Pacers Start NBA Finals With a Statement
The Indiana Pacers flipped the script on just about everyone by snatching Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals from the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 111-100 win on the road. Plenty of fans and analysts expected the Thunder, who breezed through the Western Conference after knocking out the Minnesota Timberwolves, to set the pace early. But instead, it was Indiana—tagged by most as underdogs—who controlled the fourth quarter and left the packed Oklahoma City crowd in disbelief.
This Finals marks the Pacers’ return to the big stage for the first time since 2000, which feels like a lifetime ago. On the other side, Thunder fans have waited since 2012 for another Finals shot, back when Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden were all on the roster wearing Thunder blue. This time, it’s a whole new generation trying to write their names into history, and Game 1 was a wake-up call for everyone expecting a Thunder cakewalk.
Key Moments and the Road Ahead
The opener wasn’t all smooth sailing. The Thunder started fast, feeding off home energy. But Indiana’s poise down the stretch told the real story. Timely three-pointers and crucial defensive stops turned what had been a close contest into a two-possession game, with the Pacers expanding their lead in the final minutes. They kept pushing, never letting Oklahoma City claw back.
Key plays from Indiana’s stars, plus a surprisingly deep performance from the bench, made the difference. Oklahoma City’s big names tried to answer, but their shots just wouldn’t drop when it mattered most. The Thunder’s frustration boiled over in the last minutes, showing just how much the loss stung. Any hopes for a Finals sweep or easy series vanished the moment the final buzzer sounded.
The series uses the classic 2-2-1-1-1 format: Thunder will host Game 2 on June 8, before the action shifts to Indiana for Games 3 and 4. Tasked with regaining their composure, Oklahoma City faces some real pressure—they can’t afford another letdown at home. Meanwhile, the Pacers have a golden chance to seize control and put even more pressure on the Thunder.
Looking back at both teams' history, it’s clear how much this series means. Indiana’s last Finals appearance was anchored by Reggie Miller, and Oklahoma City’s only trip featured a now-dispersed superstar trio. The faces have changed, but the stakes might feel even bigger now. With NBA Finals basketball back in both cities, fans are already on edge, and every game could swing the series in a new direction.
The rollercoaster has only just begun, so don’t blink. Momentum matters in the Finals, and right now, the Pacers have plenty of it.