, after a sensational efficiency by the Pacers in entrance of their residence followers, the consequence was a really deserved 116-107 victory — and, with it, a 2-1 lead.In consequence, for the primary time, this NBA Finals actually appears like a collection.The Pacers took it to the Thunder in some ways. They received a sensational efficiency from Haliburton, who, after a pair of middling stat strains in Oklahoma Metropolis, put collectively a 22-point, 9-rebound, 11-assist masterpiece that noticed all of his aptitude and showmanship return at the absolute best time.The Pacers, as they’ve all through this playoff run, received sensational play from their bench. Bennedict Mathurin had 27 factors — outscoring the Thunder’s second unit by himself — whereas T.J. McConnell had 10 factors, 5 rebounds and 5 steals, together with a pair of buckets in fast succession early within the fourth quarter, sandwiched round stealing a momentum-shifting inbounds cross.The Pacers received this recreation with out going wild from the 3-point line, which the traditional knowledge assumed they would want to do to win video games on this collection, and like they did in Recreation 1. The Thunder outshot them (10 makes to 9) from deep in Recreation 3.This simply turned the newest instance of Indiana imposing its will on its opponents. The Pacers had already gone via Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks, a 64-win Cleveland Cavaliers workforce and a robust New York Knicks squad, with comebacks highlighting every of these collection.However what these collection have additionally proven repeatedly is that when Indiana will get its opponents in a blender, groups have hassle maintaining. The Thunder, usually one of the best workforce at caring for the ball, gave it away 19 occasions in Recreation 3, together with six turnovers by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Pacers swarmed Thunder huge man Chet Holmgren late, repeatedly inflicting him to drive blindly into the protection and making a collection of ugly Thunder possessions.And, for the newest time in these playoffs, it was a livid end from the Pacers — a 32-18 run within the fourth — that led to an Indiana win, bringing the franchise inside two victories of its first NBA championship forward of Friday’s Recreation 4. — Tim BontempsPacers’ bench delivers huge time on offenseThe Pacers wanted extra juice on offense heading into Recreation 3, and so they discovered it in an surprising place: a 47-point outburst from their bench unit led by Mathurin and McConnell.Indiana received enhancements from its stars, particularly Haliburton, who completed with 22 factors and 10 assists, however the mixed power from the bench unit fully flipped the sport throughout a 40-point second quarter, giving Indiana its first halftime lead of the collection.Even when the Thunder made a run to retake the lead within the third, it was the Pacers’ bench that continued to be a spark. Mathurin scored a team-high 25 factors, probably the most off the bench in a Finals recreation since Jason Terry in 2011, whereas McConnell put up 10 factors, 5 assists and 5 steals. — Jamal CollierHolmgren struggles to seek out offensive flowHolmgren dominated the primary quarter, scoring 13 factors on 4-of-5 capturing and snaring 4 rebounds. Nonetheless, it was a flash and never one thing the 7-footer might maintain.Holmgren scored solely seven factors on 2-of-10 capturing the remainder of the sport. On a late possession when Oklahoma Metropolis desperately wanted a basket, Holmgren had a 3-pointer from the left wing stuffed by Pacers huge man Myles Turner and was then denied once more by Turner on a driving layup.Holmgren was 1-of-5 within the fourth quarter, when the Thunder’s offense stalled, scoring solely 18 factors. Then once more, MVP Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t any higher within the last body, producing solely three shot makes an attempt and hitting one.Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has largely stayed away from the two-big lineup Oklahoma Metropolis began in each recreation throughout its run via the Western Convention. The hope was that Holmgren, an enormous man with some guard expertise, would have the benefit when defended by a middle. That has hardly ever been the case thus far within the Finals. — Tim MacMahonplay1:58SGA shines with 34 factors in Recreation 2 winShai Gilgeous-Alexander places in 34 factors because the Thunder bounce again and take Recreation 2.Coming into Recreation 2 of the NBA Finals, the apparent query was how this younger Oklahoma Metropolis workforce would reply to its fourth-quarter collapse in Recreation 1. Would the Thunder reply with a blowout as they did following Recreation 1 towards the Denver Nuggets? Or would they presumably observe the Cleveland Cavaliers’ and New York Knicks’ instance, and permit the Indiana Pacers to steal one more 2-0 lead on the street?The ultimate scoreboard learn 123-107, however in actuality, Sunday night time’s Recreation 2 was determined far sooner. This was exactly the response you’d anticipate from a workforce that has now spent the previous eight months establishing itself as a doubtlessly all-time nice squad.The league’s Most Helpful Participant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, appeared prefer it in Recreation 2, bouncing again from a starring position in that Recreation 1 collapse with a stellar all-around efficiency. Chet Holmgren, who struggled within the collection opener, instantly set the tone within the first quarter of Recreation 2, scoring 9 fast factors and making a number of influence performs defensively.Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, who caught some predictable (if additionally misguided) criticism for altering his beginning lineup in Recreation 1, caught with it in Recreation 2 whereas additionally making some delicate — however efficient — modifications, together with taking part in each huge males, Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, on the courtroom collectively and going away from the minutes for rookie guard Ajay Mitchell.The Thunder as soon as once more throttled the high-octane Pacers offense, stopping any Indiana participant from scoring 20 factors for a second consecutive recreation. This was a commanding efficiency — one which must be anticipated from a workforce that received 68 video games and outscored its opponents by 12.7 factors per 100 possessions within the common season.However the Pacers have spent your entire postseason proving they can’t be counted out. Oklahoma Metropolis can have chilly stretches capturing the ball, because it did within the second half of Recreation 1, and Indiana will definitely be boosted by internet hosting its first Finals video games in 1 / 4 century later this week.However on Sunday night time, the Thunder confirmed why they entered the Finals as decisive favorites. And, on this collection’ greatest second but, this younger group had an especially mature response. — BontempsMVP SGA delivers for the Thunder’s offenseAfter Haliburton and the Pacers stole Recreation 1, Oklahoma Metropolis wanted its MVP to reply. Gilgeous-Alexander delivered with the form of calm, managed dominance that has come to be anticipated of him.Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 factors within the collection opener, however he wanted 30 pictures to do it. His 34 factors in Recreation 2 got here along with his routinely glorious effectivity: 11-of-21 from the ground and 11-of-12 from the road.It was additionally a terrific passing efficiency by the celebrity. Gilgeous-Alexander had eight assists and loads of different good passes out of double-teams that began lovely sequences of ball motion which resulted in open appears for teammates.It is exhausting to beat the Thunder when Gilgeous-Alexander performs at this degree. — MacMahonPacers want Haliburton to seek out his rhythmThe credit score goes to the Thunder’s protection as a result of Indiana’s offense struggled to discover a rhythm for many of the recreation. The Pacers scored simply 41 factors within the first half and shot 35% from the sector — certainly one of their worst offensive performances of the postseason — placing them in a deep deficit they could not climb out of this time. It is no coincidence the Pacers had been restricted on offense on a quiet night time from Haliburton, who scored 17 factors with six assists after hitting just a few baskets within the fourth quarter. He additionally dedicated 5 turnovers, his most in any recreation this season (common or postseason).Haliburton hit the clutch shot on the finish of Recreation 1, however the Thunder have achieved a great job of limiting his manufacturing within the collection whereas holding him to 31 factors mixed in two video games. Because the collection shifts to Indiana, the Pacers might want to discover extra methods to maintain Haliburton concerned of their offense, which is essential to that unit performing at its highest potential. — Collierplay2:05Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder: Recreation HighlightsIndiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder: