The 2025 NBA Finals opened with high drama as the Indiana Pacers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road, clinching a narrow 111–110 victory in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series.

Despite a heroic 38-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder were unable to hold off a late fourth-quarter surge by Indiana. Oklahoma City entered the final period with a comfortable lead, but the Pacers outscored them 35–25 in the last 12 minutes to steal the win.

This marks Indiana’s first appearance in the NBA Finals since 2000, while Oklahoma City are back on the big stage for the first time since 2012.

The series continues with Game 2 scheduled for the night of June 8–9, once again in Oklahoma City.

NBA Playoffs – Finals: Game 1

Oklahoma City Thunder 110–111 Indiana Pacers
(29–20, 28–25, 28–31, 25–35)

Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (38 pts), Jalen Williams (17 pts, 6 ast), Luguentz Dort (15 pts), Cason Wallace (6 pts), Chet Holmgren (6 pts) – starters; Alex Caruso (11 pts), Isaiah Hartenstein (9 pts, 9 reb), Isaiah Joe (5 pts), Aaron Wiggins (3 pts), Davion Mitchell (0), Kenrich Williams (0).

Indiana Pacers: Pascal Siakam (19 pts, 11 reb), Myles Turner (15 pts, 9 reb, 6 TO), Tyrese Haliburton (14 pts, 10 reb, 6 ast), Andrew Nembhard (14 pts, 6 ast), Aaron Nesmith (10 pts, 12 reb, 5 TO) – starters; Obi Toppin (17 pts), T.J. McConnell (9 pts), Bennedict Mathurin (5 pts), Thomas Bryant (5 pts), Ben Sheppard (3 pts).