The Pacers did it again. They walked down a 15-point deficit in Game 1 of the NBA Finals to steal a win in Oklahoma City on a game-winning shot by who else, but Tyrese Haliburton. In a way, it was shocking, but at the same time, this has become familiar, and perhaps, should even be expected at this point.
We’ve seen Indiana do this to every other team they’ve faced, but seeing this happen against the vaunted Thunder, in OKC no less, is even crazier. But where have we seen this script play out before? Well, it was eerily reminiscent of Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals when Denver stole Game 1 in very similar fashion.
Finals Game 1 looked like Game 1 of Nuggets/Thunder
The only time the Thunder have looked vulnerable in these playoffs was when they faced the Nuggets in round two. That series began in almost the same exact way as Thursday night’s Finals game played out.
The Thunder led the Pacers from the opening tip and didn’t slow down. They were smothering Indiana with defense, causing almost 20 turnovers in the first half. They opened up a 15-point lead early in the fourth quarter, and it looked like that was a wrap.
But anyone who has watched this Pacers team realized that was exactly the position they wanted to be in. Indiana started walking them down, making shot after shot, securing stops, and eventually setting themselves up in a position to win the game.
And when they’ve been in that position, they’ve come through time and again. That was the case again on Thursday. They gave Haliburton an opportunity, and he took it, sinking the game-winning shot to give Indiana their first lead of the entire game with just 0.3 seconds remaining.
Nuggets stole Game 1 in OKC the same way
This is just how Denver managed to steal Game 1. They played from behind all game, and there was never really a moment where it felt like the Thunder weren’t going to win the game. But just as we saw on Thursday night, the OKC offense faltered and allowed their opponent to slowly erase the lead, setting themselves up for a loss just before the buzzer.
In that game, it was Aaron Gordon who hit the game-winning shot to stun the Thunder and their home crowd. Obviously, the Thunder rebounded and won that series in seven games, and they’re still favored to win the Finals, but this series is definitely being viewed in a new light after seeing them falter in yet another Game 1 at home.