Recreation HighlightsFor the primary 47 minutes, 40 seconds of Recreation 1 of the NBA Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander totally outplayed Tyrese Haliburton in a matchup of star level guards.However as Pacers coach Rick Carlisle mentioned after Indiana’s exceptional comeback to beat the New York Knicks in Recreation 1 of the Japanese Convention finals: It is a 48-minute recreation. And, in these last 20 seconds Thursday night time, Haliburton and the Pacers modified the narrative … once more.First, it was Gilgeous-Alexander — who had 38 factors however was 14-for-30 capturing — lacking a clear midrange jumper, his specialty, that will’ve given the Thunder a three-point lead with 10 seconds left. After which, it was Haliburton once more taking part in the position of street spoiler, hitting a circus shot which may not have been fairly as spectacular as his high-bouncing miracle at Madison Sq. Backyard on Might 21. However, in contrast to that shot, this shot received the sport for the Pacers in regulation.• Finals takeaways: Breaking down each recreation• Kram: Seven performs defining collection• Youngmisuk: Trend of the NBA Finals• Shelburne: Clark/Haliburton friendship• Collier & MacMahon: Carlisle’s evolution• Paine: 5 greatest Finals outliers
In consequence, Indiana — which by no means led till Haliburton’s shot from simply contained in the 3-point arc dropped via with 0.3 seconds left — by some means left the Paycom Heart with a 111-110 victory over the closely favored Thunder, and injected an enormous quantity of life into this collection.For a lot of Recreation 1, the Thunder had been dictating the phrases of engagement. They pressured Indiana — sometimes nice at caring for the ball — right into a workforce that was flinging the ball in all places for twenty-four turnovers, in comparison with solely six for Oklahoma Metropolis.The Thunder took 16 extra pictures than the Pacers, however the Pacers hit 18 3-pointers — together with 6-for-10 within the fourth quarter — and the Thunder, as they’re liable to do, missed a complete bunch of them (11-for-30). That allowed Indiana — a workforce that has pulled off one exceptional comeback after one other in these playoffs — to seek out itself in prime place once more.And, as he has so many occasions in these playoffs, Haliburton delivered.There are nonetheless loads of causes to suppose Oklahoma Metropolis is the deserved favourite on this collection. However the second half of Thursday’s recreation revealed a blueprint: The Pacers took much better care of the ball, and their high-octane offense took off. Oklahoma Metropolis, in the meantime, received right into a rut offensively, and Gilgeous-Alexander had a few crucial misses within the closing moments.Due to it, as they did in each the Japanese Convention semifinals towards the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Japanese Convention finals in New York, the Pacers have claimed a Recreation 1 street victory.And, in consequence, we’ve ourselves a collection. — BontempsThe Thunder want 48 minutes of their NBA-best protection, not 24The first half displayed the Thunder’s defensive fury at its best, forcing 19 turnovers whereas holding the Pacers to 45 factors. However it did not maintain up within the second half.Perhaps it simply took the Pacers a few quarters to regulate to the Thunder’s defensive stress, however Indiana appeared snug after halftime, placing up 66 factors within the second half — 35 within the fourth quarter, punctuated by Haliburton’s profitable shot — to tug off the upset.Indiana additionally had solely 5 turnovers within the second half, taking part in their model of fast-paced, under-control offense. — MacMahonA new information to a different ridiculous Pacers comeback: reduce the turnoversIf this postseason has taught us something, it is that the Pacers can by no means be counted out. After trailing by 15 factors within the fourth quarter, Indiana stormed again to take Recreation 1 on one more profitable shot by Haliburton with 0.3 seconds remaining, the Pacers’ solely lead.It has turn into a collection staple for the Pacers throughout this postseason run: a fourth-quarter Recreation 1 comeback that has demoralized every of their earlier three opponents.Indiana’s comeback this time was fueled by its common suspects, some clutch 3-point pictures from Myles Turner, Obi Toppin and Aaron Nesmith, and taking higher care of the ball after record-setting 19 turnovers within the first half.After which, after all, Haliburton hit one other huge shot to seal the deal. — Collier