Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Thunder made history by setting a new NBA Finals record for most steals in a first half during the play-by-play era. Their defense was aggressive early, forcing the Pacers into 19 first-half turnovers.
But that effort didn’t translate on the scoreboard OKC scored just 9 points off those turnovers, allowing Indiana to stay in the game. The Thunder still took a 57–45 lead into halftime.
Oklahoma City controlled the game for most of the night and built a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter. But in the closing minutes, the Pacers clawed back, and Haliburton sealed the comeback with a clutch shot in the final seconds.
Game 2 tips off Sunday in Oklahoma City.
