Haliburton Commends Pacers' Never-Say-Die Attitude In NBA Finals Comeback Against Thunder

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The Indiana Pacers have developed a reputation for dramatic comebacks in the 2025 playoffs, and their latest victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder was no different. Tyrese Haliburton's last-second shot secured Game 1 of the NBA Finals, despite the team not leading until that moment. The Pacers' resilience has been a hallmark throughout their playoff run.

In previous games, the Pacers have shown their ability to overturn deficits. On April 29, they were down 118-111 against the Milwaukee Bucks with just over half a minute left in overtime but managed to win 119-118. Similarly, on May 6, they overcame a 119-112 deficit against the Cleveland Cavaliers with less than a minute remaining, winning 120-119.

Haliburton praised his team's unwavering belief after their latest triumph. "As a group, we never think the game is over," he said. "Honestly speaking, ever. I don't know what you say about it, but I know that this group is a resilient group." Their determination was evident as they outscored the Thunder 35-25 in the final quarter.

The Pacers' win over the Thunder marked another historic comeback. They were trailing by 15 points with under ten minutes left, making it the largest fourth-quarter comeback in an NBA Finals game since 2011 when Dallas Mavericks overcame Miami Heat. Rick Carlisle, who coached both teams during these comebacks, credited his players' mental toughness.

Carlisle emphasized their experience in such situations: "We just said, 'Let's just keep chipping away at the rock.' We had a lot of experience in these kinds of games." He acknowledged that while fortune played a part, his team made crucial plays when needed.

Haliburton acknowledged that relying on late-game heroics isn't ideal for success against top teams like the Thunder. "If you look at all the numbers, it's not the recipe to win," he admitted. He stressed the need for better ball control and rebounding to avoid turnovers and maintain possession throughout games.

Challenges Ahead Against Top Team

The Thunder finished with an impressive 68 regular-season wins, more than any other NBA team this year. Haliburton expects them to respond strongly in upcoming games. "This is the best team in the NBA," he stated. "We expect them to respond. We've got to be ready."

Despite their thrilling victories, Haliburton knows improvements are necessary for sustained success. He highlighted areas like rebounding and defensive positioning as crucial aspects needing attention if they hope to continue winning deep into May and June.

The Pacers' ability to stage remarkable comebacks has been key to their playoff journey so far. However, as they face tougher opponents like Oklahoma City Thunder, refining their gameplay will be essential for maintaining momentum through this challenging series ahead.