Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily – "Haliburton & Pacers Shock Thunder in Game 1"

Release Date: June 6, 2025

Host: Dave DeFore; Guests: Esperahenney and Anthony Slater

Introduction

In this electrifying episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DeFore, Esperahenney, and Anthony Slater delve into the astonishing Game 1 of the NBA Finals where the Indiana Pacers delivered a shocking upset against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This detailed analysis captures the key moments, player performances, strategic decisions, and the overall atmosphere that defined this unforgettable game.

Game Highlights

Dave DeFore kicks off the discussion by setting the scene right after Game 1, emphasizing the dramatic finish:

“Tyrese Halliburton hits the game winner. The Pacers lead this game for 0.3 seconds.” (02:22)

Esperahenney echoes the sentiment, describing the game as one of the most absurd he has ever witnessed:

“So this was one of the most absurd games that I've watched live ever.” (03:05)

The game was marked by a miraculous comeback by the Pacers, highlighted by Halliburton's last-second heroics, which ultimately secured a narrow victory despite the Thunder's dominance in turnovers and shot attempts.

Player Performances

Indiana Pacers

• Tyrese Halliburton:

  • Clutch Performance: Halliburton’s game-winning shot was pivotal. Despite not having standout statistics, his ability to deliver under pressure was crucial.

    “What we're getting for doubting the Pacers... Halliburton hits another heroic shot.” (02:22)

• Obi Toppin:

  • Off-the-Bench Impact: Toppin was instrumental, hitting six out of nine from three-point range and contributing 17 points.

    “Obi Toppin was huge off the bench... 17 points in the game.” (06:04)

• Miles Turner:

  • Defensive Anchor: Turner’s 15 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks were vital, especially his defensive presence in the paint.

    “Turner gets a stop, Indiana gets out and running.” (08:07)

• Pascal Siakam:

  • Rebounding Strength: Siakam secured four offensive rebounds, showcasing his importance in maintaining possession and creating second-chance opportunities.

Oklahoma City Thunder

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA):

  • Offensive Struggles: SGA scored 38 points but did so inefficiently, taking 30 shots with a 38% shooting rate, which was below his usual performance.

    “The majority of the scoring done by Shago just Alexander 38 points, but it took him 30 shots to get there.” (06:16)

• Jalen Williams and Chad Holmgren:

  • Inconsistent Output: Both struggled offensively, with Williams not being spectacular and Holmgren scoring only nine points.

    “J Dub was 6 of 19, Chet only 2 of 9.” (07:02)

Team Strategies

Indiana Pacers

• Defensive Prowess: The Pacers excelled in defense, forcing 24 turnovers and holding Thunder to just 39.8% shooting.

  “They force Indiana into... 24 turnovers in this game.” (04:13)

• Three-Point Shooting: Despite taking fewer shots, the Pacers made 18 of 39 from three-point range, compensating for their lower shot attempts.

  “They finished this game 18 of 39 from three... 46% from 3.” (04:07)

• Versatile Lineup: Utilizing a small-ball lineup with players like Siakam and Toppin allowed the Pacers to space the floor and protect the paint effectively.

  “They can go small with Siakam and Toppins.” (09:11)

Oklahoma City Thunder

• Turnover Dependency: The Thunder relied heavily on turnovers for scoring, but their inability to capitalize effectively on these opportunities was a significant drawback.

  “It’s Thunder basketball is about scoring off those turnovers.” (04:53)

• Small Ball Challenge: Entering the series with a strategy to play small was tested as the Pacers effectively countered this approach, leading to offensive inefficiencies.

  “They wanted to do that as part of their game plan... but they lost the game small.” (09:35)

Crowd and Atmosphere

The atmosphere in the stands was electric, providing a significant home-court advantage for the Pacers. Anthony Slater reflects on the crowd’s intensity:

“This was one of the best crowds I've ever witnessed.” (13:13)

Comparisons were made to iconic NBA arenas, with the crowd noise reaching up to 105 decibels, creating a formidable environment for the visiting Thunder.

“They hit like 105 decibels on my watch.” (24:00)

Implications for the Series

The victory by the Pacers sets a compelling tone for the series, transforming it from a likely sweep into a highly competitive matchup. Anthony Slater predicts the series to extend beyond five games, highlighting the increased tension and excitement:

“This sets it up to be a much more compelling series.” (26:17)

The Pacers’ ability to fight back from deficits and make decisive plays under pressure positions them as formidable underdogs with a genuine chance to challenge the Thunder’s perceived dominance.

Conclusion

This Game 1 of the NBA Finals has reshaped expectations, showcasing the Pacers' resilience and strategic acumen while exposing the Thunder’s vulnerabilities in high-stakes moments. With six Pacers scoring in double digits and key performances from players like Obi Toppin and Miles Turner, Indiana has proven they are not to be underestimated. As the series progresses, the Pacers' depth and tenacity are likely to make the Finals a thrilling contest for fans and analysts alike.

Notable Quotes:

• “This was one of the most absurd games that I've watched live ever.” – Esperahenney (03:05)
• “They believe they're in every single game.” – Esperahenney (12:22)
• “Obi Toppin was huge off the bench... 17 points in the game.” – Dave DeFore (06:16)

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Athletic NBA Daily for further analysis and updates as the NBA Finals continue to unfold.