No Dunks: Pacers, Haliburton Stun Thunder In NBA Finals Game 1 Thriller | Instant Reax
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Introduction
In this exciting episode of No Dunks, hosted by The Athletic’s original basketball podcasters, Skeets, Tas, Trey, and JD, the team dives deep into the electrifying Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The episode captures the intense emotions, strategic plays, and standout performances that defined this unforgettable matchup.
Game Recap
Sports Commentator 2 kicks off the discussion right after the game, expressing sheer excitement:
"Tyrese Halliburton does it again. Kurt Halliburton with the deep deuce with 0.3 seconds left to pull off an incredible comeback. Stunner win for the Pacers, beating the Thunder 110 to 111 for the Pacers." [01:53]
The commentators emphasize the dramatic nature of the game, highlighting the Pacers' last-second victory and the Thunder's formidable defense.
Key Performances
Obi Toppin’s Impact
The standout player discussion centers around Obi Toppin’s remarkable performance:
Sports Commentator 1: "Obi Toppin was hooping. They take him out of the game with five minutes left, and I’m like, they gotta put Obi Toppin back in." [03:47]
Despite his turnovers in the first half, Toppin’s five three-pointers significantly impacted the game's outcome:
Sports Commentator 2: "He made five threes. Canceled out the three pointers for Lou Dort as well." [04:13]
Tyrese Halliburton’s Clutch Play
Halliburton's clutch performance in the final moments was pivotal:
Sports Commentator 2: "Halliburton finishes with 14 points... came up clutch when it counted." [04:04]
His ability to make high-pressure shots underlined his reputation as a reliable Finals player.
Strategic Analysis
First Half Struggles vs. Second Half Revival
The commentators dissect the Pacers' dramatic shift from a struggling first half to a stellar second half:
Sports Commentator 2: "19 turnovers in the first half... completely overwhelmed by the Thunder’s defense. But in the second half, only six turnovers." [04:04]
Coaching Excellence
Rick Carlisle’s coaching strategies were lauded for empowering players and adjusting tactics effectively:
Sports Commentator 2: "Incredible coaching by Rick Carlisle. He empowers every single Pacer to take any shot that they think is open." [05:10]
This approach not only boosted player confidence but also minimized turnovers, facilitating a stronger offensive performance.
Defensive Prowess
The Pacers' defensive improvements in the second half were crucial:
Sports Commentator 2: "Their transition defense was on point the entire night. They limited the Thunder to only 11 points in transition." [05:20]
Critical Moments
Game-Winning Shot
The decisive moment came when Halliburton hit a deep three-pointer with just 0.3 seconds left:
Sports Commentator 2: "Halliburton... hits the deep deuce to steal the win for the Pacers." [02:36]
Thunder’s Missed Opportunities
Despite several opportunities, the Thunder couldn’t capitalize:
Sports Commentator 2: "Shaigle... Alexander pretty good at getting to the line... but the Pacers made the plays when it mattered." [05:59]
Player Highlights
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)
Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his offensive skills but faced fierce defense in critical moments:
Sports Commentator 2: "Shai was getting to a step back pretty much whenever he wanted... great defense from him on the last possession." [09:29]
Pascal Siakam’s Contribution
Siakam contributed significantly on the offensive glass, providing essential rebounds and second-chance points:
Sports Commentator 2: "Pascal Siakam got busy on the offensive glass for the Pacers... 19 points on 7/15 shooting." [09:36]
Strategic Adjustments and Future Implications
Lineup Changes
The decision to switch to a small-ball lineup in the final minutes was debated:
Sports Commentator 1: "Curious decision from Mark Daignall to go small down the stretch. Maybe they decided to cut off offensive rebounding for OKC." [08:10]
Thunder’s Path Forward
Looking ahead, the Thunder might consider reintroducing their traditional big-man lineup to combat the Pacers’ inside presence:
Sports Commentator 2: "Maybe they decide to go back to the double big lineup... to beat him up on the glass a little bit." [21:04]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with the commentators reflecting on the Pacers’ resilience and the Thunder’s potential for redemption in Game 2:
Sports Commentator 1: "The Pacers are so surprising all the time. Like, they did it again." [23:21]
They emphasize the unpredictable nature of the series and the high stakes moving forward, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Final Thoughts
No Dunks provides an in-depth and passionate analysis of an NBA Finals Game 1 showdown. By highlighting key performances, strategic decisions, and pivotal moments, the hosts offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the game’s significance and the series' potential trajectory. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this episode encapsulates the thrill and drama of championship basketball.