The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off a devastating Game 1 loss in the NBA Finals to the Indiana Pacers.
After being up for all but the final second of the game, Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton dribbled down the court in the final second and hit another one of his game-winning shots to erase the 15-point lead the Thunder had and steal Game 1.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton takes the winning shot in the final seconds of Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on June 5, 2025.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton takes the winning shot in the final seconds of Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on June 5, 2025.
Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images
It was a tough shot for OKC to see go in, as Haliburton robbed home court advantage from them, as they'll look to adjust heading into the second game of the series.
Some key players seemed to struggle in the game, from Chet Holmgren scoring just six points to first-year Thunder player Isaiah Hartenstein receiving just 17 minutes of playing time in the game.
It was a controversial designation for Hartenstein, as he's been a crucial factor in the team's run to the NBA Finals.
Isaiah Hartenstein talks about his limited action in Game 1
Hartenstein was asked about the decision to bring him off the bench in Game 1 on Saturday.
"We have one of the best coaches in the league. We trust whatever choices he makes. If you wanna win a championship, there’s gotta be sacrifices," he told interviewers.
In 17 games in this year's postseason, Game 1 was the first time Hartenstein came off of the bench for the Thunder, and his workload was limited in the first game against the Pacers.
The decision to play the Thunder center limited minutes in Game 1 was a questionable one to make for head coach Mark Daigneault.
Isaiah Hartenstein signed with the Thunder on a three-year, $87 million contract this past offseason averaged a double-double during the regular season – 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, while also contributing 1.1 blocks per game.
There will be some adjustments made for both teams in Game 2 that takes place on Sunday, June 8. Isaiah Hartenstein will be one player to monitor.