The Thunder still lost the game with 11 steals in the first half! US media angrily criticized: This team is not worthy of winning the championship! The last 3 seconds are outrageous!

On June 6, 2025, the first NBA Finals game started at the Thunder at home. Before the game, the outside world generally believed that the Thunder had the advantage, and the game progress seemed to confirm this - they once showed great dominance and gave away 11 steals in the first half, which made the Pacers make frequent mistakes. However, the charm of competitive sports lies in its unpredictability. In the end, the Pacers won 111-110 with Halliburton's fatal blow and led 1-0. At the beginning of the game, the Thunder showed great defensive oppression, especially the outside player Dort, who not only made 5 three-pointers on the offensive end, but also sent a key block on the defensive end, completely locking the Pacers' outside firepower. The leading star Alexander felt like he was in an unmanned state. Whether it was breaking through and killing or mid-range jump shots, the Pacers were unable to defend themselves.

At the end of the half, the Thunder firmly controlled the rhythm of the game with crazy steals and fast break counterattacks, while the Pacers seemed to be in a hurry. Turner and Nesmith made 5 mistakes in total, and the team's offense was stagnant. However, basketball games are never a game of winning or losing in half.

Entered the second half, and the Pacers gradually recovered their form and narrowed the score difference to 4 points in the last 4 minutes. At the critical moment, Alexander stepped forward again, hitting the inside three consecutive times, causing fouls twice, and hitting a steadily free throw, which seemed to have secured the victory. But the scripts of competitive sports are often revealed at the last moment.

22 seconds before the final game, Siakam fought for the frontcourt rebound, but unfortunately the ball was awarded out of bounds. Although coach Carlisle raised a challenge, the referee maintained the original judgment and the Thunder still had a slight lead. Just when everyone thought the game was about to be finalized, Pacers core Haliburton stood up - he received the ball in the last 0.3 seconds, faced the defense, calmly hit a mid-range jump shot, completing the final kill! This goal not only allowed the Pacers to survive, but also allowed the entire team to completely release from the depression of the whole game. After the game, media from various countries held heated discussions on the game: US media believed that the Thunder's overall strength was significantly higher, and the oppressiveness they created on the defensive end and team cooperation were the champion level, but Halliburton's final victory allowed the Pacers to "stole" a victory.

Australian media bluntly stated that Alexander completely crushed Halliburton in personal abilities. He was more like a battle-hardened superstar. Halliburton performed poorly throughout the game, but became a hero at the last moment. European media praised Alexander for finally getting rid of the doubts of "playoff soft-footed shrimp" and proving his dominance on the highest stage. Unfortunately, his defensive negligence at the last moment allowed the victory to slip away.

Japanese media lamented that the Thunder had obvious talent advantages. Alexander was the face of the new generation of the league, but the victory or defeat of basketball games was often just a matter of thought. South Korean media pointed out that the Pacers' shooter group was collectively inaccurate, Halliburton's team offense was restricted, but the winning goal showed his big heart.

Canadian media strongly support Alexander, believing that he is still a strong contender for MVP and FMVP this season, and a loss will not affect his historical status.

Despite the defeat in the first battle, the overall strength shown by the Thunder is still awesome. Their defensive strength, fast break conversion and star quality are all above the Pacers. In the next game, this young army will inevitably counterattack wildly. The Pacers need to solve the turnover problem and allow Siakam to play a greater role on the offensive end, otherwise it will be difficult to gain the lead in the series. The stage of the finals will never be easily decided. G1's final victory is certainly exciting, but the real contest may have just begun.