Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Shaq says Pacers ‘stole Game 1’ of NBA Finals, despite not playing well

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives
By Stephen M. Smith | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 1:06 PM ET

Indiana did not play well on Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, yet it found a way to beat Oklahoma City.

Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning shot with seconds remaining in regulation to silence Thunder fans inside the Paycom Center. The Pacers grabbed a 111-110 victory, taking early control of the series.

Indiana fought its way back in the second half after taking a 12-point deficit, 57-45, into the locker room at halftime. It clawed its way to outscoring OKC, 66-53, in the second half as Pascal Siakam led the way with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Aaron Neismith (10 points, 12 boards) and Haliburton (14 points, 10 rebounds) joined Siakam with double-doubles, while Obi Toppin had 17 points off the bench.

Indiana’s starting five scored in double figures and its defense held Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams of the Thunder in check.

Shaquille O’Neal kept it simple on the Pacers performance in his postgame thoughts.

“I did not expect this. I thought it should’ve been a blowout.” @SHAQ reacts to Indiana’s incredible comeback in Game 1 pic.twitter.com/CjIRbYuKhx

— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 6, 2025

“I did not expect this. I thought it should’ve been a blowout,” O’Neal said in his reaction to Indiana’s win.

“Indiana did not play well at all. They just kept fighting. Indiana, they definitely stole one. Nobody expected this. They did not play well. When you don’t have your best game, but you get a win … it raises your confidence.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a near 40-point (38) outing ruined, so he must bounce back.

The Pacers look to be better Sunday for Game 2, while Oklahoma City needs to regroup.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: