The Indiana Pacers have become synonymous with dramatic comebacks during this year's NBA Playoffs, adding another chapter to their story with a stunning Game 1 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Indiana trailed by as many as 15 points in the fourth quarter but rallied to win 111-110, securing their first lead of the game with just 0.3 seconds remaining thanks to a Tyrese Haliburton jump shot.

This remarkable win continues a trend for the Pacers, who have displayed resilience throughout the playoffs. In the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks, they pulled off a comeback in overtime in Game 5. During the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they won Game 2 after being down seven points with under a minute left. Then, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, they overcame a 14-point deficit against the New York Knicks with less than three minutes to play, marking the first time in the play-by-play era that a team has won a playoff game after trailing by that margin so late.

The Pacers' ability to mount these comebacks speaks volumes about their team's character and determination. With all five starters scoring in double figures in Game 1, they demonstrated a balanced offensive attack. Obi Toppin's contribution off the bench further highlighted their depth. This collective effort and refusal to give up have been key ingredients in their playoff success.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who finished the regular season with the league's best record at 68-14, find themselves in unfamiliar territory after dropping Game 1 at home. The Thunder, returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, entered the series as heavy favorites. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a frontrunner for MVP, had a strong performance with 38 points, but struggled with his shooting efficiency, going 14-for-30 from the field and 3-for-6 from the free throw line. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren also had inefficient shooting performances, combining to shoot just 8-for-28.

For Game 2, the Thunder will need to make adjustments to prevent another late-game collapse. As Alex Caruso mentioned in an earlier interview during the playoffs, after a loss, teams often "gut check, look [themselves] in the mirror, and find out who you are as a competitor," and then come out "ready to play". The Thunder will likely focus on improving their defensive intensity and limiting turnovers, which the Pacers capitalized on in Game 1. They will also need more consistent offensive contributions from players other than Gilgeous-Alexander.

Coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the Pacers' simple but effective offensive attack, emphasizing the need to take care of the ball and make shots. With the weight of expectation on their shoulders, the Thunder must respond with a renewed sense of urgency and execution in Game 2 to avoid falling into a 0-2 series deficit.