Game 1 of the NBA Finals ended in a triumphant and shocking way, with Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers producing a stunning game-winning shot.
It was such an electric moment, and Mike Breen sat courtside calling it all for the fans at home.
Some of those fans were confused why Breen didn’t use his trademark “Bang!” call when Haliburton made the bucket.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, via Bleacher Report, Breen said that Haliburton’s shot didn’t meet the requirements because it wasn’t a three-pointer.
“I save it for threes,” Breen said.
Mike Breen says Hali's mid-range game-winner didn't meet the qualifications for his legendary "Bang!" call💔
(Via @SInow) pic.twitter.com/ZvJTbz8w4k
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 6, 2025
Even though he didn’t use the phrase, Breen was still blown away by Haliburton’s shot, just like everyone else.
The Pacers had been trailing for the entire game, but they had closed the gap in the fourth quarter and were looking to tie or take the lead.
It was a play we had seen so many times before: the Pacers grabbed possession and made their way up the court.
Then it was all about Haliburton finding his spot and putting up a shot at the perfect time.
It was a sensational point, but it was a mid-range field goal, meaning it wasn’t over the three-point line.
Breen was amazed, the crowd was silenced, and one of the most shocking Game 1s in recent memory was in the books.
Breen wasn’t able to use his signature phrase in Game 1, but he could definitely employ it later in the series.
This match proved that both the Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder have a lot of talent and a lot to prove.
This might end up being a wild series.
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