The Oklahoma City Thunder were at home on Thursday night as they hosted the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Oklahoma City got off to a hot start in the game as they led by nine points at the end of the first quarter and then increased their lead to 12 points at halftime.
Indiana was able to keep it close throughout the second half despite losing the turnover battle by a wide margin and they were able to complete yet another comeback in the fourth quarter thanks to a game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds remaining by Tyrese Haliburton.
HALI DOES IT AGAIN
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 6, 2025
O.M.G. pic.twitter.com/DOhawajLCy
This was another stunning victory for the Pacers as they were able to steal Game 1 on the road and take command of the series.
Despite the loss for the Thunder, they still saw multiple of their stars put together an incredible performance with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way with 38 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Lu Dort also had an incredible game as he recorded 15 points, all of which came from three-pointers, to go along with four rebounds, four steals and two blocks.
With his performance in Game 1, Dort also made NBA Finals history as he joined Kawhi Leonard as the only players in NBA Finals history to record four or more steals and make five or more three-pointers in a Finals game.
The only players with:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 6, 2025
— 4+ STL
— 5+ 3P
in a Finals game. pic.twitter.com/DsAkWlEuB0
This is an incredible feat by Dort but one that will be forgotten due to the fact that the Thunder were unable to hold onto the lead on their home court.
Despite this, Dort’s performance is one that should make the Thunder and their fans excited for the rest of the series as he continues to excel on the offensive end while also being the team’s best defender.
Dort and Oklahoma City will now look to bounce back and even the series on Sunday night at home in Game 2.
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