The Indiana Pacers and star point guard Tyrese Haliburton pulled off another miraculous comeback on Thursday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals.
Despite trailing by nine points with just 2:52 left in the game, the Pacers didn't give up. They overcame 24 turnovers throughout the game to come all the way back to take Game 1 by a final score of 111-110.
Haliburton finished the game of with an epic game-winner on a two-point jump shot. It was a shot that will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Mike Breen, one of the best announcers in the business, did not give Haliburton's game-winner his patented "bang" call. There were many who were surprised by that.
Now, Breen has revealed why he did not give Haliburton's game-winner his patented call.
"I save it for threes," Breen said bluntly.
Throughout the course of the game, Haliburton scored 14 points on 6-for-13 shooting, including making two of his seven 3-point attempts. He also grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out six assists in the win.
Pascal Siakam led the way in scoring for Indiana with 19 points to go along with 10 rebounds. Obi Toppin came off the bench for a big performance with 17 points, knocking down 5-for-8 from beyond the 3-point arc.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0).
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0).
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Winning Game 1 was a big step in the right direction for the Pacers. However, the Thunder are going to bring even more in Game 2. It will be extremely difficult to take both games in Oklahoma City to begin the series.
All of that being said, Haliburton and Indiana made a statement on Thursday night. The Pacers are for real and they have a very legitimate shot to win an NBA championship.