In the first half of Game 1, the Pacers were trying to adjust to — and were a little overwhelmed by — the speed, intensity, and physicality of the Oklahoma City defense, which is why Indiana turned it over 19 times. In the second half the Pacers looked more comfortable, found their rhythm, then came from 15 points down in the fourth quarter to do this:
HALIBURTON WINS GAME 1 FOR THE PACERS.
THEY TRAILED BY 15.
ANOTHER CRAZY INDIANA COMEBACK https://t.co/heI0ELIivWpic.twitter.com/1Qr6XlDbA7
— NBA (@NBA) June 6, 2025
Around the NBA and the sports world, people were stunned. Except in Indiana, where it was a celebration, starting with Caitlin Clark.
YOU CANT MAKE IT UP
— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) June 6, 2025
Gainbridge Fieldhouse WENT CRAZY for Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winner pic.twitter.com/CvQs3V3kJ9
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 6, 2025
Here is just a sampling of the reaction to that shot.
Wow
— Tyrese Maxey (@TyreseMaxey) June 6, 2025
Big time shot
— PJ Washington (@PJWashington) June 6, 2025
Wow wow wow
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) June 6, 2025
……oh my goodness
— Immanuel Jaylen Quickley (@IQ_GodSon) June 6, 2025
WOW
— Georges Niang (@GeorgesNiang20) June 6, 2025
haliburton is on the craziest run I’ve ever seen omg
— Arike Ogunbowale (@Arike_O) June 6, 2025
It wasn’t just the basketball world reacting.
I don’t think anyone plays better than the pacers in the 4th qt!
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) June 6, 2025
Helly!?!?
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) June 6, 2025
For his part, Haliburton credited his new signature shoes.
It’s gotta be the shoooeeesss
— Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) June 6, 2025
