Keep track of the Indiana Pacers’ attempt to upset the favored Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
The OKC Thunder (68-14), the top seed in the Western Conference, have the home court advantage over the No. 4 Eastern Conference seed Indiana Pacers (50-32) and are prohibitive favorites. Both teams have lost four post-season games so far.
3rd Quarter: Thunder, Pacers
1:24 — Indiana wants to get the deficit to dingle-digits heading into the final quarter, and Ben Mathurin was fouled on a drive into the key on Isaiah Hartenstein. OKC chose to challenge the foul call on the floor. OKC lost the challenge and lost its challenge for the game while Mathurin made the free throws (79-70, OKC)
3:00 — It feels like OKC is totally outplaying Indiana, but it is not. Indiana is not a slouch on defense, as OKC is shooting 41 percent (29-71) so far. OKC is not always smart with the ball off the Indiana turnovers. (77-66, OKC)
4:55 — In case you are wondering, the single game record for turnovers by one team is 34 in Game 1 of the 1977 NBA Finals, by the Portland Trailblazers, who are the youngest team to ever win the NBA title by the way. The “Walton Gang” after won four straight games after losing the first two to Dr. J and the Philadelphia 76ers. Ben Mathurin with the big block on Jalen Williams but the Pacers can’t turn the play into points. (75-64, OKC)
7:01 –– Aaron Nesmith hits a timely 3-pointer for the Pacers, as it is making timely threes just to stay in range. Pascal Siakam cleans up a blocked shot for Indiana but on the next offensive series the Pacers’ Myles Turner is called for a travel. (67-55, OKC)
2nd Quarter: Thunder 57, Pacers 45 (HALFTIME)
Analysis: Indiana Pacers have 19 turnovers, while OKC has four. OKC has 11 steals and the Pacers have zero. It’s eye-opening the visitors are down just 12 points. The Pacers are being sped up and can’t find a rhythm on offense. On defense they are contesting and keeping OKC from totally blowing it open. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has 19 points to lead all scorers, while T.J. McConnell leads the Pacers with nine points off the bench.
1:00 –– OKC really had a chance to build a sizable lead, but are a bit wild and undisciplined one offense right now, but with the tuners mounting up if feels like the Pacers are holding off. A couple of big 3-pointers keeping the Pacers in range. (54-45, OKC)
4:12 — All-defensive team member Luguentz Dort makes Indiana pay after its 15th turnover with a corner 3-pointer to give OKC come cushion. The 15-3 turnover advantage for OKC is the story so far. Indiana has zero steals so far. (47-37, OKC)
5:25 — OKC missing alot of chippie shots, but the way its defense is playing it feels like the home team is up big, but the Thunder are not. (41-37, OKC
7:50 — OKC’s defense is swarming to 50-50 balls and stripping post entry passes, but it’s not necessary showing up on the board. Pacers get a big 3-pointer from Tyrese Haliburton on the other end. (39-33, OKC)
10:03 — Alex Caruso made two free throws to get the lead back up to double-digits (35-25, OKC)
1st Quarter: Thunder 29, Pacers 20
Analysis: Nine turnovers in that quarter for the Pacers and three for OKC. Visitors have to settle down and take care of the ball. Fast teams never like to face…..fast teams.
1:04 — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hits a step back baseline mid-range shot after another terrific OKC defensive possession. Pacers have been sped up so far. (25-15, OKC)
2:43 — Obi Toppin just committed the Pacers’ sixth turnover. The Pacers are jumping to pass and don’t have alot of ope passing windows against OKC. Alex Caruso of OKC answers a Tyrese Haliburton 3-pointer. (19-13, OKC)
7:07 — Andrew Nembhard knocked down a wide-open 3-pointer to tie the game up at 10-10 after the Pacers trialed early. Pace right now is not great, as both teams are a bit tight.
9:40 — A 3-pointer by Jalen Williams gives the OKC Thunder a 7-0 lead. The crowd is already rocking for the home team.
Pre-Game — Second year guard Cason Wallace is starting for the OKC Thunder tonight. He started 43 games during the regular season.
