Haliburton (14 points, 10 rebounds) and the Pacers overcame Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ‘s game-high 38 points and multiple double-digit leads throughout. The Thunder entered the fourth quarter with a 9-point lead and ended the game efficiently in many areas, including free-throws (21-of-24) and turnovers (6).

The Indiana Pacers are in the NBA Finals, and they'll have a tough series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. But Rick Carlisle represents their confidence in the series.

The Pacers will begin the NBA Finals as heavy underdogs against the league-best Thunder -- but they wouldn't have it any other way.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) looks to pass as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) and center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) defend during the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. Credit: AP/Nate Billings

The Indiana Pacers looked dead in the water for most of Game 1 in the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday night. In fact, the Pacers didn't lead until 0.3 seconds were left in the game,