OKLAHOMA CITY — How many clutch moments can one player create? Tyrese Haliburton seems determined to find out as he led the Indiana Pacers to a breathtaking 111-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Haliburton, now dubbed the "playoff game-winner king," delivered yet again with a jumper that swished through the net with just 0.3 seconds on the clock. This latest feat marks his third game-winner of this exhilarating postseason, further solidifying his reputation in these high-stakes moments.

The debut of the NBA Finals has proven to be Haliburton’s biggest stage yet, and he definitely did not shy away from the spotlight. He previously clinched victories against the Bucks and Cavaliers, adding more layers to his growing legend.

The Pacers, a team known for their epic comebacks, demonstrated their resolve once more by overcoming a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter. They entered the final moments trailing by five, but their resilient spirit shone through as Haliburton orchestrated the final play.

Teammates supported Haliburton in critical moments: Andrew Nembhard hit a crucial three-pointer, while Pascal Siakam, named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, sliced through the lane to bring the Pacers within striking distance.

Haliburton's game-winner tied the record for the largest fourth-quarter comeback in an NBA Finals, matching a 15-point comeback set back in 1971. Game 2 is set for Sunday at 8 p.m. at the Paycom Center.

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led his team with 38 points, was consistently on target, while Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort chipped in with solid performances. Oklahoma City, boasting a remarkable 68 wins this season and headlines as the second-youngest team in finals history, now faces a pressing challenge.

Despite a tough first half marred by 19 turnovers (the most in a finals since 1990), the Pacers regrouped in the second half. Haliburton finished with a modest 14 points and 10 assists, but his final shot stole the show.

Conversely, the Thunder’s defensive prowess—ranked top in the league—was unable to stem the tide as Indiana’s pace picked up. The Thunder’s attempt to shake things up by starting Cason Wallace instead of traditional center Isaiah Hartenstein backfired, as the Pacers found their rhythm.

As the dust settles on this nail-biter, the Pacers emerge as the "comeback kings," striking first in these Finals and swinging the narrative of the series. Will they continue this magical run? Only time will tell.

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