The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder made historical past in Recreation 1 of the NBA Finals, however not the sort that they had hoped to have fun on the last buzzer.
With a ferocious begin, the Thunder racked up 12 steals within the first half alone, probably the most ever by any staff in a single half of the NBA Finals within the play-by-play period. Their defensive stress was relentless. They swarmed passing lanes, collapsed on drives, and hounded the Indiana Pacers into 19 first-half turnovers. The Pacers might barely maintain on to the ball, and it seemed like Oklahoma Metropolis was on its technique to a dominant win.
However regardless of forcing 19 turnovers in simply two quarters, the Thunder solely turned these alternatives into 9 factors. That missed alternative saved Indiana inside placing distance, and the door they left cracked open was all of the Pacers wanted to storm again.
Oklahoma Metropolis nonetheless led 57-45 at halftime and maintained management for many of the recreation. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried the offense with 38 factors, slicing by Indiana’s protection and protecting his staff forward. Jalen Williams added 17 factors and 6 assists, displaying poise in his first Finals look.
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However because the fourth quarter ticked down, the Thunder’s offense went quiet. Over the ultimate 4 minutes, they managed only one subject purpose. That drought gave the Pacers life, and so they took full benefit.
With the sport on the road and simply seconds remaining, Tyrese Haliburton pulled up from the elbow and buried a 21-foot jumper with 0.3 seconds left to play. It was his fourth game-winner of the postseason, and it silenced the Oklahoma crowd. Haliburton completed with 14 factors, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, however it was that last shot that mattered most.
Indiana’s comeback was powered by extra than simply Haliburton’s heroics. Pascal Siakam delivered 19 factors and 10 boards, Obi Toppin chipped in 17 off the bench, and the Pacers outscored the Thunder 35 to 25 within the fourth quarter.
What began as a defensive showcase for the Thunder was a painful lesson. Historic steals and quick palms imply little if they don’t result in factors. The Thunder now path the collection 0-1, regardless of one of the vital spectacular defensive halves in Finals historical past.
Recreation 2 will supply an opportunity at redemption, however they are going to want greater than steals. They might want to end.