The Indiana Pacers are riding high after a dramatic Game 1 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Tyrese Haliburton's buzzer-beating jump shot sealed a stunning 111-110 comeback win, giving Indiana a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 2 is set for June 8th in Oklahoma City, and the Pacers are looking to capitalize on their momentum and steal another road win.

Haliburton, who finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds in Game 1, expressed his excitement after the win. "Basketball is fun, man, winning is fun," he said. "That's a great win for us." The Pacers' victory was a team effort, with Pascal Siakam leading the way with 19 points, Obi Toppin adding 17 off the bench, and Myles Turner contributing 15. Haliburton praised the contributions of his teammates, noting Toppin's impactful performance off the bench and Turner's strong play in the fourth quarter.

Indiana's journey to the Finals has been marked by resilience and clutch performances. The game-winning shot was reminiscent of Haliburton's shot against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, which forced overtime and ultimately propelled the Pacers to a series victory. Having won the first game in each series this postseason, the Pacers have proven their ability to perform under pressure. They've become accustomed to thriving in the underdog role, with strong performances on the road.

However, the Thunder are a formidable opponent, especially when responding to a loss. Throughout the regular season, Oklahoma City had an impressive 17-2 record after a defeat, winning those games by an average of 17.5 points. Coach Mark Daigneault emphasizes the importance of maintaining a neutral mindset, regardless of the previous game's outcome. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led all scorers in Game 1 with 38 points, echoed this sentiment, stating that he learns from each game and moves on.

The Pacers know that the Thunder will come out with increased aggression in Game 2. Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged this expectation, emphasizing the need for his team to match Oklahoma City's intensity. Indiana will need to address their turnover issues from Game 1 and continue to rely on their balanced scoring attack to secure another victory.

The Thunder, boasting the NBA's best regular-season record at 68-14, are determined to bounce back and even the series before heading to Indiana. The pressure is on Oklahoma City, as a 0-2 deficit would significantly diminish their chances of winning the title. Gilgeous-Alexander will need to build on his Game 1 performance, and the Thunder's supporting cast will need to step up to contain the Pacers' offensive threats.

With Game 2 on June 8th, both teams are making their final adjustments and preparing for what promises to be another intense battle. The Pacers aim to take a commanding lead in the series, while the Thunder are desperate to defend their home court and regain control.